Arizona State Historic Preservation Plan Update 2014

From the Executive Summary: "The Arizona Historic Preservation Plan Update 2014 is the result of more than a year's effort by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a section of Arizona State Parks, in conjunction with Arizona's preservation professionals, advocates, and concerned citizens. It will guide the action of the SHPO and its partners into the second decade of the twenty-first century. The Plan builds upon the foundation of successes achieved by earlier planning efforts, most notably the 1996 plan, which was the first comprehensive plan developed for Arizona. While the specific objectives and tasks outlined in this document reflect the situation and demands facing the SHPO and its partners today, we have found that the fundamental goals first described in the 1996 plan remain relevant. Although it will guide activities of the SHPO, the Plan continues the shift in emphasis begun in 1996 toward strengthening its role as clearinghouse and enabler within the larger preservation network. In creating the Plan, the SHPO recognizes that heritage conservation cannot be successful on a statewide basis unless strong partnerships are built between governmental agencies, advocacy organizations, and citizens. The vision, goals, and objectives that set the agenda for the plan are the result of a series of activities that sought the participation of those who affect and are affected by historic preservation in the state. The general public was engaged in the planning process through a sampling of public opinion via a telephone survey. Another questionnaire was directly specifically towards partner agencies. Additional input was gained at a planning meeting conducted at the 2013 statewide historic preservation conference and from the many comment received from interested parties who reviewed the draft. Participants in the planning process identified four principal needs to further the cause of preservation in Arizona: a need to strengthen partnerships between government agencies, advocacy groups, businesses, and the public; a need for Arizona's citizens to become more aware of the value of our history and the opportunities for historic preservation; a need for appropriate information about Arizona's historic resources to be available to those making decisions about the future; and a need for the public to continue to be engaged on questions regarding the identification, nomination, and protection of historic resources. ...No plan can fully predict and shape the future. Since the 2009 plan update, two major changes affecting SHPO programs occurred that were not anticipated. The first was the elimination of the Arizona Heritage Fund grant program for historic properties. For nearly twenty years, this grant fund assisted local communities leverage local resources to make the acquisition and rehabilitation of historic properties feasible. Lost as a result of the budget crisis facing the State during the worst days of the Great Recession, it appears unlikely that it or something similar will be reactivated in the near future. On a more positive note, the Arizona Main Street Program, previously managed by the Arizona Department of Commerce, has now been transferred to Arizona State Parks under the SHPO. This addition, currently without additional funding, presents its own challenges and opportunities to the office." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona State Parks, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Plan Update 2014

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