Maryland’s 448th Legislative Session began under the dome of the iconic dome of the ca. 1772 statehouse – the nation’s oldest state capitol in continuous use.
From within earshot of the same room where General Washington once resigned his commission in the Continental Army, legislators will take up thousands of pieces of legislation over the coming 90 days.
For preservationists, keeping a watchful eye on legislative actions is critical – from regulations to tax credits to appropriations – legislation has a direct and lasting impact on the heritage of the state. This is also where some of the biggest wins for preservation have been earned – from historic tax credits to heritage areas.
Broadly, in 2026, Preservation Maryland’s legislative advocacy can be divided into three principal areas of concern and attention:
- Preservation Funding & Financing
- Smarter Growth & Housing Matters
- Parks, Farms & Placemaking
Below, we’ll tackle each subject area and the issues we’ll be watching for in the next 90 days:
Preservation Funding & Financing
- Historic Revitalization Tax Credit
A perennial area of attention and concern – in this tight budget year the organization will push to retain existing funding levels and avoid further damaging cuts to the principal revitalization incentive of the state. Additionally, the organization will look for opportunities to expand tax credit financing for historic resources through other channels, appropriations, and complimentary programs.
- Preservation Procurement Policy Updates
The ability of nonprofit organizations to partner directly with state agencies on preservation projects is often hampered by outdated and restrictive procurement regulations. Developing thoughtful, transparent, and competitive procurement through nonprofit cooperative partnership agreements is a goal and will be the focus of a piece of forthcoming legislation championed by Preservation Maryland and key partners.
- Maryland Heritage Areas
Maintaining level funding for the state’s certified Heritage Areas and supporting opportunities to expand future funding remains a priority.
- Maryland Historical Trust Grant Programs
The Trust responsibly administers some of the state’s foremost preservation grant programs – capital grants, non-capital survey & research, African American heritage (in partnership with MCAAHC), and museum operating grants. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, sustaining these programs is critical as other sources are cut or eliminated entirely.
Smarter Growth & Housing Matters
- Data Center & Energy Policy
As data centers proliferate across the state they require ever greater amounts of energy and space – a reality that is confronting and impacting nearly every region of the state. Avoiding sensitive historic resources is a priority for preservationists, as is helping communities develop thoughtful land use policies which respect local interests and needs.
- Preservation Friendly Affordable Housing Policy
Preservation has a role to play in addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis. From rehabilitating older structures to appropriate infill development in existing communities, there are many opportunities for state policy to thoughtfully marry preservation with housing. As session unfolds, the organization will look for opportunities to support legislation aimed at these priorities.
Parks, Farms & Placemaking
- Program Open Space
In difficult budget years, Program Open Space is a perennial target for reductions. Given the pressure on public lands, parks, and land preservation programs, sustaining existing funding remains a priority of the organization and its allies in the Partners for Open Space.
- Agricultural Tourism Policies
Often, the legislative session includes bills aimed at expanding on-farm tourism opportunities for the state’s farmers and agricultural producers. The organization has been a consistent advocate of agricultural tourism – and the role it plays in maintaining and sustaining the profitability of preserving the cultural landscape of Maryland.
- Placemaking
Whenever possible, the organization looks to support Legislative Bond Initiatives (LBIs) and other proposals which directly invest in the state’s places and community resources. Additionally, efforts aimed at providing funding through the Department of Housing and Community Development (MDHCD) to the state’s Main Streets and Arts and Entertainment Districts is a priority area of support.
As new legislation and the governor’s budget is introduced, updates will be provided along with lists of key bills which we believe deserve the support of preservation advocates statewide.
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