What is historic preservation and why is it needed?

Historic preservation is a “conversation with our past about our future,” says the National Parks Service. It provides us opportunities to ask, "What is important in our history?" and "What parts of our past can we preserve for the future?" Historic preservation is an important way for us to share our understanding of the past to future generations.

Our city’s history has many stories, and historic preservation helps tell these stories. Sometimes historic preservation involves celebrating events, people, places and ideas that we are proud of; other times it involves recognizing moments in our history that can be painful or uncomfortable to remember.

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1. What is historic preservation and why is it needed?
2. What does NOT go into a historic preservation plan?
3. What is a Heritage and Historic Preservation Plan?
4. What are different types of historic designations and which ones include regulations/oversight?
5. What types of information are typically included in a historic preservation ordinance? How can communities shape an ordinance to meet their needs?
6. What are the benefits and responsibilities of owning a property with a local historic designation?
7. What is a typical process for making changes to a property with a local historic designation?
8. What are the alternatives to historic districts, if a neighborhood wants to manage changes and new construction?