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Preservation Iowa joins more than 600 other preservation organizations across the country in signing an open letter asking Congress to protect and strengthen Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Read the letter here:

http://culturalheritagepartners.com

Open Letter to Congress from National Coalition to Protect and Strengthen Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act - Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC

Cultural Heritage Partners is a private law firm committed to the principle…

If you missed the National Trust's webinar on advocating for Section 106 on Monday, watch it here: https://savingplaces.org/section106/updates/video-guidance-for-advocates-proposed-section-106

The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions will host a webinar on Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 PM (Central) to discuss the proposed changes to the Section 106 process and what they could mean for local preservation commissions and communities. The proposed revisions could significantly limit the role of local governments and communities in the Section 106 consultation process. Understanding what is being proposed, how the process works, and what you can do to make your voice heard is more important than ever. This webinar will provide an overview of: The basics of Section 106: What it is, why it exists, and how the process works. The proposed changes: What is being revised and how the changes could affect local governments and preservation commissions. What happens next: The process for formalizing the proposed revisions and opportunities for engagement. What local communities are doing: Learn how cities and local governments are responding to the proposed changes. How you can take action: Discover ways to advocate for meaningful local participation and ensure local voices remain part of the Section 106 process. Whether you're new to Section 106 or have been following these developments closely, this webinar will provide important context and practical information to help you understand what is at stake and how you can get involved. Register here: https://www.bigmarker.com/national-alliance-of-preserv/section-106-under-threat-what-these-proposed-changes-mean-for-preservation-at-the-local-level?show_live_page=true

Mark your calendar and plan to attend this important webinar Section 106 Under Threat: Guidance for Advocates. This will take place on August 24, 2026 at 1PM central. Register here: https://savingplaces.org/section106 If you are not able to attend, register and receive the recording after the webinar.

On July 1, 2026, the National Park Service listed the Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Historic District in Ames (Story County) on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. This nine-block residential neighborhood was established in 1910 and 1916 and contains 186 contributing buildings representing Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Cape Cod Cottage and Ranch styles. Additionally, the neighborhood, with its abundant mature trees and curved streets, illustrates picturesque urban planning principles. Congratulations Ames! #IowaHistory #iowahistory #iowaarchitecture #amesiowa

From Cultural Heritage Partners: For nearly 60 years, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has given communities, Tribal Nations, and preservationists a seat at the table when federal projects threaten historic and sacred places. That protection is now at risk. The ACHP rulemaking would make tribal consultation optional and narrow the very definition of a historic property—weakening one of our most important preservation tools. We won't let that happen. Join the Fight Back Coalition to receive advocacy alerts and plug into a working group where you can join the fight. See our latest advocacy alert here: https://mailchi.mp/culturalheri.../join-fight-back-coalition

Looking for a fun way to start your weekend? On Friday evening see Des Moines from a new perspective. Join the Iowa Architectural Foundation for Architecture on the Move, monthly guided walking tour series that explores the stories behind the buildings and neighborhoods that shape our community. Through a special partnership with the Iowa Architectural Foundation, Preservation Iowa members can receive free tickets to the IAF’s tours of Downtown Des Moines. Members at the Tudor Revival, Prairie School, Pediment and Cornice levels are eligible for these tickets. 📅 Friday, August 14 🕠 Tour begins at 5:30 PM Advance registration is encouraged. Reserve your spot at: AOM2026.eventbrite.com. We hope to see you there! Can't make it this Friday? Tours will also be held on September 11.

This from our partners at the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. What's next for the Section 106 rulemaking? Read NCSHPO & National Trust for Historic Preservation comments on the proposed rule, get the latest on the federal rulemaking process, and see how Congress's parallel Section 106 discussions fit into the bigger picture. https://ncshpo.org/2026/08/06/section-106-rulemaking-enters-its-next-phase/

If you did not have an opportunity to attend the National Trust for Historic Preservation's webinar, you can watch a recording and view lots of resources here: https://savingplaces.org/section106 Want to learn more and take action? The Trust is sponsoring a second webinar on August 12 at 1:00pm (Central). Register here: https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/3517857927872/WN_DKv-3Q7dQ7mTOAEScP4ldA#/registration

Forum Webinar: Section 106 Regulations Under Threat Passing along this information from our friends at the National Trust for Historic Preservation If you were not able to participate in Thursday's webinar about changes to Section 106, the recording, other links and slides are available online at https://savingplaces.org/section106. Here is Your To Do List Your insights and stories help make the case for why preservation matters not just to history but to the future we share. In recognition and celebration of our nation’s 250 years—we are setting an ambitious goal of sending 250,000 letters to our elected officials. Join us in this effort. Write to your governor to share how these changes impact historic properties in your location. https://act.savingplaces.org/106governor Write to your members of Congress and consider contacting the district office during the August recess to make your voice heard. https://act.savingplaces.org/106congress Send us examples of Section 106 consultations that benefited your community. https://act.savingplaces.org/106casestudies Be prepared to send comments to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation when the comment period opens.

http://savingplaces.org

Section 106 Under Threat | National Trust for Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is advancing changes to the Section…

A reminder about an important and free webinar tomorrow (Thursday) On Friday, July 17, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) proposed damaging revisions to the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). If implemented, these new rules would dramatically diminish the effectiveness of the NHPA and the current legal protections for historic and cultural places. As a voting member of ACHP, the National Trust voted against these changes earlier this week. Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation on Thursday, July 30 at Noon (Central) for this webinar that will outline some of the more serious aspects and potential impacts of the proposed changes, provide information about next steps and the timeline for the process, and what you can do to push back against this threat to the work of historic preservation. Register here: https://savingplaces.org/section106

Developing Retail in Your Downtown 2026 Downtown Forum Schedule Released Deadline for registration is August 3! Retail is one of the most visible — and challenging — elements of a downtown. While communities often focus on the businesses they’ve lost, successful districts instead ask: What kind of retail ecosystem fits today, and how can we support it intentionally? Join us for this professional development forum designed for organizations — rather than individual retailers — that play a role in shaping downtown retail success. Participants will explore practical strategies to strengthen existing businesses, recruit the right new retail and create an environment where retail can thrive. Participants will learn how to: Assess the feasibility of retail in their downtown Use market data to guide decision-making Support and retain current retailers through intentional programming Increase foot traffic and cross-promotion Recruit new businesses and prepare spaces for future retail Respond to evolving retail trends in small and mid-sized communities The forum includes best practices, peer discussion and hands-on exercises to help participants leave with ideas they can realistically implement in their own communities. Choose your date and location: August 4 — Orange City August 5 — Waverly August 11 — Earlham August 12 — Washington All workshops are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is on your own, with an opportunity to join fellow attendees at a local restaurant. Cost: Free. Refreshments are provided. To register, copy and paste this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Rjl9DshYxEC1ygSrZ96RRVtBZ-WCy4RJmNX5bPXfhVBUQjBTNVY0VlBSQkkyM1lBVzlKNVMyNEw1MS4u&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_c Registration deadline: August 3