Some New Mexico communities make historic preservation a priority in local planning and zoning. These communities may be certified by the Historic Preservation Division to participate in the national and state historic preservation programs. Certified Local Governments (CLGs) are qualified for earmarked grants from the federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) and for technical assistance from the Division. In each CLG, a historic preservation commission of local citizens conducts ordinance-mandated design review of projects in historic districts, annual grants fund surveys, preparation of National Register nominations, preservation plans, commission training, public information programs, and educational products.

Information About the CLG Program

The Certified Local Governments (CLG) program, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, was mandated by the United States Congress in 1980 in order to ensure the involvement of local governments in State preservation efforts, and thereby ensure local government access to and participation in the national preservation effort. The law requires that states receiving grants through the National Park Service from the National Historic Preservation Fund set aside or reserve a minimum of ten percent of each annual grant award for use by CLGs to conduct local preservation projects and programs.

In New Mexico, the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs (HPD) has been involved in local preservation efforts since 1970. The Division has provided funds to units of local government to conduct architectural/historical and archaeological surveys of local cultural resources, to prepare nominations of significant local cultural resources to the State Register of Cultural Properties and/or the National Register of Historic Places, to develop local preservation ordinances, to prepare historic structures reports for significant structures owned by local governments and to prepare brochures and pamphlets relating to local preservation issues.

Between $60,000 to $80,000 is available annually (depending upon allocations from Congress) to be SHARED by all participating CLGs requesting funds each year. CLGs are not required to apply for funds each year, but annual reporting requirements for preservation activities of CLGs remain, whether the program is funded or not.

Get more information on the Certified Local Government Program on this website under Frequently Asked Questions, List of Current CLGs and Eligibility and How to Apply, and at the National Park Service website, www.cr.nps.gov/hps/clg/index.htm.