Community Preservation and Certified Local Government (CLG) Program

Montana's historic communities are as diverse as the Big Sky country. Most community histories intertwine Native American traditions, frontier adventure, resource development, railroad empire-building, and agricultural settlement to form a tapestry of local culture and heritage. These strands of history stretch from buffalo days to the present; the experiences of first peoples, missionaries, miners, traders, homesteaders, loggers, and ranchers are each a part of the experience that is Montana.

From these historical beginnings grew downtowns and neighborhoods that now form the core of our communities. At Montana State Historic Preservation Office, we help people from every corner of our state to build upon their roots, preserve their legacy, and keep their communities vibrant. Our Community Preservation program lends a hand to those working to maintain Montana's historic character in small-towns, urban centers, and residential neighborhoods, and rural landscapes.
 
Montana's Community Preservation program, also known as the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, is a time-tested means of preserving communities. The program is based upon an appreciation of the community's historic patterns, architectural styles, influential architects and builders, significant people and events, and historic and prehistoric archeology.

In partnership with the National Park Service under the National Historic Preservation Act, we certify local governments with historic preservation programs, provide technical preservation assistance, and annually dedicate 10% of our federal funding to cities, towns, and counties that commit themselves to preserving their heritage under the program. Each receives $1,000 to $5,000, depending on their level of activity and the federal allocation, to spend in ways that best assist their community's local preservation needs.

For more information about the Certified Local Government program or to pursue certification for your community, please visit the National Park Service CLG homepage.