Congress will soon start deliberating the next economic stimulus package to combat the impacts of the pandemic.  It’s important they remember the critical role that historic preservation can play in recovery efforts and job creation.
Time and again, preservation has proven to bolster our civic, social, and economic systems. Our historic places aren’t just bricks and mortar.  They embody Oregon’s diverse heritage and they house our families, small businesses, cultural centers, and places of worship.
In short, historic places are integral to our local economies and deserve investment.  So Restore Oregon, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and advocates from across the country, has identified several critical national policies that will help activate the power of preservation to support our communities in their recovery efforts:

All of these proposals build on existing programs with proven economic benefits to our communities. We strongly believe that they will activate the power of preservation in helping our nation recover from the current crisis.
With the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other advocates, Restore Oregon has sent a joint letter to Congress in support of these changes. But to be heard, we need your help. 
Please contact your senators and representatives and remind them of the powerful role preservation must play in this moment – and the permanent impact it will have across Oregon.
Find contact information for your congressional representatives and use this sample text in your email.  Include your own examples and stories for greater impact.
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Sample Text
Dear ,
As Congress deliberates over the next stimulus package to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge you to remember the critical role that historic preservation can play in economic recovery and job creation.
Time and again, preservation has proven to bolster our civic, social, and economic systems. Our historic places aren’t just bricks and mortar.  They embody our diverse heritage and house our families, small businesses, cultural centers, and places of worship.
In short, historic places are integral to our local economies and deserve investment.  I urge you to support the following policies as you consider the next steps towards Oregon’s recovery and job creation:

  • Support the Restore America’s Main Street Act (H.R. 6619) which would provide a tax rebate for small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive in the current climate.
  • Support the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (S. 2615/H.R. 2825). The HTC-GO legislation would enhance the HTC by encouraging more building reuse and further incentivizing redevelopment in all communities, including our smaller and rural Main Street communities.
  • Support the Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422), which will provide $9.5 billion in funding for rehabilitation of our National Parks and other public historic assets through the Great American Outdoors Act.
  • $420 million in supplemental funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. This includes: $120 million to State Historic/Tribal Historic Preservation Offices for survey, mapping and pass-through grants to local communities; $75 million for the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program; $75 million for the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program; $75 million for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program; and $75 million for grant funds to sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
  • $100 million to fund a Main Street Community Recovery and Revitalization Program, a proposal by Main Street America, that would support Main Street Coordinating programs and provide direct support to Main Street businesses.

All of these proposals build on existing programs with proven economic and cultural benefits to our communities. I urge you to support these measures to activate the power of preservation in support of recovery efforts.
Thank you,