Workshop: Economics of Historic Preservation

While the aesthetic, cultural, and social significance of historic preservation remains vital, its powerful economic impact has become increasingly recognized. This workshop will explore how historic preservation serves as an effective economic development strategy, particularly for Main Street communities. We'll delve into recent research demonstrating the tangible benefits of preservation, including:

• Economic Impact: Discover how historic buildings are preferred locations for start-ups and businesses in the knowledge and creative industries, often leading to higher property appreciation rates in historic neighborhoods. We'll also examine the significant job creation potential of preservation projects due to their labor-intensive nature.
• Main Street Success: Learn how historic preservation is a cornerstone of successful Main Street programs, supported by data like the 10-year study of Main Street Alabama. We'll explore how preservation revitalizes downtowns and attracts investment.
• Advocacy Best Practices: Main Street leaders are uniquely positioned to advocate for preservation tools that rebuild communities. This session will cover best practices for effective advocacy, from broad-based support campaigns to targeted policy initiatives.
• Federal Historic Tax Credit Deep Dive: We'll take a close look at the federal historic tax credit, a crucial tool for preservation projects, and discuss potential improvements to maximize its benefits for Main Street.

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