Certified Local Government Grant Program

Available only to communities that participate in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, Community Partnership Projects are intended to fill a gap that commonly exists in local preservation--the gap between a community's desire to complete a preservation project and its lack of resources and/or capacity to carry out such projects on its own. Each year, through a simple application process, SHPO selects projects to directly complete on behalf of CLGs at no cost, providing a means for the selected communities to move forward their preservation goals and complete projects that might not otherwise be possible.

The program is distinct from yearly CLG grant allocations and does not include distirbution of funds. As such, there is no financial obligation or administrative requirement for participating CLGs.

Program Basics

CLGs can apply to have one of three types of projects—a survey of historic resources, a National Register of Historic Places nomination, or a set of design guidelines—completed directly by SHPO staff on behalf of the local community. As part of the partnership, CLGs agree to meet basic participation requirements (e.g., host a workshop or participate in a brief field exercise), which are designed to build the capacity of CLGs, give them hands-on experience in preservation activities, and educate them on best practices.

At the end of the process, CLGs get a professionally finished product from SHPO (i.e., survey report, National Register nomination, or design guidelines) and are better equipped to make informed decisions, plan for preservation activities at the local level, and carry out future projects on their own. In total, the projects support the goal of the CLG program to build and enrich local preservation programs.

Program Eligibility: Community partnership projects are only available to CLGs and require that:
- An annual report be on file with SHPO for the most recent year;
- Applications have the support of and be submitted by the local liaison for the CLG program; and
- A commitment is made to meet the identified minimum participation requirements for the project.

Applications: Applications for projects are typically released in winter/early spring of each year. SHPO's CLG Coordinator sends notice of application rounds directly to CLGs.

Minimum Participation Requirements: Participating communities commit to meeting minimum participation requirements as their contributions to the project. These include the following, although communities may suggest alternative or additional participation:
- Survey Projects: (1) Commit two persons to participating in a field session, working alongside SHPO to learn about survey processes, how to document a property, and the importance of survey. The field session is scaled to the project; (2) Advertise and host a public meeting for SHPO to discuss the project.
- National Register Projects: (1) Commit two persons to participating in a field session, working alongside SHPO to learn about property documentation, the importance of integrity and contextual significance, and the designation process. The field session is scaled to the project; (2) Advertise and host a public meeting for SHPO to discuss the project.
- Design Guidelines Projects: (1) Commit to at least two working meetings with the HDC to work through the design guidelines and discuss best practices; (2) Advertise and host a public meeting for to discuss the project and solicity feedback; and (3) Independently carry the guidelines through the local adoption process.

How Do the Projects Work?

The projects leverage the knowledge and expertise of SHPO CLG staff for the benefit of participating communities, which are selected through a simple applicatoin process:

The CLG identifies a project for the program. Want SHPO to help survey an area of your community? Have a building or district that you would like SHPO to help nominate to the Natoinal Register? Need design guidelines for your historic district? Those all qualify.
The CLG completes the short application for the respective project type and agrees to meet the identified minimum participation requirements for hte project if selected.
A SHPO scoring committee reviews the applications and selects CLGs for participation.
SHPO coordinates with the selected CLGs to complet the projects, which are carried out by SHPO CLG staff in accordance with state standards and best practices. The CLG completes in participation requirements as part of the process and is educated through hands-on activities and discussions.
SHPO presents the community with the final product, which the community can then use as it desires for future preservation planning activities.

What Are the Project Eligibility Requirements?

Three types of Community Partnership Projects can be completed—historic resource surveys, National Register nominations, and design guidelines. Projects must be sufficiently defined so that SHPO understands their purpose and intended outcomes. Projects should also generally be able to be completed within a year. Specific eligibility requirements for each project type are listed in the applications.

To avoid potential conflicts with other SHPO programs, a project is not eligible if:

It is related to active, pending, or forthcoming environmental review/Section 106 coordination;
It is part of or associated mitigation activities;
It conflicts with active SHPO grants;
It includes federal or state property;
It is focused on a property with an active tax credit application under review or awaiting review; or
It is likely that SHPO will have a foreseeable conflict in the future.

How Are Projects Selected?

Projects will be competitively scored and selected by a SHPO review committee. Scoring will generally be based on:

The purpose and objectives of the project;
The demonstrated need for project support from SHPO;
The likelihood that the project can be completed in a year;
The project's potential to build capacity in the local preservation program and/or support future preservation activities;
The project's relationship to community preservation goals; and
The project's ability to support underserved and underrepresented communities.

CLG Community Partnership Projects

2021 Community Partnership Projects