Your Support is Needed for the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit
Your help is needed to ensure the passage of the Sustainable Communities Act (SB 285 / HB 475). SB 285 / HB 475 reauthorizes and renames the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program as the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program. Governor O'Malley has proposed a three-year authorization with a $50 million allocation. The proposed Act would allow up to 40 percent of the credits to be made available to non-historic structures in established areas, such as Main Street business districts, Transit-Oriented Development areas near light-rail or train stations, and BRAC enterprise zones. The credit will be 10 percent of rehabilitation costs for non-historic structures, 20 percent for historic structures and 25 percent for historic renovations with LEED energy-saving certification. This is believed to be the first program of its kind in the nation to link historic preservation with "green" construction. Please click here for a summary of the legislation. Click here for more information on how to take action in support of the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit.
2009 Abell Foundation Report on Heritage Tax Credit
Preservation Maryland is actively involved with legislative initiatives at both the state and federal levels. One of Preservation Maryland's most successful advocacy efforts includes spearheading the passage of the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit. The tax credit is the catalyst for revitalizing Baltimore's West Side and many other historic neighborhoods and commercial districts across the state.
 Federal
On the federal level, Preservation Maryland has advocated for the passage of the Historic Homeowners Assistance Act, a federal tax credit to homeowners of certified historic properties for approved rehabilitation projects, as well as for the Historic Preservation Fund that provides critical funding to the State Historic Preservation Office. Track key legislation and directly contact members of the House or Senate through National Trust for Historic Preservation's Legislative Action Center.
Visit Preservation Action to learn more about advocacy at the federal level.
 Statewide
Past state advocacy efforts include supporting state legislation establishing Maryland's Heritage Preservation and Tourism Areas; Rehabilitation Tax Credit; and funding for the Maryland Historical Trust, including the Rural Legacy Program, Priority Funding Areas, and Smart Codes.
The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State's annual budget. The Session begins in early January of each year and adjours in mid-April. The General Assembly has 47 Senators and 141 Delegates elected from 47 districts.
Typically, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee and the House Ways & Means Apprpriations Committees take up preservation issues. Find Legislators
Local
Preservation Maryland has provided technical advice to local organizations and communities on a wide range of issues including "big box" and sprawl related growth and local advocacy concerning infill development in historic areas.
Send us news about preservation issues in your community at PM@preservationmaryland.org
Four Successful Steps to Lobbying
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Communitcating with Elected Officials
Advocacy Toolkit
Advocacy Guide
Alerts
Preservation Alerts are issued periodically to make the preservation community immediately aware of pressing issues affecting historic preservation at the local, state, and national levels.
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Preservation Maryland invites you to join our Alert Network and receive e-mail alerts and announcements. Not only will you get the latest information on legislative issues, but you will also receive announcements about local preservation news and upcoming events.
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