Certified Local Government Program

Programs and Services

Community-Focused Preservation and the CLG Program

The Certified Local Government (CLG) program is a preservation partnership between local, state, and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the local level. The program is jointly administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in each state.

Any community in Michigan can become a CLG--a county, township, city, or village. A community that wishes to become a CLG follows a certification process through which it works with SHPO to outline a plan for achieving its preservation goals. Once certified as a CLG, a community gains special access to technical assistance from SHPO, grant opportunities set aside specifically for CLGs, and other benefits.

Learn more about the CLG program

Program Overview and Handbook

Want to know more about program requirements and benefits? Wondering if the CLG program is right for your community? Start here.

Certification Process

Want to apply for CLG certification? Learn more about the process and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the CLG program? See if they are covered in our frequently asked questions guide.

CLG Contact List

Need contact information for a CLG community? Download our CLG contact list, updated regularly.

2020 CLG Program Annual Report

From design review to local educational programs, lots of great preservation work happens in CLGs every year. Check out our 2020 annual report for the statewide CLG program.

Michigan's Certified Local Government Communities

Resources for Existing CLG Communities

CLG Grant Program

Learn about the CLG grant program, a funding source available exclusively to Michigan's CLGs, and find application materials for the current grant cycle.

Community Partnership Projects

Community Partnership Projects provide no-cost solutions for completing small preservation planning projects that might not otherwise be possible. Learn more.

Useful Resources

Already a partner in the CLG program? Look here for educational and technical resources prepared or collected by SHPO to assist you in your preservation activities.