About Certified Local Governments
In 1980, Congress expanded the National Historic Preservation Act by creating the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, giving local communities a stronger role in protecting the nation’s history. Through this program, cities and counties take an active role in preserving the places that define their character and identity.
The program is a dynamic partnership between local governments, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the National Park Service (NPS). Benefits of the Certified Local Government program include assistance preserving their local historic resources through documentation and designation, assistance with local preservation planning efforts, and access to annual grants.
Contact
(208) 334-3861
Simple Steps to Becoming a Certified Local Government
To become certified, a local government adopts a preservation ordinance and establishes a citizen-led preservation commission to guide and oversee its program. These local commissions lead efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic resources in their communities. The overall process is as follows:
- Adopt local Historic Preservation Ordinance
- Establish the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), appoint members
- Complete the CLG Application paperwork
- Signed Request for Certification letter (SHPO provides template)
- Copy of the local ordinance
- List of HPC members with resumes
- Signed Certification Agreement (also provided by SHPO)
- Any supplemental information
- SHPO reviews materials, recommends Certification to NPS
- NPS issues final determination of certification
Please contact the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office for more information, (208) 334-3861 or shpo@ishs.idaho.gov.