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Preservation staff warns of possible state and federal cuts, seeks CLG grant to support local projects
Summary
Kaylee Nunez, Prescott City’s historic preservation specialist, told the Preservation Commission on June 13, 2024, that a draft federal budget proposal could eliminate national preservation funding and that, without those funds, the State Historic Preservation Office faces closures and layoffs.
Kaylee Nunez, Prescott City’s historic preservation specialist, told the Preservation Commission on June 13, 2024, that a draft federal budget proposal under consideration could eliminate the national preservation fund and that, without federal funding, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) faces closure and layoffs this summer.
"So as we stand now without, you know, that signature, the state offices will close in August," Nunez said, summarizing discussion at a recent state preservation conference in Phoenix. She said the draft bill would zero out funding for the national preservation fund beginning next year and that the state office receives federal funds that support CLG (Certified Local Government) grants and technical assistance. Nunez said the loss of those funds would be "detrimental" to local preservation programs and urged commissioners and the public to contact elected officials and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Nunez also reported that SHPO funding in Arizona comes from a drill‑rig tax on oil production and that the state office has nine employees; she said staff had been told seven positions would be eliminated and two positions would remain paid by State Parks if federal funds are cut. She described local volunteer networks and monitoring programs that could be affected, saying the state’s site‑steward program involves about 500 volunteers and monitors approximately 3,500 historic sites across Arizona.
On a practical note for Prescott’s ongoing work, Nunez reported that the city received permission to apply for another CLG grant and that available state grant funds would help pay for an annual subscription to Arches, an open-source historic resource management software being used to manage the city’s master‑plan inventory and outreach work. She said staff member Kat (last name not given in the hearing record) and another consultant will assist with new master‑plan chapters and that commission review of the updated master plan is expected in fall to early winter.
Nunez asked commissioners to help advocate by contacting elected officials; a commissioner asked staff to circulate copies of the emails she had sent to representatives and state contacts. The report was presented as an informational staff update; no formal commission motion was recorded on the SHPO funding item.
