Protecting Georgia’s historic places through public policy and community action
CURRENT ADVOCACY PRIORITY
Help Protect Section 106 and Your Voice in Preservation
Proposed federal legislation threatens the process that gives communities a voice when federal projects affect historic places.
Section 106 is Under Threat!
Proposed federal changes threaten the public’s voice in protecting historic places.
For 60 years, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has helped protect historic buildings, neighborhoods, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes by requiring federal agencies to consider how their projects may affect these resources—and giving communities an opportunity to be heard.
Now, proposed changes to federal regulations and legislation in Congress threaten to weaken these longstanding protections.
The Georgia Trust is calling on preservation advocates, community leaders, and organizations across Georgia to speak up for Section 106.
Take Action
Tell Congress: Protect Section 106
Your voice matters! The Senate is set to vote on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653) on November 9. Contact your U.S. senators and representative to urge them to protect Section 106 and preserve meaningful public participation in decisions affecting historic places.
Here’s how you can help:
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Find your legislators. See a list of contact information for Georgia’s U.S. senators below. You can also use the button to find contact information for your U.S. representative.
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Send a message. Use suggested language in our position statement and helpful resources below. You can also strengthen your message by personalizing it to explain why protecting historic places matters to you and your community. Most importantly, urge them to oppose the bill unless its preservation provisions are improved.
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Spread the word. Encourage friends, colleagues, and fellow preservation advocates to speak up.
U.S. Senators Contact Information
Senator Jon Ossoff
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Washington, DC office |
Atlanta |
Columbus |
| Augusta One Tenth Street Suite 660 Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 261-5031 |
Savannah 532 Stephenson Avenue Suite 103B Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 200-9402 |
Senator Raphael Warnock
|
Washington, DC office |
Atlanta office |
Name the bill |
Our Position
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation opposes the historic preservation provisions of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S.5653) as drafted.
For 60 years, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has required federal agencies to consider impacts to historic places, and consult the public, before funding or permitting projects. Importantly, this federal regulation has provided an opportunity for local communities to have a voice in identifying and protecting their historic places – battlefields, historic districts, and individual landmarks – before federal projects commenced. The proposed Senate bill would dramatically curtail that input, negatively impacting Georgians ability to speak up for the sites that represent our history.
What the proposed bill would do:
- Exempt many federally supported projects from existing review.
- Ignore impacts on historic places that are not considered ‘direct effects’ including visual impacts such as viewsheds.
- Permit federal agencies to unilaterally decide that other priorities, such as project cost, outweigh the need for preservation.
- Make consultation with municipalities and states optional.
- Limit citizens’ ability to go to court before a historic site is lost.
Georgia’s U.S. Senators should oppose the BAAJA unless its preservation provisions are improved.
Understanding the Issue
Missed Our Section 106 Advocacy Webinar? Watch the recording and explore the resources shared during our discussion about proposed changes to Section 106 and how Georgians can help protect historic places.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Section 106 Under Threat webpage includes detailed information about Section 106, webinars focused on the proposed changes to the regulations, the timeline for the process, next steps, a toolkit of resources and what you can do.
Two Threats to Section 106
Proposed Changes to Federal Regulations
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has proposed significant changes to the federal regulations that govern the Section 106 review process. These changes could weaken opportunities for public participation, consultation with Tribal Nations, and consideration of historic places affected by federal projects. This regulatory proposal is separate from legislation currently being considered by Congress, but both could substantially undermine Section 106 protections.
Proposed Congressional Legislation — Action Needed Now
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653) proposes sweeping changes to Section 106 that could exempt certain federally funded projects from review, limit consultation, and reduce accountability for impacts to historic and cultural resources. The Senate is set to vote on the bill on November 9. Congress needs to hear from constituents now. Contact Georgia’s U.S. senators and your representative to urge them to oppose these provisions and protect meaningful Section 106 review.
What is Section 106?
Section 106 is part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. It requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects they undertake, fund, or approve on historic properties before moving forward.
Through this process, federal agencies consult with State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, local governments, and the public to identify historic resources and explore ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate harm.
Section 106 doesn’t prevent development. It ensures that historic places and community voices are considered before decisions are made.
The process has been an essential tool for protecting historic buildings, neighborhoods, archaeological sites, and culturally significant landscapes throughout the country.
What is at risk?
- Less opportunity for public input
Federal agencies could make important decisions about historic resources without meaningful consultation with local communities, state preservation officials, or Tribal Nations. - Fewer historic places considered
Many federally funded projects could be excluded from Section 106 review, potentially leaving important historic resources unprotected. - Important impacts overlooked
The proposed legislation would narrow the types of harm considered, including impacts to historic landscapes, viewsheds, and the settings of significant places. - Weaker accountability
Federal agencies would have greater authority to disregard preservation concerns, while communities would face additional limitations on legal remedies.
Section 106: Myth vs. Fact
National Trust for Historic Preservation · 2 pages
An accessible overview addressing common misconceptions about the review process, including delays, litigation, and economic impacts.
View Fact Sheet (PDF)
When the Facts Don’t Fit the Narrative, Blame Section 106
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers · Blog post
Good argument against the proposed changes from the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
Read blog post
National Preservation Coalition Letter
October 20, 2026 · 4 pages
A letter from national preservation organizations outlining concerns about S. 5653 and recommending an alternative approach to permitting reform.
Read the Coalition Letter (PDF)
Principal Objections to S. 5653
National Trust for Historic Preservation · 2 pages
A more detailed explanation of the proposed legislative changes and how they could affect historic preservation protections.
Read the Analysis (PDF)
Video: Understanding and Responding to Federal Permitting Reform
National Trust for Historic Preservation · Webinar
In-depth discussion of the bill’s most concerning provisions and their potential impacts on communities and historic places nationwide.
Watch recording
BAAJA’s Empty Promises to Tribal Nations: Claim vs. Fact
October 16, 2026 · 17 pages
An in-depth examination of the legislation’s implications for Tribal sovereignty, consultation, and the protection of sacred places.
Read the Analysis (PDF)
State Legislative Advocacy
Since 2002, Georgia has offered a state income tax credit on certified historic rehabilitations. The credit is equal to 25% of qualified rehab expenditures (QREs). This program has been an unequivocal success in communities throughout the state. The current iteration of the program is due to sunset in 2029.
The Problem:
Current legislation caps the program at $30 million of credits per year. As credits are claimed above that cap, they are awarded in future tax years. Projects applying in 2025 have been awarded 2028 and 2029 credits. All credits have been claimed through the program sunset date, rendering the program closed for any potential rehabilitations in the next four years.
Learn more about the Georgia Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program and what’s at stake:
Updates
2026
May 13, 2026: A Statement on Governor Kemp’s Veto of HB 376
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is deeply disappointed that Governor Kemp has chosen to veto HB 376. Georgia’s state Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC) has been a critical tool for preservation, economic development, and community revitalization since its inception in 2002. The value of this program for Georgia’s communities cannot be overstated. Since 2020, the state HRTC program has driven over $1 billion of private investment into projects all over the state, creating housing and jobs while saving the buildings that make our communities unique. If there is a historic building that has been brought back to life in the past 20 years, it is almost certainly thanks to Georgia’s HRTC. Unfortunately the program is now effectively dead despite overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly.
“While cutting income taxes may be a popular initiative, it can have unintended consequences for tax credit programs like the HRTC. As reducing Georgia’s income taxes becomes an increasing legislative priority, the state must identify alternative ways to incentivize developers and owners of historic properties to revitalize Georgia’s historic resources.” said W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of The Georgia Trust.
The Georgia Trust worked tirelessly to improve the existing HRTC program through HB 376. We want to thank our many partners who joined the effort to support this important work, particularly our non-profit partners in Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Atlanta and Thomasville and the Georgia Downtown Association. This coalition has raised the profile of historic preservation as a statewide issue. We look forward to continuing to press for these critical incentives to ensure that Georgia remains a national leader in historic preservation.
As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Georgia Trust calls on everyone to appreciate the historic places that connect us to our past and seek out opportunities to advocate for their preservation and reuse.
March 18, 2026
Great news for preservation in Georgia! 🎉
Today, HB 376 passed the Georgia Senate with a 46-2 vote, marking a major step forward for historic preservation across the state.
The Georgia Trust was proud to help lead this statewide advocacy effort to strengthen the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit—a critical tool that has driven over $1 billion in private investment into Georgia communities in recent years.
Thank you to Rep. Scott Hilton for sponsoring the bill and Sen. Mike Hodges for championing it on the Senate floor, as well as the many legislators who supported its passage. And thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators to voice support! This achievement reflects the power of preservation advocacy and the importance of investing in Georgia’s historic places as catalysts for revitalization.
March 5, 2026
The Georgia Trust is leading the effort to fix the state Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. Since 2002, Georgia has enabled historic rehabilitations through a state income tax credit. In the past 5 years alone, this critical preservation tool has spurred over $800 Million in private investment across the state.
House Bill 376 would improve upon this successful program by increasing the amount of credits available through 2029. We are happy to report that the bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 161-9! Stay tuned as we continue our efforts to pass the state Senate.
February 10, 2026:
The Georgia Trust and a coalition of partners across the state are actively working to fix Georgia’s State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program. Without action from the General Assembly, the program is effectively dead for preservation projects currently in the pipeline—putting critical preservation efforts and economic development at risk.
House Bill 376 has been introduced to increase the amount of available credits through 2029 and ensure the program continues to serve communities statewide.
2025
December 15, 2025:
Preserving Georgia’s Heritage Demands a Stronger Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
Op-ed by W. Wright Mitchell, President and CEO of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
As featured in the Savannah Morning News, Savannah Business Journal, and Augusta Press
Or read full op-ed on our website.
September 24, 2025:
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Calls on State Legislators to Fix the Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is urging the Georgia General Assembly to fix the state’s Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, which will run out of available credits nearly four years before the program is up for renewal in 2029. On Sept. 22, the state office that administers the program alerted the public that “the program will effectively end, as all credits available through the sunset period will have been allocated…” Read full press release
Here are some helpful tools to share with your elected officials and legislators, including an example Resolution of Support to be passed by City Council/Commissioners, a letter that can be sent by your Mayor or Planning directors to State elected officials, and finally a letter you can send as an advocate to your legislators:
These Sample letters and Resolution are available in both a .DOCX (Microsoft Word) format that downloads directly to your computer for you to edit or a .PDF format.
Sample Resolution for Mayors and Council in support of Tax Credits (DOCX)
Sample Resolution for Mayors and Council in support of Tax Credits (PDF)
Letter from Municipal Representatives to State Elected Officials (DOCX)
Letter from Municipal Representatives to State Elected Officials (PDF)
Individual Advocate Sample Letter (DOCX)
Individual Advocate Sample Letter (PDF)
January 30, 2025:
As the 2025 General Assembly gets underway, The Georgia Trust is again leading the effort to improve the state’s historic rehabilitation tax credit (RTC) program. After tremendous bipartisan support to expand and extend the state RTC program in 2024, the Trust is working with supporters from around the state to engage members of the General Assembly and increase the annual caps on the commercial component of the program.
Why is this important? Currently, the annual credits available are capped at $30 million per year for the whole state. This artificial limitation on the available credits has created a scenario in which historic preservation projects are unable to secure reliable funding to complete their projects. This creates a disincentive for main street developers to pursue these projects that are vital to historic downtowns throughout the state.
The Georgia Trust looks forward to pursuing these changes and is actively seeking support for our advocacy efforts. For more information, please email Ben Sutton: bsutton@georgiatrust.org.
2024
March 25, 2024:
The Georgia Trust Successfully Spearheads Effort to Pass New Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Legislation
We are very pleased to announce that Senate Bill 496, which extends and expands the state’s historic rehabilitation tax credit program, passed the Senate on March 21, 2024.
Historic rehabilitation tax credits are directly responsible for the revitalization of many commercial buildings and historic homes in the State of Georgia each year. Going into this legislative session, the residential component of the program was threatened with extinction due to a “sunset” date at the end of the year. Additionally, the commercial component of the program was scheduled to end in 2027. To avert this catastrophe, The Georgia Trust and its preservation partners across the state worked with Representative Debbie Buckner to introduce legislation that extends both the commercial and residential programs through 2029 and expands the residential program to allow owners of locally designated properties that are certified by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to qualify for the income tax credits.
The new legislation will allow for even broader revitalization of our state’s important historic infrastructure. It will also create jobs, encourage investment in older neighborhoods, expand workforce housing opportunities and enable more owners of historic homes to rehabilitate their homes in a cost-effective manner. This benefits not only historic preservation in the State of Georgia, but also the economic development of our great state.
We would like to thank Representative Buckner, all of the legislators who acted in support of the bill, and all of you who contacted Representatives and Senators to help make the case for extending and expanding our very effective historic rehabilitation tax incentive program.
The Georgia Trust also would like to thank our preservation partners listed below:
Atlanta Preservation Center
Historic Augusta, Inc.
Historic Columbus Foundation
Historic Macon Foundation
Historic Savannah Foundation
Madison-Morgan Conservancy
Thomasville Landmarks
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
NewTown Macon
Briana Paxton
Cabretta Capital Corporation
Ray, Ellis & LaBrie Consulting
Ward Architecture + Preservation
Federal Legislative Advocacy
The Historic Preservation Fund, established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, has been effectively eliminated in the proposed FY 2026 Budget. The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) serves as the cornerstone to providing technical and financial assistance to preserve historic places and America’s heritage, funding 60% of State Historic Preservation Offices and competitive grants that provide direct funding to save historic sites.
Notably, the Historic Preservation Fund does not rely on taxpayer dollars. It is funded through fees for oil and gas leases on federal lands.
What’s at Stake?
- The National Register of Historic Places
- While established by legislation, the outreach, technical assistance, and review of National Register properties is administered by Georgia’s SHPO, which is funded through the HPF.
- Historic Tax Credit Reinvestment
- Georgia’s SHPO facilitates technical assistance, review and approval of federal tax credit projects, which incentivize direct private investment in Georgia’s historic communities.
- In the last five years, our SHPO reviewed 297 preliminary historic tax credit applications, leading to 237 final tax credit certifications which resulted in $873 million in investment and created 5,713 direct jobs and 5,941 indirect jobs.
- Certified Local Government (CLG) program
- Since 2020, Georgia’s SHPO has administered 39 Certified Local Government grant projects totaling $549,610.97, providing essential resources to municipalities preserving local landmarks.
- Competitive Grants
- More than $7.5 million in direct grant funding has been invested in the preservation of historic sites in Georgia over the past 5 years.
What you can do:
The Georgia Trust calls upon preservation advocates to speak up for these important programs by contacting your elected representatives. See below for how to contact your legislators and sample language you can use.
Updates
July 8, 2025:
We’re pleased to share that the long-awaited FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) dollars have been released—a critical step that ensures Georgia’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) can continue vital work across the state.
But our work isn’t done.
As Congress begins work on the FY2026 budget, it’s essential that we keep up the pressure. We need strong support for the HPF to ensure the long-term future of preservation funding.
Take Action:
Contact your representatives today—thank them for helping move FY25 funds forward, and urge continued support for FY26! Below is a link to find contact information for your federal legislators and sample language you can use for a letter or email.
Thank you to the advocates, preservationists, and supporters like you who are speaking up about the importance of this funding.
Find Your Legislators* Sample Letter (Download)**
*Input your address to find your legislators. Please contact your federal legislators, especially in the House of Representatives.
**The Sample letter linked above is in a .docx (Microsoft Word) format that downloads directly to your computer for you to edit. For a PDF version click here.
May 12, 2025:
Recent developments at the federal level of government present a direct threat to historic preservation and require us all, as advocates for historic places, to speak up. The Historic Preservation Fund, established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, has been effectively eliminated in the proposed FY 2026 Budget. Equally alarming, FY 2025 funding has not been disbursed as required by law.
Georgians For Preservation Action (GaPA)
Since its founding in 1987, GaPA has advocated laws, programs, and policies that promote the preservation of Georgia’s historic resources by mobilizing grassroots preservationists across the state.
Among its activities, GaPA:
- Annually develops and advocates a legislative agenda that represents a consensus of the leaders of key preservation constituencies on preservation issues.
- Regularly communicates with historic preservation advocates about critical issues and legislation before the General Assembly.
- Provides GaPA members with information on national preservation issues with news from the National Trust and Preservation Action, the national lobbying arm for historic preservation.
Use the link above and select GaPA to sign up for email updates. Please note you will receive a follow up email to confirm your subscription.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has coordinated GaPA since its founding, providing staff to administer the group; maintaining a presence and tracking legislation at the State Capitol during the General Assembly sessions; and ensuring communication among GaPA members.
GaPA has played a significant role in many of the hard-won legislative advances for preservation in Georgia including the creation of the Georgia Heritage grant program, property tax incentives for historic buildings, the creation of the Georgia Register of Historic Places, and the inclusion of preservation concerns in the Georgia Comprehensive Planning Act and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act.