Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

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The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (or ACHP) is an independent United States Federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of the nation's historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.

The goal of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which established ACHP in 1966, is to have Federal agencies act as responsible stewards of the nation's resources when their actions affect historic properties. ACHP is the only entity with the legal responsibility to encourage Federal agencies to factor historic preservation into Federal project requirements.

As directed by NHPA, ACHP serves as the primary Federal policy advisor to the President and Congress; recommends administrative and legislative improvements for protecting the nation's heritage; advocates full consideration of historic values in Federal decisionmaking; and reviews Federal programs and policies to promote effectiveness, coordination, and consistency with national preservation policies.

[edit] ACHP activities

ACHP's 20 statutorily designated members, including the Chairman who heads the agency, address policy issues, direct program initiatives, and make recommendations regarding historic preservation to the President, Congress, and heads of other Federal agencies. Members meet four times per year to conduct business.

An Executive Committee, headed by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, governs agency operations such as management, budget, legislative policy, and oversight of the most prominent Section 106 cases. Also on the Executive Committee are ACHP members who chair three standing committees that correspond to ACHP's three program areas.

Preservation Initiatives focuses on partnerships and program initiatives such as heritage tourism to promote preservation with groups such as State and local governments, Indian tribes, and the private sector.

Communications, Education, and Outreach conveys ACHP's vision and message to constituents and the general public through public information and education programs, and a public recognition program for historic preservation achievement.

Federal Agency Programs administers the National Historic Preservation Act's Section 106 review process and works with Federal agencies to help improve how they consider historic preservation values in their programs.

A small professional staff, which supports ACHP's daily operations, is headquartered in Washington, DC, with an office in Lakewood, Colorado.