Arizona Historic Preservation Office faces funding crisis amid federal budget cuts

A looming funding crisis threatens the future of Arizona's Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), as federal financial support dwindles to alarming levels. During a recent Sedona government meeting, officials discussed an urgent letter from Jim McPherson, president of SHPO, highlighting the dire situation. With federal funding for historic preservation nearly eliminated from the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, SHPO could run out of money as soon as August, just two months away.

The implications of this funding shortfall are significant. If SHPO disappears, vital programs like the Certified Local Government (CLG) program would cease to exist, leaving local cities without oversight or resources for historic preservation efforts. This would also jeopardize access to federal and state grant money, crucial for maintaining and promoting Arizona's rich historical heritage.

Local leaders expressed concern over the potential fallout, emphasizing that cities may need to step up to fill the gap left by state and federal funding cuts. However, many municipalities are already stretched thin, with limited resources to allocate for preservation initiatives. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the fact that the state government is also facing budgetary challenges, which could further complicate efforts to secure funding for preservation.

As the state budget deadline approaches, local officials are calling for immediate action to address the crisis. The future of Arizona's historic preservation efforts hangs in the balance, and the need for local support has never been more critical.