Advocacy is both an area of concentration and a component of all of the Alliance’s work.

Advocacy programs and services include the following:
  • Review and comment on proposals for alteration or demolition of historic properties in Philadelphia through regular monitoring of the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
  • Appeals, when appropriate, of decisions by the Philadelphia Historical Commission or other public agencies, and support of appeals filed by community organizations in Philadelphia and adjacent counties.
  • Participation in “Section 106” reviews of federally-funded projects to ensure the protection of historic resources.
  • Advocacy on public policy issues, such as creation of new state tax incentives for historic preservation, creation of conservation districts in Philadelphia, and review of proposed changes to the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance.
  • Creation of on-line petitions and letter writing or email campaigns on critical local and state preservation issues.
  • Advice to private developers, community organizations, and individuals on the laws and procedures of historic preservation including designation of historic properties, creation of historic districts, financial resources for preservation projects, and procedures for alterations or demolition of historic properties.
  • Nominations of historic properties to the Philadelphia and National Registers of Historic Places.

Support our advocacy efforts by donating to the Advocacy & Legal Defense Fund.

Recent Advocacy Materials:

To make our advocacy work more accessible, check out links to recent reports, statements, and policy resources:

In The News

April Advocacy Update: Washington Square West Historic District Case Reopened

In late March, the Court of Common Pleas granted the Preservation Alliance’s motion to intervene in the Washington Square West Historic District appeal. As a result, the court vacated its prior decision to reverse the district designation and reopened its review of the original appeal.

Read Full Advocacy Update

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday: Raise a Flag!

Have an empty flagpole on your building? Join the Preservation Alliance and other organizations in marking our nation’s historic 250th birthday by participating in a citywide flag-raising celebration! Whether you want to raise the American flag or any flag that represents you, your community, or your heritage, everyone is welcome to join in this momentous occasion.

Learn More

April To-Do List

Explore preservation events around Philadelphia with our monthly To-Do List!

To-Do List

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