Certified Local Government Program Defined

What is it? The Certified Local Government (CLG) Program offers recognition to local governments that through their own initiative have established local historic preservation programs.

What does the program do for a city?

• The goal of the program is to increase local preservation activities and link local governments with the nationwide preservation network made up of a variety of federal, state and local organizations
• All Certified Local Governments are eligible for grants to assist in the implementation of local preservation programs. These grants can be used to finance a variety of preservation related activities including survey work, preparation of National Register nominations, education programs, publications, staff support, workshops and preservation events.
• Besides being eligible for grants, Certified Local Governments receive technical assistance and training from the State Historic Preservation Office about historic preservation.

How do communities become active Certified Local Governments? Communities receive CLG status when the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service certify that the local government has established its own historic preservation commission and a program meeting federal and state standards.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Local Government

There are a number of advantages to achieving Certified Local Government status:

• A Certified Local Government is eligible to receive matching funds from the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office that are unavailable to non-Certified Local Governments
• Contributing buildings within local landmark districts may be eligible for preservation tax incentives without being listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Certified Local Governments have an additional tool when considering planning, zoning and land use issues through their landmarking and survey programs
• Certified Local Governments have the ability to monitor and preserve structures that reflect the community's heritage
• Certified Local Governments have access to a nationwide information network of local, state, federal and private preservation institutions
• Finally, but not least, a Certified Local Government, through its ordinance and commission, has a built-in mechanism to promote pride in and understanding of a community's history

To qualify as a Certified Local Government (CLG), a municipality or county must:

• Establish a historic preservation ordinance that includes protection for historic properties at a level the community decides is appropriate
• Create a preservation commission to oversee the preservation ordinance and the Certified Local Government program
• Provide for public education and participation, including progress of nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places
• Conduct and maintain a survey and inventory of historic properties

More Information

Download "Establishing a Local Government Historic Preservation Program: An Introduction to Local Ordinances" (pdf)
Certified Local Government Program (word)
Download the National Park Service publication on CLG's (pdf)
Visit the National Park Service Website on CLG's

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