Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties in Our Nation's Central Cities

This executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize locating facilities in historic properties and districts within central cities when operationally appropriate and economically prudent. It also requires agencies to streamline regulations that impede using historic properties and to pursue partnerships with state, local, tribal, and private entities to enhance historic preservation efforts.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 26071

Key directives

Federal agencies shall give first consideration to historic properties within historic districts when locating facilities
If no suitable historic property in a district exists, consider other sites within historic districts, then historic properties outside districts
Rehabilitation/construction must be architecturally compatible with surrounding historic character
Agencies shall reform, streamline, and minimize regulations impeding use of historic districts or acquisition of historic properties
Secretary of Interior, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and all federal agencies shall seek partnerships with states, local governments, Indian tribes, and private organizations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Federal agencies must begin giving first consideration to historic properties within historic districts for new facilities

Near term (90d)

Agencies to start identifying and reforming regulatory barriers to using historic properties

Long term

Potential shift in federal facility location patterns toward central cities
Strengthened preservation partnerships with state/local/tribal entities

Risks & tensions

No enforcement mechanism or consequences for non-compliance specified
'Operationally appropriate and economically prudent' creates broad agency discretion, potentially weakening implementation
No funding mechanisms or budgetary provisions attached to mandate
Section 5 explicitly denies private right of action, limiting accountability
Potential tension with existing procurement and leasing regulations that may conflict with historic preservation goals
Vague 'encouraged' language regarding Advisory Council consultation in Section 3