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The Arizona Preservation Foundation is Arizona's non-profit statewide historic preservation organization. Founded in 1979, the Foundation is dedicated to preserving Arizona's historic resources. This e-newsletter provides you with updates on Foundation activities and preservation news from across our state and nation's capital. Visit our website at azpreservation.org or our social media channels for more news and information.
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Major Victories for Preservation in Arizona's FY26 Budget
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Arizona's historic preservation community achieved remarkable success in securing crucial funding through the state's recently approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget. These victories demonstrate the power of unified advocacy and represent important progress in advancing historic preservation priorities, with bipartisan support from the legislature across all three major achievements.
$1 Million Boost for State Parks Heritage Fund
Working alongside the Arizona Heritage Alliance, preservation advocates successfully secured $1 million in General Fund support for the State Parks Heritage Fund. This investment carries special significance for historic preservation, as 30% of Heritage Fund dollars directly supports the protection and interpretation of Arizona's cultural and historic sites. (Note: The Game and Fish Heritage Fund continues to support key wildlife conservation work statewide.)
The State Parks Heritage Fund support reflects Governor Katie Hobbs' commitment to preserving Arizona's heritage and aligns with strong public support for conservation initiatives. Recent polling from Noble Predictive Insights reveals remarkable bipartisan consensus, with 76% of Arizona voters supporting Heritage Fund restoration. This investment will provide essential funding for site protection, interpretation programs, and educational initiatives that bring Arizona's rich cultural heritage to life for current and future generations.
SHPO Saved from Shutdown Crisis
The preservation community's most critical victory was preventing the closure of Arizona's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Through coordinated statewide advocacy involving hundreds of individuals, organizations, and government entities, emergency funding was secured to avert a potentially devastating operational shutdown.
With support from the Governor's Office, State Representatives Chris Mathis and Betty Villegas of Tucson led the legislative effort to incorporate crucial language into Arizona's FY26 budget. The approved provision authorizes the Arizona State Parks Board to spend up to $865,000 from the State Parks Revenue Fund to cover SHPO operating expenses if federal Historic Preservation Fund grant monies become unavailable in federal fiscal year 2025-2026.
This emergency funding ensures continuity of SHPO's essential functions, including Section 106 review processes that protect historic properties, administration of the National Register of Historic Places program, technical assistance to property owners and developers, stewardship of archaeological and historical site records, and support for Certified Local Government programs statewide.
Special recognition goes to Arizona Preservation Foundation board member Vic Linoff for yielding his May 2025 Preserve AZ conference session so that advocates could host a full house of conference attendees wanting to learn more and take action on preservation funding. Additional kudos to board member Demion Clinco for his excellent work in crafting messaging that resonated with key stakeholders and involving Representatives Mathis and Villegas in discussions with the Governor's Office and their fellow legislators.
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Several days after the state budget was passed, APF board president Jim McPherson shared the good news on Arizona Horizon that the federal funding for SHPOs and THPOs was just released for FY25, although it's important to continue advocating for FY26 support for a variety of preservation-related measures.
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Statewide Preservation Projects Receive Enhanced Support
The FY26 budget includes approximately $4.5 million in additional funding for preservation and cultural projects across multiple Arizona communities. This increased investment reflects growing recognition of historic preservation as an economic development tool and a means of strengthening community identity and tourism.
These projects will create jobs and attract visitors throughout Arizona, with geographic distribution ensuring that preservation benefits reach both urban and rural communities.
Growing Recognition for Preservation's Value
These victories represent more than individual funding successes – they reflect growing recognition of historic preservation's importance among Arizona's leadership. The coordinated response to the SHPO crisis demonstrates that preservation has strong advocates across political lines and geographic regions.
The success also provides a model for other states facing similar preservation funding challenges. By presenting clear data on economic benefits, community support, and federal compliance requirements, advocates made an irrefutable case for state investment in preservation infrastructure.
Looking to the Future
While celebrating these achievements, the preservation community recognizes the ongoing need for sustainable, long-term funding solutions. The SHPO funding represents essential bridge support, but continued work toward permanent solutions remains crucial to ensure Arizona's preservation programs remain stable and effective.
Immediate priorities include building on demonstrated public support for FY26 federal support, developing long-term sustainability strategies for both SHPO and Heritage Fund programs, and continuing to document the economic and cultural benefits of preservation investment.
The preservation community's unified response to this year's challenges has strengthened advocacy capacity and demonstrated collective commitment to protecting Arizona's irreplaceable historic resources. These victories prove that when preservation advocates present a unified, well-documented case, state leadership will recognize the essential value of preservation infrastructure. To get involved, drop us a note at info@azpreservation.org
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July has been full of great preservation wins! From Reno’s brand-new historical markers to the exciting growth of our educational programs here at NPF. It’s in the buildings we pass every day, the neighborhoods we live in, and the stories we continue to share.
We’re keeping that energy going with programs like our Seeing Stars bike tour  and the upcoming Mall Walk Through the Eras  . These events celebrate the people and places that make Nevada’s past worth preserving and help us imagine a future that honors that legacy.
Thanks for being part of this journey with us. Let’s keep moving history forward—one story, one building, and one neighborhood at a time.
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PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT
The City of Reno has installed seven new historical markers as part of its ongoing Historic Preservation Program, which began in 1993 to recognize and protect sites that reflect the city’s history. Supported by a Nevada Humanities grant and contributions from Mayor Hillary Schieve and Councilmember Naomi Duerr, the project highlights places that have shaped Reno’s community. The new markers were selected by the city’s Historical Resources Commission and honor locations that reflect major themes in Reno’s growth, architecture, and cultural life:
• California Building (Idlewild Park): Built for the 1927 Transcontinental Highways Exposition to showcase California industries.
• McKinley Park School (Riverside Drive): The first of four early Mission Revival grammar schools designed by George Ferris.
• Lear Theater (Riverside Drive): Originally a Neoclassical Revival church designed by Paul Revere Williams in 1939.
• Douglas Alley (N. Virginia Street): A remaining stretch of a once-vibrant alley lined with gambling clubs, cafés, and speakeasies.
• Former First National Bank Building (now City Hall): Reno’s tallest building when it opened in 1963, designed in the international style by Robert Langdon.
• Chinatown site (Lake Street): Commemorates the early Chinese immigrant community that settled in Reno beginning in the 1860s.
• Washoe County Courthouse (Court Street): Expanded in 1911 by Frederic DeLongchamps, incorporating the original 1873 courthouse.
A new map and guide to all of Reno’s historical markers is now available at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center, Reno City Hall, and on the City’s Historic Markers webpage. The city plans to add more historical markers as additional funding becomes available.
Douglas Alley Photo: Special Collections, University of Nevada, Reno Libraries
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UPCOMING PROGRAMMING
Mall Walk Through the Eras: Boulevard Mall
Saturday, August 16, 10am $25
Put on your leg warmers, lace up your Nike sneakers, frost your hair with Aqua-Net, and join NPF for a “Mall Walk Through the Eras” at the Boulevard Mall! You’ll feel the burn as we stroll through time, from 1968—when Nevada’s first climate-controlled indoor mall opened—through its wild rise in the 1970s, the iconic 1980s mall heyday, 1990s expansion, and its transformation in the early 2010s into a vibrant hub of cultures and education. We won’t be power walking, so leave the sweatbands at home, but we’d love to see you rock your favorite mall-era fashions!
Tickets at nevadapreservation.org
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MORE PRESERVATION NEWS
In other preservation news, the Burlesque Hall of Fame paused museum operations indefinitely beginning July 20, 2025, as ongoing economic and political challenges had significantly affected visitation and funding. While the physical museum is going on hiatus, the organization remains committed to its mission. The Weekender, School of Striptease, and public programs will continue, and the collection will be safeguarded as BHoF focuses on long-term sustainability and strategic partnerships for the future. If you’d like to support, you can donate online at https://burlesquehall.com/support/donate/
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NPF’s PAST PROJECTS & RESEARCH
As part of NPF’s commitment to educational programming, our bike tours offer a dynamic way to engage with Las Vegas’ architectural and cultural history. One of our most popular tours, Seeing Stars, takes people through the Pinto-Palomino and Alta neighborhoods, showcasing mid-century modern homes, lush landscaping, and the fascinating stories of former residents—from blues legend B.B. King and pop icon Michael Jackson to mob lawyers and civic leaders.
The tour highlights a variety of architectural styles including Ranch, Desert Modern, Pueblo Revival, and Tudor Revival. As riders move through these historic neighborhoods, they learn about the evolution of Las Vegas’ residential design and the influential figures who helped shape these communities. By seeing the city’s architecture up close, people can gain a deeper appreciation for preserving these historic neighborhoods. Seeing Stars represents how NPF blends research, storytelling, and public engagement to spotlight the people and places that define Las Vegas history. It remains a core example of our past projects that continue to inform preservation efforts today.
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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT
John is a Las Vegas native with a deep appreciation for the city’s unique design history
and architectural character. Living in different parts of the country gave him a greater perspective on just how distinct Las Vegas truly is—its bold approach to space, experience, and style ultimately inspired his career in interior architecture.
His passion for museums, art, and historic preservation led him to get involved with the Nevada Preservation Foundation. “I love that we have an organization advocating for the preservation of this history and architecture,” John says. “It’s exciting to help share these unique design perspectives through community education.”
Outside of work, you’ll often find John hiking at Red Rock Canyon, paddleboarding at Lake Mead, or cycling through downtown and the Arts District—frequently blending his love for design and local history by volunteering with NPF’s bike and walking tours.
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A LOOK AHEAD
Coming in September: Paradise Palms Bike Tour
This September, NPF is teaming up with RTC once again for a guided bike tour through Paradise Palms — Las Vegas’ legendary mid-century modern neighborhood! Join us as we cruise past stunning homes designed by famed architects Palmer and Krisel, spot former celebrity residences, and take a close-up look at the bold lines and timeless charm of classic mid-century architecture.This September, NPF is teaming up with RTC once again for a guided bike tour through Paradise Palms — Las Vegas’ legendary mid-century modern neighborhood! Join us as we cruise past stunning homes designed by famed architects Palmer and Krisel, spot former celebrity residences, and take a close-up look at the bold lines and timeless charm of classic mid-century architecture.
Get the full Preservation Pulse newsletter here.
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Thank you for supporting historic preservation in Nevada. Our programming is one of the ways we support our historic preservation efforts.
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