Certified Local Government Program
What is a Certified Local Government (CLG)?
The National Historic Preservation Act established a nationwide program of financial and technical assistance to preserve historic properties-buildings, structures, sites, neighborhoods, and other places of importance in the historical and cultural life of the nation. Certified Local Governments participate directly in this program when the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) certifies that the local government has established its own historic preservation commission and a program meeting federal and state standards. A local government that receives such certification is known as a “Certified Local Government” or “CLG” In Washington State, the CLG Program is implemented and administered by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP).
Responsibilities of a CLG include maintaining a qualified historic preservation commission, surveying local historic properties, enforcing state or local preservation laws, reviewing National Register Nominations, and providing for public participation in historic preservation activities. In Washington State, we have more than 60 CLGs! A list of current program participants can be found here.
Obtaining CLG status is intended to help local governments encourage, develop, and maintain their preservation efforts in concert with local development planning. To help fund preservation program activities, CLGs are uniquely eligible to apply to DAHP for special annual grants. CLGs also offer Special Tax Valuation to properties listed on their local historic register and the National Register of Historic Places. Additional benefits of the program include, special access to technical assistance and training from DAHP; participation in the review of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places; participation in statewide preservation programs and planning, and recognition for preservation efforts and accomplishments by local, state, and federal agencies;.
DAHP's Historic Preservation experts work closely together with Certified Local Governments to support and foster expertise in historic preservation at the local level. Together, CLGs and DAHP advocate for the preservation of your community's precious historic resources. Through education and information, the CLG program provides leadership and partnership for the protection of our shared heritage. For more information contact our Certified Local Government Coordinator, Michelle Thompson at (360) 890-2617 or email: michelle.thompson@dahp.wa.gov.