Governor O'Malley announces plans for Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program
On January 8, 2010, Governor Martin O'Malley announced plans to create the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit program to propel smart and sustainable growth in historic areas and existing communities well-served by transit and infrastructure. The $50 million, three-year program will help create construction and rehabilitation jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and spur economic development with each project. The new program will replace and improve upon the 14-year-old Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, which is set to expire in June. Click here to read the press release on the bill from the Maryland Department of Planning.
Having an Administration Bill is a great start. Now the real work begins. The state will again be facing difficult decisions and a tight budget. Your voice will be needed during the session to help see the passage of this important legislation. Preservation Maryland will provide updates over the course of 2010 General Assembly Session. To sign up for our emailed Advocacy Alerts, contact Jessica Feldt at jfeldt@preservationmaryland.org
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.
Fact Sheets
 Non-Capital Grant Fact Sheet 09
Museum Assistance Grant Program Fact Sheet 09
Maryland Heritage Areas Fact Sheet 09
Community Legacy Program Fact Sheet 09
Neighborhood Business Works Fact Sheet
Maryland Humanities Council Fact Sheet 09
IMPART Fact Sheet 09
Join Email Network
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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