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Call for Proposals Due 8/13
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Join us next May 5-8 in San Jose for the California Preservation Conference and Design Awards! We're looking for compelling session ideas, bold conversations, interactive tours, hands-on demonstrations, and immersive educational offerings that push the field forward.
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Winchester Mystery House, San Jose. Photo by Josh Ohmenn
The 2027 California Preservation Conference will be held in downtown San Jose, May 5th through 8th, 2027. A discounted block of rooms has been reserved at the Signia by Hilton San Jose.
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What We're Looking For:
We welcome proposals that reflect the full spectrum of preservation practice—from grassroots organizing to digital innovation, from policy development to materials conservation. Special consideration may be given to submissions that:
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Center community-led and underrepresented narratives
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Explore new tools for climate resilience and sustainability
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Address housing and adaptive reuse challenges
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Highlight advances in building technologies, documentation, and planning
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Elevate inclusive engagement across race, class, gender, age, and ability
Examples of Recent Conference Tracks:
Our 2026 Conference included five tracks. Our San Jose Committee will select new tracks that reflect local conditions and topics. The 2026 Tracks were:
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Reuse & Revitalization — Exploring creative solutions for housing, density, and the reuse of historic buildings.
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Participation & Engagement — Strengthening partnerships with communities, advocates, and stakeholders to broaden preservation’s reach
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Tools & Technology — Harnessing new technologies and digital tools that transform how we document, interpret, and protect historic places.
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History & Heritage — Deepening our understanding of the diverse stories, people, and movements that shape California’s built environment.
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Preservation Planning & Practice — Advancing policy, planning, and professional standards to ensure preservation remains a vital part of community development.Rethinking preservation planning, policy, and process
How to Submit:
Proposals can be submitted through a short online form in under five minutes. Share a fully developed idea or just a seed. You may submit multiple proposals by refreshing the form.
Deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Submit Your Proposal Here: https://californiapreservation.org/programs/conf-ideas/
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Submissions will be considered for our annual conference, as well as our educational programs — including webinars, workshops, and special events — throughout the year.
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Thank you to our annual sponsors, who support our activities throughout the year!
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In this issue:
 Goodbye and Thank You to Dr. Figanbaum
 Meet Dr. Delgado, NPF's Interim Executive Director
 Oral History Happy Hour - Downtown Diaries August 21
 Goldfield Days, July 31, August 1 & 2
 Have you met Lawrence?
 Attend our Homecoming Dance and Fundraiser September 11
 Become an NPF Member
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As many of you know, this will be my final newsletter as Executive Director of Nevada Preservation Foundation. As I prepare for my next chapter, I wanted to take a moment to simply say thank you.
When I first became involved with NPF, I could never have imagined the incredible people I would meet, the stories I would hear, and the places I would have the privilege of helping share with the community. From historic neighborhoods and mid-century homes to oral histories and preservation projects, every experience has deepened my appreciation for Nevada and the people who care about its history.
What I will remember most, however, are the relationships. The volunteers who gave their time, the homeowners who opened their doors, the board members who offered guidance, the community partners who believed in our mission, and the thousands of attendees who showed up eager to learn something new about Southern Nevada.
NPF has a bright future ahead, and I am excited to see where the organization goes next. Thank you for welcoming me into this community and allowing me to be a small part of preserving Nevada’s stories.
With gratitude,
Dr. Figanbaum
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Thank You Dr. Figanbaum!
The NPF Board of Directors owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Paige Figanbaum for serving as our Executive Director for the past two years. Dr. Figanbaum accepted a job with the Iowa Department of Transportation to be closer to family in her home state of Iowa; the Board wishes Dr. Figanbaum the best of luck in her new endeavor.
Dr. Figanbaum helped restore much needed order and consistency to NPF, as well as reestablish our organization’s reputation as a well-performing preservation nonprofit. Helping to guide NPF to our next chapter by creating partnerships with other nonprofits and statewide preservation efforts, Dr. Figanbaum has gone above and beyond in ensuring that NPF both endures and thrives in our mission to educate, advocate, and preserve Nevada’s history and built environment. Paige will be greatly missed by the NPF Board, but we owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her outstanding work for the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
– NPF Board of Directors
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Welcome Dr. Delgado!
Dear Friends of the Nevada Preservation Foundation,
Hello! My name is Dr. Analiesa (Annie) Delgado, and it is both an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the Interim Executive Director of the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
Nevada is a place of remarkable history, shaped by diverse communities, bold ideas, and resilient people. I am passionate about preserving the places, stories, and communities that make our state unique. I recently earned my Ph.D. in History with a specialization in Native American History from UNLV, and I look forward to working alongside our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters to continue advancing NPF’s mission across the state.
Thank you for your continued support of the NPF. Together, we can ensure Nevada’s history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Warmly,
Dr. Analiesa (Annie) Delgado, Interim Executive Director
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UPCOMING PROGRAMMING:
Oral History Happy Hour - Downtown Diaries: Before It Was Cool
Thursday August 21 5:30 pm, Balkan Bar and Grill $20
Long before downtown Las Vegas became a destination for restaurants, arts, and revitalization, a handful of adventurous homeowners saw the potential in its historic neighborhoods. Join us for an evening of stories, cocktails, and conversation with the early residents who took a chance on vintage Vegas homes, restored historic properties, and helped spark downtown’s revival. Hear why they moved downtown, what it was like to be among the first, and the unforgettable moments that shaped their neighborhoods.
Get tickets here.
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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: NPF's Past Projects and Research
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By Dr. Paige Figanbaum
As I prepare to leave Nevada Preservation Foundation, I’ve been reflecting on some of my favorite experiences over the past couple years. One of the greatest gifts of this work has been the opportunity to learn more about Nevada’s history—not just through research and historic places, but through the people who care so deeply about them.
One of my favorite programs has always been our bike tours, especially the Paradise Crest Bike Tour. Thanks to the incredible work of volunteer Tina and many longtime residents, these tours became much more than a neighborhood history lesson. They created a space for former and current residents to gather, share stories, and celebrate the community they helped build.
Watching those conversations unfold was a reminder that preservation is ultimately about people and the connections they have to place.
I also have a special appreciation for NPF’s evening events hosted in historic homes. The generosity of homeowners who open their doors to strangers in the name of education and preservation never ceases to amaze me. Through their homes and stories, attendees learn about architecture, design, neighborhood history, and what it means to be a steward of an older home.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories, memories, and passion for Nevada’s history with me along the way.
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AROUND THE STATE: Goldfield Days, July 31, August 1 & 2
Goldfield’s annual celebration brings the community together for a weekend filled with small-town fun, western heritage, and the rich mining history that helped shape Goldfield, NV. Visitors can look forward to a lively parade, land auction, vendors, food, raffles, family-friendly activities, and plenty of Goldfield charm.
https://goldfieldnevadachamber.org/goldfield-days/
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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Lawrence Grecco is a preservation advocate, creative entrepreneur, and homeowner with a passion for historic architecture, design, and restoration. Originally from New York City, he owned property in Manhattan’s historic West Village, one of the city’s most celebrated landmarked neighborhoods, where he developed a deep appreciation for the stewardship of historic homes and communities.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and has long been interested in the relationship between architecture, design, and the built environment. In 2012, Lawrence was ordained as a Zen monk in Las Vegas, a city whose distinctive history, architecture, and spirit of reinvention resonated deeply with him. Over time, that connection evolved into a lasting commitment to Southern Nevada and its architectural heritage.
Today, Lawrence is the owner and steward of “Stardust Gold,” a 1962 William Krisel-designed home in Las Vegas’s historic Paradise Palms neighborhood. Through a multi-year restoration, he has worked to preserve the home’s original mid-century modern character while thoughtfully adapting it for contemporary living.
In addition to his interests in preservation and design, Lawrence has a background in fitness, martial arts, and coaching. He enjoys sharing the lessons, challenges, and rewards of restoring historic properties and encouraging others to appreciate and preserve the architectural treasures within their own communities.
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A LOOK AHEAD: Homecoming Dance and Fundraiser Sept. 11
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to relive your high school glory days at NPF’s Homecoming Dance and Fundraiser on Sept. 11! Whether you were prom king, class clown, band geek, or just there for the snacks, this nostalgic evening will be packed with music, memories,and plenty of fun. Have a blast as you help us hit our fundraising goal! Get tickets here.
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Love Nevada History? Join the NPF Family! 
Did you know that as a member-supported organization, annual dues are the absolute heartbeat of our mission to preserve, educate, and advocate for our community's incredible architectural heritage?
Whether you are a historic home fanatic or just love vintage Vegas, becoming a member is the best way to get involved, and your benefits start immediately!
Here is a taste of what you'll get:
•15% off our monthly programming
• Early access to Home + History (HHLV) tickets + exclusive merch
• Invitations to special membership-only events throughout the year
Memberships start at just $55 a year for our Contributor level!
Click Here to Become a Member Today! Or give us a call at (800) 881-5824 to join!
Download the full newsletter here.
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Nevada Preservation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds from your ticket support historic preservation projects across the state of Nevada.
We appreciate your support.
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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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ACHP Proposes New Federal Regulations that Devastate Protections for Historic Properties
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For more than 50 years, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has provided a practical framework for balancing progress with preservation. Contrary to common misconceptions, Section 106 does not stop projects. Instead, it requires federal agencies to identify historic and cultural resources, consult with interested parties, consider alternatives, and seek reasonable solutions before irreversible decisions are made.
Arizona has long demonstrated that this collaborative approach works. From transportation improvements and renewable energy projects to public lands management, military installations, mining, water infrastructure, broadband expansion, and disaster recovery, Section 106 has helped agencies, Tribal Nations, the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), local governments, property owners, preservation organizations, and project applicants work together to avoid unnecessary conflicts while keeping projects moving forward. Also, the requirement for public consultation is eliminated in the proposed new regulations.
A proposed rewrite of the Section 106 regulations (36 C.F.R. Part 800) would represent the most significant change to the review process in decades. Rather than refining the existing system, the proposal would give federal agencies unilateral decision making authority if consultation requirements are eliminated.
For Arizona, the implications could be substantial.
Arizona is home to countless archaeological sites, hundreds of National Register-listed properties, dozens of federally recognized Tribal Nations with deep cultural connections to the land, and millions of acres of federally managed public lands. Federal decisions routinely affect places that are historically, culturally, and spiritually significant. The current consultation process ensures that expertise from SHPO, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs), local governments, preservation organizations, and the public is considered before projects are finalized.
The proposed regulations would diminish many of those opportunities. Local governments would no longer have an assured role in consultation, preservation organizations and community groups would lose their status as consulting parties, and public or CLG participation would simply not occur. Federal agencies would gain greater authority to determine when Section 106 applies, how historic properties are evaluated, what effects are considered significant, and whether mitigation is necessary.
Just as concerning, broad categories of federally assisted or federally connected projects could be excluded from Section 106 review altogether.
In a state like Arizona – where federal land ownership, Tribal interests, and historic resources frequently intersect – fewer reviews would mean fewer opportunities to identify important resources, avoid impacts, and develop solutions before construction begins.
Arizona’s preservation community has consistently demonstrated that collaboration produces better outcomes. Over the years, Section 106 consultation has helped document archaeological sites, modify transportation alignments, protect historic buildings, avoid impacts to culturally significant landscapes, and strengthen relationships among federal agencies, Tribal Nations, state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. These successes have not delayed progress – they have improved it.
This proposal deserves careful review and thoughtful public discussion. Any effort to improve efficiency should preserve the core principle that has made Section 106 successful: meaningful consultation among all parties with knowledge, expertise, and a stake in protecting our shared heritage.
Call to Action
The Arizona Preservation Foundation encourages preservation professionals, Tribal representatives, local governments, elected officials, neighborhood organizations, archaeologists, architects, historians, and all Arizonans who value our state’s cultural heritage to closely follow this proposed rulemaking process. Learn what is being proposed at the federal level, share the information with your networks, and submit thoughtful comments during the federal review period.
Specifically,
Arizona’s historic places tell the story of more than 13,000 years of human history. Ensuring that these places are identified and thoughtfully considered before federally funded or federally permitted projects move forward benefits everyone. The future of amendments to Section 106 should strengthen collaboration – not diminish it.
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Examples of Recent Successful Arizona Section 106 Consultations
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Creation of new multifamily housing within a residential historic district, involving consolidation of multiple parcels that contain a total of three historic buildings. Project is located in the Armory Park Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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Creation of a regional multi-modal transportation center (MMTC) in the Main Street Historic District of downtown Yuma; the project was designed to improve transportation for residents and visitors to and from the greater Yuma area.
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Construction of Affordable Housing for Veterans via new construction and adaptive reuse of vacant historic Officer Quarters located in the Fort Whipple National Historic Landmark.
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Construction and operation of ~6.0 miles of new rail line designed to facilitate economic development for the Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone in Mesa, and minimize transport of hazardous materials on U.S roadways.
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