Cleveland Council Opposes Changes to Federal Historic Preservation Rules
Cleveland City Council has passed an emergency resolution, filed as 954-2026, to formally oppose a proposal that could change how the federal government protects historic sites. Introduced by Council Member Polensek, the measure responds to a July 24, 2026, vote by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to advance a rewrite of regulations governing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
What's in the file
The resolution, 954-2026-FOR ADOPTION-Section 106 historicpreservation RESO, argues that the proposed federal regulatory changes would weaken the ability of local communities to have a meaningful voice in projects affecting historic places. The document outlines several specific concerns regarding the proposed rewrite:
- It would allow federal agencies to decide for themselves whether to involve the public in decisions about local historic places.
- It could weaken Tribal consultation processes.
- It may increase legal conflicts and litigation.
- It puts historic places, sacred sites, burial grounds, and local landmarks at greater risk.
The resolution characterizes historic preservation as an investment that supports tourism, job creation, and community character. To ensure the opposition is heard at the federal level, the Clerk of Council is directed to send copies of the resolution to all members of the Ohio Congressional delegation and to Kathleen Crowther, President of the Cleveland Restoration Society.
Who may be affected
The resolution identifies several Cleveland landmarks and districts that may be at risk if federal protections are weakened:
- Hope Memorial Bridge
- Gordon Square Historic District
- Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
- The Cleveland Arcade
- The old LaSalle Theatre
- East 116th Street & Buckeye Road Historic District
- Westside Market
Status and timeline
- August 14, 2026: The resolution was introduced to City Council.
- August 19, 2026: The resolution was read a third time and passed.
Because this is an emergency measure, it is designed to take effect immediately upon adoption and approval by the Mayor, provided it receives an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all elected members of Council.
Residents can verify the details of this resolution by reviewing the official record at cityofcleveland.legistar1.com.
Source record
- File
- 954-2026
- Type
- Emergency Resolution
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- August 13, 2026
Official documents
- 954-2026-FOR ADOPTION-Section 106 historicpreservation RESO
- FINAL VERSION City Record August 28, 2026 Page 16