Advocacy
Advocacy is key to historic preservation, and Preservation Iowa is proud to lead efforts to protect the state’s irreplaceable historic resources. Preserving Iowa’s heritage not only honors our past but is also essential to our future. Protection and rehabilitation of historic resources strengthens communities, fosters local pride, and supports sustainable economic growth for generations to come.
Preservation Iowa works closely with community leaders, property owners, preservation professionals, and policymakers to champion legislation, funding, and programs that encourage the protection and reuse of historic properties. Through education and outreach, we help Iowans understand the value of preservation – not only as a way to honor our past but as an investment in our future.
Through key initiatives and ongoing legislative outreach, Preservation Iowa raises public awareness about the importance of preserving Iowa’s historic places – and the economic, cultural, and environmental benefits they provide to communities across the state. By highlighting success stories and advocating for effective preservation policies, Preservation Iowa helps ensure that these treasured resources continue to enrich Iowa’s quality of life for generations to come.
Preservation Iowa also empowers citizens to take action, providing tools and guidance to help advocate for programs that support historic preservation and for the historic buildings, districts, and sites that tell Iowa’s story. We provide resources, training, and guidance to help individuals and local organizations speak up for the places that matter most. Together, we can ensure that Iowa’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural landscapes continue to tell our shared story for generations to come.
Whether you’re a seasoned preservationist or a first-time advocate, Preservation Iowa provides the resources, guidance, and support you need to help protect Iowa’s unique heritage for generations to come.
National
Preservation Iowa is committed to educating its members and the broader public about legislation in Congress and preservation issues affecting communities across the country. As part of this effort, we actively communicate with Iowa’s representatives and senators in Washington, D.C., sharing our perspectives and advocating for policies that protect and support historic resources. We also support the efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and many other national and international preservation groups to stay connected to the broader preservation movement. Through these collaborations, we help ensure that Iowa’s historic places receive the recognition, protection, and resources they need to thrive.
State
Preservation Iowa actively supports state-level efforts to protect and enhance Iowa’s historic places and to promote programs that advance historic preservation. The organization has been an advocate for improvements to the Iowa’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the adoption of a historic building code, increased funding for the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program, and other programs. Preservation Iowa works to ensure that Iowa’s historic resources are not only preserved and thoughtfully redeveloped but also celebrated as vital assets that strengthen communities, stimulate economic growth, enrich the state’s cultural heritage, and contribute to a vibrant future.
County and Local
Preservation Iowa is committed to educating Iowans, as well as county and local governments, about the many benefits of historic preservation. We actively support local preservation efforts by writing letters of support and newspaper editorials when requested. If your organization or community would like a letter of support for a particular project or program, please contact us at info@preservationiowa.org.