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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.

Contents 1 Mission 2 Membership 3 Terms 4 Activities 5 Notes 6 External links

On May 31, 2002 the membership of the ACHP adopted a mission statement.

"The mission of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is to promote the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of our Nation's historic resources, and advise the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy."^[1]

Statutorily, the ACHP has a significant role under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Under that section the head of any federal agency that has direct or indirect jurisdiction over a project that may affect a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places must first report to the Advisory Council. The head of said agency is required to "take into account the affect of the undertaking" on the National Register property as well as afford the ACHP a reasonable opportunity to comment.^[2]

While Section 106 does not explicitly require that any federal agency head listen to the advice of the ACHP it is practically "awkward" to rebut their advice, especially given the statutory obligations laid out in the section that federal agencies "take into account the effect of the undertaking."^[2][3]

The council consists of twenty members from various federal agencies, local and state governments, the public and outside organizations.^[2] All but two of the members are appointed by the President of the United States.^[3] Membership, as laid out in the 1966 Historic Preservation Act includes, the council chairman, appointed by the President of the United States, who is selected from the general public. In addition the president also appoints other members including, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Architect of the Capitol, four heads of other federal agencies whose activities concern historic preservation, a state governor, a mayor, four experts from the field of historic preservation (specializing in architecture, history or archeology), three members of the general public, and one member of a Native American tribe or Native Hawaiian organization.^[3] Members of the Advisory Council not appointed by the U.S. president include, the presdent of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the Chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.^[3]

All appointees serve terms of four years as members of the council, except for the Architect of the Capitol, who is appointed only once every ten years. Mayors and governors are allowed only to serve so long as they are serving in an elected capacity as mayor or governor but no longer than four years.^[3]

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.

• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Retrieved on March 22, 2006.