Mayors Endorse CAPP Act: Supporters Prepare for Summer Advocacy

By National Trust Staff | From Forum Bulletin | June 29, 2012 |

Recognizing that the historic rehabilitation tax credit is a “government program that more than pays for itself,” the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution at its annual meeting two weeks ago in support of the Creating American Prosperity through Preservation, or the CAPP Act. In its resolution, the conference noted that while the credit has cost the government $19.2 billion, its investment has generated $24.4 billion in federal taxes from the projects facilitated by the credits. The conference resolved to support the CAPP Act “because of the well documented economic and job benefits to the nation’s cities.”

As congressional members head home in August, preservationists can be prepared to make an argument as persuasive as the mayors have. The National Trust and the Historic Tax Credit Coalition are utilizing a new web-based mapping tool that provides spatial analysis on tax credit projects across the country. Investment numbers and job creation figures and also included for many maps.

Visit the website to view maps and lists of federal historic tax credit projects organized by state. Using data from the National Park Service, the maps show tax credit projects that have received Part 3 certifications between 2001 and 2011.  For example users can select a state from the drop-down menu. and, if materials are available, download a list of all projects in that state and view a map showing the location of each project. Additionally, maps for various cities and congressional districts are available for download.

The National Trust is working to expand the number of maps and project lists available and will be adding new content as it is produced. If there are no materials available for a certain state or district, an interactive map of federal historic tax credit projects shows activity across the country.

The CAPP Act was introduced by Representatives Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) in the House (H.R. 2479), and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) in the Senate (S. 2074). The CAPP Act would greatly enhance the historic tax credit’s impact on local economies. To date, the bill has 28 co-sponsors in the House, not including the two original cosponsors.

“These maps will transform our ability to advocate for the protection and enhancement of the historic tax credit. Preservation advocates can now take maps to their Representatives and Senators that show the places and economic impacts of the historic tax credit,” notes Tom Cassidy, National Trust vice president for Government Relations and Policy. “They are an invaluable tool and we look forward to continuing our work to expand the number of maps available.”

The summer recess is an ideal time to visit district offices to talk about the importance of the historic tax credit. To help advocates make their case, the National Trust will host a webinar for Forum members on Tuesday, July 31, with up-to-the-minute updates on the CAPP Act specifically and tax legislation generally. Talking points and lobby tips will also be shared. Look for more information on the webinar in an upcoming bulletin.