Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
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Advocacy Work

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation advances the protection, understanding, and stewardship of our region’s architectural, cultural, and design heritage. Advocacy is central to our mission. Through research, policy analysis, and direct engagement with public agencies, neighborhood organizations, and community stakeholders, the Foundation works to ensure that Tucson’s historic resources are preserved and valued for future generations.

Our advocacy efforts include monitoring municipal actions, responding to proposed demolitions or alterations of historic properties, and preparing detailed research reports that inform public policy. We provide expert guidance on local, state, and federal preservation processes, and we promote best practices that support sensitive rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and long term protection of significant places.

The Foundation regularly submits formal position letters and white papers to elected officials, city departments, and regional partners. These documents present factual analysis, outline concerns, and recommend clear policy approaches. By making this work accessible, we aim to support an informed and engaged public committed to preserving Tucson’s unique heritage.

Current Advocacy Priorities

Strengthening Local Preservation Policies

We work to modernize preservation tools, improve procedural clarity, and ensure transparent review processes for public and private projects that may affect historic and archaeological resources.

Protecting Threatened Buildings

The Foundation monitors demolition requests, rezoning proposals, and capital improvement projects affecting historic properties. When necessary, we prepare research memos and public comments to encourage alternatives that retain historic character.

Advancing Equitable Preservation

We support preservation efforts across the region, including underrepresented communities and cultural landscapes that reflect Tucson’s rich and diverse history.

Expanding Recognition and Designation

We prepare or assist with local landmarking, thematic historic contexts, National Register nominations, and other documentation required for formal recognition of significant properties.

  • Arthur Brown designed Faith Lutheran Church, 1951 Bill Sears, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Archive

Policy Documents, White Papers, and Formal Positions

The following documents reflect ongoing advocacy work. They are provided to support public understanding of current issues affecting Tucson’s historic built environment.

December, 2017, Anticipatory Demolition and the Unintended Destruction of Historic Resources in Tucson

March 2018, Gaps in Required Historic Review for Portions of the Rio Nuevo and Downtown (RND) Zone

January 2019, Compliance Review of City of Tucson Demolition Procedures and Required Transmittal of Documentation

September 2022,  Review of Federally Funded Projects Affecting Historic Properties in Tucson

February 2025, Development Zone Definition, the 2002 RND Amendment, and Its Misapplication Within Tucson’s Historic Preservation Zones

May 2025, Rio Nuevo and the Public Financing of Historic Demolition

August 2025, Diminished Oversight by the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission in City Construction and Capital Improvement Projects

 

Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
Skip navigation
  • Who We Are
  • Preserving Tucson
    • Our Projects
    • Architects & Designers
    • Stories
    • Shop
    • Stay
  • What’s Happening
    • Tucson Modernism Week
  • Contact Us
  • Cart
  • Donate
info@preservetucson.org
P.O. Box 40008
Tucson, AZ 85717
© Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation 2025
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