Certified Local Governments
Certified Local Governments
Historic preservation efforts are strongest when they begin at the local level.
The Certified Local Government (CLG) Program supports and strengthens local preservation activities by helping communities achieve their preservation goals through the adoption of a locally regulated historic preservation ordinance, which provides the strongest protection for a broad range of historic resources, including private property.
CLG program requirements ensure that local historic preservation programs and actions:
- operate under “best practices”
- are effective
- are legally defensible
Program Administration
Established in 1980 by an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the CLG Program is a nationwide initiative that directly links a community’s preservation goals to state and federal preservation programs.
Each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the program through a variety of services designed to help communities protect, preserve, and celebrate their historic resources – including grant funds to support local municipal preservation initiatives.
In New York State, there are over 70 CLGs. For an up-to-date list, please contact the statewide program coordinator.
Participation in the Certified Local Government Program
Any municipality (city, town, village, or county) can become a Certified Local Government once the SHPO determines that it meets state and federal standards.
All CLG communities must have a regulatory historic preservation ordinance in place and appoint a qualified review commission. After the local preservation program is approved at the state level, SHPO forwards the application to the National Park Service for formal certification.
If a community needs assistance in interpreting and enacting the required standards for participation in the CLG program, SHPO can help. All Certified Local Government Communities are eligible to receive a variety of services from the SHPO, including:
- Ongoing, focused technical support
- Direct involvement in SHPO programs, such as the State and National Registers of Historic Places
- Yearly training opportunities, both in-person and virtual
- Membership in statewide and national CLG program networks
- Grants designated exclusively for CLG communities
CLG Grants
Each year, active CLGs are invited to apply for grants to support historic preservation work. Applications are usually due to the SHPO in the spring and awards are announced in the fall.
Funding amounts, program parameters, and deadlines are subject to change. For up-to-date information about CLG grant opportunities, please contact the statewide program coordinator.
CLG Resources
- NYS Certified Local Government Program | Application Information
- Additional Information for Certified Local Governments
Program Contact
Frances Stern
New York State CLG Coordinator
(518) 268-2219 | Frances.Stern@parks.ny.gov