Warren County Historic Preservation Commission

07/23/2026

On Friday, July 17, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) proposed damaging changes to the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). If implemented, these new rules would dramatically diminish the effectiveness of the NHPA and the current legal protections for historic and cultural places.

“The ACHP’s proposed changes to Section 106 will eviscerate the preservation of our shared civic and cultural heritage in the United States. If implemented, federal agencies will no longer be required to avoid or minimize damage to our nation’s historic sites and landscapes, or seek public input on federal projects that would impact historic places. As a voting member of the ACHP, the National Trust vehemently opposes these changes and is working with our partners to encourage the Council to withdraw this dangerous proposal.”

— Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Learn more on our website: https://ow.ly/aqM050ZryGT

06/11/2026

Public Comment Period: Proposed Monumental Arch at Memorial Circle

Members of the public have the opportunity to provide input on a proposed Monumental Arch at Memorial Circle on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, near Arlington National Cemetery and along the Potomac River.

05/17/2026

State Awards $28.1 Million for Historic Preservation Projects Across Iowa

May 14, 2026 (DES MOINES, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced more than $28.1 million in awards through the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program to support the revitalization of eight historic properties in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Sioux City and Waterloo.

The most recent application round opened in early January, with IEDA receiving 18 applications requesting almost $39 million in tax credits. Projects were evaluated based on readiness, financing, and local support and participation.

“This program is about more than preserving buildings; it’s about bringing them back to life in ways that serve today’s communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “These projects create housing, support local businesses and help ensure these historic places remain part of Iowa’s story for generations to come.”

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program provides a state income tax credit to encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings while maintaining the architectural features that make them significant. All work must meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

This round of awards will help transform historic buildings across Iowa, including:

Des Moines — Construction is underway to convert a former church, built in 1957 near the Iowa Capitol, into 18 studio apartments and an alternative school for homeless and nontraditional youth. Led by Starts Right Here, a local nonprofit organization, the project will preserve key architectural features.

Des Moines — The 14-story Carriers Building, constructed in 1981 and known as Two Ruan, will be converted from office space into 221 market-rate apartments with ground-floor restaurant space. Two Ruan is part of the downtown Ruan Center Complex, which also includes the 36-story Ruan Center — once Iowa’s tallest building — and was added to the National Register of Historic Places last year.

Sioux City — The vacant Crescent Park Elementary School, built in 1919, is being rehabilitated into 36 market-rate apartments. The project will preserve historic features while converting classrooms and offices into a mix of studio to four-bedroom units, addressing a need for quality housing on the city’s west side.

Waterloo — The long-vacant St. John’s Catholic Church and School, originally established in 1924 with a school addition completed in 1963, is being redeveloped into affordable housing and community-focused space. Plans include 19 apartment units in the school building, a child care facility in the lower-level gym and an event space in the former church.

The full list of projects include buildings in Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Dubuque as well as other projects in Des Moines.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by IEDA. The next application round opens in June, with applications due in September.

For more information, visit iowaeda.com/historic-preservation-tax-credit/.

05/01/2026

04/11/2026

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Request proposes to eliminate nearly all funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), preserving only a limited allocation for grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This proposal would slash the HPF annual budget to just $11 million, a cut by nearly 95 percent.

This marks the second consecutive year the Administration has proposed a near-elimination of the HPF. In FY 2026, Congress rejected a similar proposal on a bipartisan basis—recognizing the essential role the HPF plays in supporting communities nationwide. We urge Congress to once again stand strong in support of this critical program.

If enacted, this FY 2027 proposal would effectively dismantle the nation’s core preservation infrastructure. The HPF supports State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and funds a range of impactful competitive grant programs—placing historic places and the communities they serve at serious risk.

To demonstrate the reach and value of this federal investment, the National Trust’s Government Relations team developed 51 Projects for Preservation: The Historic Preservation Fund Across the United States. This resource highlights one preservation project in every state and the District of Columbia, showcasing how HPF funding drives historic rehabilitation, community revitalization, economic development, and the preservation of underrepresented histories. At a time when the FY 2027 budget proposal again calls for eliminating nearly all HPF funding, this resource underscores what is at stake. We encourage advocates to share these stories with members of Congress and help make the case for sustained federal investment in historic preservation.

The HPF remains a cornerstone of the nation’s preservation initiatives, empowering communities to protect and activate places that matter.

This year marks both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the HPF, as well as the nation’s 250th anniversary. The HPF is an active commitment by the federal government to protecting and illuminating America's rich history and has invested more than $2 billion in communities since its inception. Continued support for the HPF is essential to preserving America’s heritage, strengthening local economies, and ensuring these stories endure for future generations.

Contact your elected officials today and urge them to support robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund.

https://www.house.gov/representatives

https://www.senate.gov/states/IA/intro.htm

04/03/2026