Certified Local Governments
Who We Are
No one knows a community better than the people who live there. That is why state and national preservation programs seek out partnerships with Certified Local Governments (CLGs). CLGs provide grassroots wisdom and resources to encourage local preservation efforts.
By becoming a CLG, your town gains the ability to:
- Encourage suitable development through ordinances
- Landmark historic places (these could become eligible for Nebraska Historic Tax Credits and/or the Valuation Incentive Program)
- Fund public outreach/educational resources and activities using yearly grants
- Access technical assistance and training from the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service
- Communities all across Nebraska have discovered that historic preservation is an important tool for economic development, downtown revitalization, and heritage tourism
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Current Certified Local Governments
Auburn
Auburn
Fairbury
Fairbury
Lincoln
Lincoln
North Platte
North Platte
Omaha
Omaha
Plattsmouth
Plattsmouth
Red Cloud
Red Cloud
Sidney
Sidney
FAQ's
What are the first steps to becoming a CLG?
Contact our Historic Preservation Office. We are happy to get you started! Communities become a CLG when the National Park Service verifies that all of the requirements for certification have been met.
What are the requirements for becoming a CLG?
- Designate and then protect historic properties using a local ordinance
- Establish a historic preservation commission of at least 5 qualified members
- Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources
- Encourage public participation in preservation, especially through the National Register of Historic Places
- Have access to a staff person who oversees the historic preservation program
How does a CLG benefit its community?
A CLG is eligible for competitive federal grants dedicated to preservation activities. Using these grants, a CLG can use grassroots efforts to help encourage interest in the places important to the fabric of its community.
How does the CLG grant program work?
A local government must be fully certified before it can start applying for grants to support its preservation projects. CLG grants are matching grants. Examples of a match include volunteer or donated services or cash, staff and commission time, and donated personal property. The grant provides for a maximum of 60% of the project cost, while the local CLG provides at least 40% of the project cost. CLGs may apply for a sub-grant in each funding round.
What Projects Qualify for CLG grant funding?
- Hiring consultants for archeological, architectural, and historical surveys
- Preservation planning
- Preparing a National Register or local landmark nomination
- Programs for public education
- Walking/driving tours and other audio/video productions
- Staff and commission training
- Workshops, lectures, and conferences
What doesn't qualify for CLG grant funding?
- Repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, moving, or acquiring historic properties or sites
- Plans and specifications for individual, privately-owned properties
- Landscaping, lighting, or banners
- Conservation of collections and curatorial work
- Cash reserves, endowments, or revolving funds
- Fund-raising costs or other miscellaneous costs such as contingencies
What role does a CLG play in the National Register of Historic Places nomination process?
Historic preservation commissions review all proposed National Registration nominations for properties within the boundaries of the CLG’s jurisdiction.
Can a CLG community lose its CLG status?
Yes. A CLG may request decertification in writing at any time. Our Historic Preservation Office also reserves the right to decertify a CLG that does not meet the minimum requirements. The CLG is ultimately decertified by the National Park Service.
What are the training requirements for Historic Preservation commissioners and directors?
CLGs receive technical assistance and training from our Historic Preservation Office. Commissioners and directors are required to attend one preservation-related training a year. You can achieve this by attending a professional, local, statewide, regional, or national conference, webinar, symposium, or hands-on learning opportunity.
Is there a population size requirement for participation in the CLG program?
No, all are welcome.
CLG Success Story: The Sidney Historic Preservation Handbook
Using CLG grant funding, the Sidney CLG was able to hire an expert contractor to prepare a preservation handbook.
The Sidney Historic Preservation Handbook was designed to be a resource for property owners, contractors, and others who may be working towards improving a historic building. The handbook provides all the necessary information needed to understand regulations and best practices. It also outlines several grant programs offered by the city to incentivize development via the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Want to know more? Get in touch with us!
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