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URGENT: Save Phoenix's Historic Neighborhoods – Action Needed Nov. 5
Phoenix stands at a crossroads. As the fifth largest city in the nation with one of the richest collections of early- and mid-20th-century neighborhoods in the Southwest, we must decide: Will our future growth respect our past — or erase it?

W. Aaron Montaño Searles
Oct 252 min read


Introducing Arizona's Heritage Preservation Youth Council
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office is launching the Heritage Preservation Youth Council (HPYC), a student-led initiative born from the Preserve America Youth Summit that empowers grades 8-12 students to become leaders in protecting Arizona's natural, historic, and cultural resources. Applications are now open through November 7 for motivated students interested in gaining leadership skills, hands-on advocacy experience, and meaningful civic engagement opportunitie

Arianna Urban
Oct 221 min read


Webinar: State Laws Governing Cultural Resource Compliance in Arizona: Why You Should Care
If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by Arizona’s web of cultural resource laws – or unsure which rules apply when working on state, county, or city projects – this fall’s upcoming webinar series is designed for you.
Jim McPherson
Oct 143 min read


Grande Central Station Celebrates a Year of Renewal and Community Spirit
This year has been one of progress, creativity, and heartfelt community pride at Grande Central Station, Inc. (GCS). As we mark our fourth anniversary, we’re reflecting on a season filled with milestones that celebrate Casa Grande’s rich roadside history — and the people who make preservation possible.

Marge Jantz
Oct 112 min read


Discover “The Real Places of Arizona” with Architect Don Ryden
For more than five decades, Don Ryden, AIA has explored, documented, and celebrated the “Spirit of Place” that defines Arizona’s architectural and cultural identity. His engaging lectures and visual presentations – now available for Speakers Bureau programs – bring to life the stories of Arizona’s people, places, and dreams across centuries.
Jim McPherson
Oct 72 min read


Grant Possibilities to Support Globe and Miami's Post-Flood Rebuilding
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office has pulled together the following list of grants at might be useful for those affected by the flooding in Globe and Miami, Arizona from the weekend of September 27, 2025.
Jim McPherson
Oct 63 min read


Helping Historic Globe and Miami Recover After Catastrophic Flooding
The historic mining communities of Globe and Miami, Arizona, were struck by devastating flash floods on September 25-27, 2025. In less than two hours, more than two inches of rain – with some areas receiving three to four inches total – transformed quiet downtown streets into raging torrents that swept away lives, livelihoods, and irreplaceable pieces of Arizona's heritage.
Jim McPherson
Oct 14 min read


Where the Past Still Shines: "Best of Phoenix" Highlights for History Lovers
The Best of Phoenix® archives are a treasure trove of stories celebrating how the Valley preserves, interprets, and lives with its past – from neon restoration projects and archaeological discoveries to beloved home tours and haunted steakhouses. These picks show that Phoenix’s history is not static; it is interactive, walkable, eatable, and sometimes glowing in technicolor.
Jim McPherson
Sep 253 min read


Arizona’s Historic Theaters: A Legacy Worth Preserving
Across Arizona’s cities and towns, historic theaters stand as living reminders of our cultural, architectural, and community heritage.
Jim McPherson
Aug 293 min read


Preserving Kingman’s Past: Historic Water Tank Finds New Life at Local Museum
In a heartening turn for historic preservation advocates, a rare water tank — believed to be Kingman’s oldest — has been saved from demolition and will now be preserved at the Mohave Museum of History & Arts.
Jim McPherson
Aug 52 min read


Preserving Phoenix’s Historic Neighborhoods in the Era of Middle Housing
HB 2721 targets areas within one mile of Phoenix's Central Business District — an area that includes 22 of the city’s 36 historic districts, such as Willo, Encanto-Palmcroft, F.Q. Story, Coronado, and more.

Bradley Brauer
Aug 32 min read


New Phoenix Building Code Enhances Historic Preservation Protections
As part of the newly adopted 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC), effective August 1, 2025, the City of Phoenix has strengthened its approach to historic preservation.
Jim McPherson
Jul 72 min read


Historic Preservation Finds Success Amid Arizona's FY26 Budget Challenges
The recently approved Arizona Fiscal Year 2026 budget brings welcome news for historic preservation, delivering meaningful victories that deserve both celebration and careful consideration.
Jim McPherson
Jun 303 min read


Arizona's State Historic Preservation Office Faces Shutdown by August Without Emergency State Funding
The Arizona Preservation Foundation issued an urgent alert warning that the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office will cease operations by August 2025 without immediate state intervention.
Jim McPherson
Jun 124 min read


Safeguarding Tucson’s Heritage: SHPO’s Pivotal Role in Preservation
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) plays a vital role in safeguarding Tucson’s rich cultural heritage, offering critical funding, expert guidance, tax incentives, and regulatory support. Its efforts have not only preserved the city’s historic character but also spurred millions in economic investment. Through a range of strategic programs and initiatives, SHPO has helped elevate Tucson as a statewide leader in historic preservation.

Demion Clinco
Jun 94 min read


The Power of Preservation: SHPO’s Positive Footprint in Phoenix
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) serves as a cornerstone institution for historic preservation in Phoenix, providing essential funding, technical assistance, tax incentives, and regulatory oversight that has generated millions of dollars in economic investment while preserving the city's unique cultural heritage. Through multiple programs and initiatives, SHPO has positioned Phoenix as a leader in historic preservation statewide.
Jim McPherson
Jun 93 min read


Proposed Federal Budget Slashes Funding for Parks, Preservation, and Arizona’s National Heritage Areas
Arizona is home to two federally designated National Heritage Areas: (1) Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area, which celebrates and protects the region’s rich history, diverse cultures, and natural landscapes and (2) Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, which interprets and preserves key stories from Arizona’s past, including early river crossings, agriculture, and military history. Both areas stand to lose all federal funding under the Trump Administration's current pro
Jim McPherson
Jun 23 min read


Federal Preservation Funding in Crisis: Your Action is Needed Now
Our nation’s historic preservation efforts are facing an urgent, unprecedented challenge that requires a swift, united response. The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) – the backbone of federal support for state, tribal, and local preservation work – is at risk on two critical fronts: delays in current funding and deep cuts in future allocations.
Jim McPherson
May 283 min read


The Fight Isn't Over: Arizona SHPO Still Needs You
Arizona’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is about to run out of money. By August 2025, unless the state steps in, SHPO will cease operations.
Jim McPherson
May 282 min read


Mystery Castle in Phoenix Named One of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Phoenix’s Mystery Castle to its 2025 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic...
Jim McPherson
May 73 min read
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