Certified Local Government Program
Community-Focused Preservation
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
Communities across Michigan routinely and purposefully choose to engage preservation activities because of their role in supporting community character, sense of place, economic vitality, and quality of life. From Calumet to Detroit, many of these communities have taken the next step and joined the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, thus making a formal commitment to preservation by engaging in a partnership with SHPO to plan for effective preservation strategies. Through the partnership, Michigan SHPO provides technical assistance and funding support for preservation activities in these communities.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the CLG program? See if they are covered in our frequently asked questions guide.
CLG Program Statistics
From design review to local educational programs, lots of great preservation work happens in CLGs every year. Check out our 2019 summary of CLG preservation programs.
CLG Contact List
Need contact information for a CLG community? Download our CLG contact list, updated regularly.
Certified Local Government Communities in Michigan
As of April 2021, 33 Michigan local governments have become CLGs.
