As the pandemic continues, many CRM firms have wondered how the impacts to state budgets will affect both ongoing and future projects. Many states are facing budgets cuts due to decreased tax revenue, and both SHPO offices and infrastructure projects could be affected as a result.

CRM firms can play an integral role in ensuring that SHPO offices and state historic preservation efforts receive adequate funding this fall, and ACRA is here to help. Because the budget discussions in each state vary widely, the best place to start is to meet with your state's SHPO and/or state archaeologist. ACRA has compiled a list of resources to make requesting and holding these meetings as fast as possible, including a sample meeting request and a list of suggested questions. If you are having trouble finding the contact information for your SHPO or state archaeologist, let us know and we can easily provide that for you.

Once you have a clear picture of the historic preservation budget discussions in your state, you can reach out to your state legislators to tell them about the importance of this funding to both businesses and the larger community. If you do hold a meeting with your SHPO or state archaeologist, please submit a brief summary of the meeting in this report back form.

What else can you do? Reach out to your Senators now to encourage them to pass relief legislation that includes funding for states and historic preservation. Securing funding for states is a priority to ensure that SHPOs can continue to operate and vital infrastructure projects continue.

If you are interested in partnering with other firms in your state for meetings with the SHPO and/or state archaeologist, let us know and we will connect you with others working on meetings as well.

Feel free to comment below with any questions, and thank you for your continued commitment to promoting a thriving CRM industry!