Certified Local Government Program

Community is eligible to apply for subgrants from the Wisconsin SHPO's federal Historic Preservation Fund allocation for eligible preservation projects.

Community may formally submit comment on National Register of Historic Places nominations within its municipal boundaries to the State Historic Preservation Review Board.

Please see our map of all current Wisconsin CLGs.

CLGs are designated by the SHPO and the National Park Service through a four-step application process.

1. The chief elected official of the local government submits a letter requesting certification to the SHPO.

The request must include the following:

• Assurance that the local government enforces appropriate state and local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties and will coordinate its activities with the SHPO.
• A copy of the local historic preservation ordinance, including amendments.
• A list of properties and districts designated under the local ordinance, including proper names and addresses.
• A list of the local historic preservation commission members, including qualifications or expertise in fields related to historic preservation.
• If the local preservation commission does not include professional members from the disciplines of history, architectural history, architecture, or archaeology, a statement demonstrating that the local government has made reasonable efforts to appoint such members.
• If the disciplines of history, architectural history, architecture and archaeology are not all represented on the commission, a proposal on how the local preservation commission will obtain such expertise needs to be submitted to the SHPO. This expertise is necessary to review National Register of Historic Places nominations or take other delegated actions that will impact properties.
• A copy of the local historic preservation plan or a brief statement describing the local preservation program.
• A list of any additional duties, responsibilities, or preservation activities that the local government agrees to undertake if certified.
• If all of the above requirements are not currently met, a plan must be included explaining how and when they will be fulfilled.

2. The SHPO will respond to a complete request for certification within 60 days.

3. If the local government meets the requirements, the SHPO will approve the certification request and prepare a written Certification Agreement for signature by the chief elected official of the local government. It will list the specific responsibilities of the local government when certified.

4. The SHPO sends the Certification Agreement and the CLG application to NPS for review and approval. Upon NPS approval, the CLG will be eligible for benefits.

Every CLG must do the following to maintain CLG status:

• Submit an annual report online of historic preservation activities online to the SHPO. Please review this PDF for a preview of the survey questions that you need to complete online. 
• Maintain a qualified historic preservation commission.
• Review alteration or demolition requests on locally designated historic properties.
• Educate the community about historic preservation.