I thought it important to repost Jim McPherson’s letter about the upcoming, April 19th, meeting to decide the direction and future of the Historic Preservation Office. Here is what Jim says and asks of us:

Dear Preservation Advocate,

Last week, the Phoenix City Council requested that the city manager explore integrating the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) into the newly merged Development Services and Planning Departments. There has also been discussion about HPO perhaps merging into another department as an alternative (for example, Environmental Sustainability or Community and Economic Development).  Currently, HPO is an independent office reporting directly to the city manager’s office.

At the Monday, April 19 Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission meeting, you will have the chance to talk to two high level managers from the city manager’s office, to have input, and to help guide the future of our capital city’s historic preservation program.

• Where should HPO be situated?
• What will happen to the level of autonomy the HPO currently holds under the various scenarios?
• How should historic preservation bond (grant) funds be managed?
• Other questions or concerns you may have…

If you cannot make the April 19 meeting (logistics below), please express your views to:

• David Krietor, Deputy City Manager, david.krietor@phoenix.gov, 602-262-7957 (http://phoenix.gov/citymanager/executiveteam/kreitor.html)
• Lisa Takata, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, lisa.takata@phoenix.gov, 602-262-6941 (http://phoenix.gov/citymanager/executiveteam/takata.html)

Can you imagine a Phoenix without a strong Historic Preservation Office, Commission, and program?  Can you imagine celebrating our state’s Centennial without a vibrant history and cultural component?  With your voice NOW, the incredible strides and progress we have made to make this city a community will continue.  We can slide back; we must keep moving forward.  Please… make your voice heard, be it in person, a phone call, a short note, a lengthy tome, or something in-between.  If not you, who?

Thank you,
Jim McPherson
Vice President, Advocacy
Arizona Preservation Foundation

Meeting Details:
Future of Phoenix’s Historic Preservation Office
DATE: Monday, April 19, 2010
TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PLACE: Historic City Hall, 2nd Floor Subcommittee Room (enter on west/city side)
17 S. 2nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ