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In September of 2023, the Historic Tax Credit Coalition (HTCC) issued a report called Historic Preservation and the Federal Historic Tax Credit—Addressing Challenges of the 21st Century.

The report looks back at the 40-year history of the federal historic credit (HTC) and makes recommendations to modernize the incentive.

It offers an important review of the HTC program from users of the credit as well as suggests ways to improve the administration of the program, which is proving especially necessary as the market for commercial rehabilitation projects becomes more complex and challenging.

The report calls for greater flexibility in the interpretation of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and the need for more regulatory guidance.

For its part, the National Park Service recently held a widely-attended HTC training in Washington on September 26th and this month has issued new guidance on the use of substitute materials for historic rehabilitation projects.

The world of redevelopment and state historic tax credits is changing to help address two of our country’s most pressing challenges—creating more affordable housing and lowering carbon emissions. Access the recent report, State Historic Tax Credits: Opportunities for Affordable Housing and Sustainability, from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for innovative ways state historic tax credits are not only rehabilitating important historic buildings, but also offering solutions to the affordable housing crises and a way forward in reaching our climate change and sustainability objectives. Lakisha Ann Woods, EVP/CEO of the American Institute of Architects and Peter H. Bell, CEO of the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association share why their organizations support this type of preservation incentive.

For more than 30 years, the National Trust has supported the enactment of 37 state historic tax credits, and today, the organization continues to work with partners to increase this number. These incentives at the state level build on the successful federal program which is managed by the National Park Service and state historic preservation offices, and they attract private investment to reuse historic properties, many of which would otherwise likely be demolished.

With more than 70 percent of states adopting some form of historic tax credit incentive to support building reuse, the utility and success of this preservation policy is clear. As states look to strengthen and tailor these incentives, this report and the State Historic Tax Credit Resource Guide from the National Trust offers an overview of the tangible benefits of historic tax credit programs, the elements of top-performing credits, and a state-by-state comparative analysis of key features.

They are intended to serve historic preservation policy makers, advocates, and practitioners alike as they determine the optimal incentive for their state. Learn more on our State Historic Tax Credits page.

You can also watch a recording of the webinar last month announcing the report (below and on YouTube).

The National Trust for Historic Preservation gratefully acknowledges the generous support of David and Julia Uihlein who made the development of this report and online resources possible.

With more than 70 percent of states adopting some form of historic tax credit incentive to support building reuse, the utility and success of this preservation policy are clear.

As states look to strengthen and tailor these incentives, the National Trust is pleased to offer a Resource Guide that offers an overview of the tangible benefits of historic tax credit programs, the elements of top-performing credits, and a state-by-state comparative analysis of key features.

Web-based Mapping Tool:

The State Historic Tax Credit Data Center tool is intended to serve historic preservation policymakers, advocates, and practitioners alike as they determine the optimal incentive for their state.

The tool allows them to compare up to three state programs at one time as well as a way to compare specific features of a state’s historic tax credit against all other programs.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation gratefully acknowledges the generous support of David and Julia Uihlein, who made the development of the Resource Guide and interactive mapping tool possible.