Historic Preservation Plan

What is a Historic Preservation Plan?

This plan will support a citywide vision for historic preservation support and initiatives by creating tiered short- and long-term goals and action items to support the continued growth and effectiveness of the program. It will build off of Raleigh’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and work in collaboration with the goals and objectives outlined for the City. 

What Will this Plan Include?

The plan will bring together the various initiatives, programs, needs, opportunities, goals, and principles related to the preservation of Raleigh’s built environment and cultural heritage together into one comprehensive document. It will include key elements that stem from the City’s existing foundation of preservation advocacy for a more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable program moving forward, including:

• Recognize and strengthen the role historic preservation has played in shaping the city’s urban character, in creating a resilient economy, and in contributing to a high-quality experience for all Raleigh residents and visitors.
• Gain feedback and insights from the Technical Advisory Group and Community Working Group as well as several communitywide in-person and digital engagement events that will guide the plan’s priorities.
• Identify key landmarks, sites, and landscapes that are currently being preserved, should be preserved, or are at risk for being lost.
• Develop strategies for local organizations, agencies, or entities to guide decision-making and steps toward improving the preservation of historical and cultural resources of Raleigh over the next 15 to 20 years. 

The plan hopes to reflect the ever-changing needs of the community and will look to answer the questions of what we preserve, how we preserve, who preserves, and how we can tell people’s stories through place preservation.

How Can I Get Involved?

There will be a mix of online and in-person events that look to engage as many Raleigh residents as possible – as it’s highly important that everyone feels seen and reflected in the plan. See more below for anticipated engagement dates or check back on our website for project updates and announcements.

Project Timeline 

• Internal Project Kickoff (August 2026)
• Selection of Technical Advisory Group and Community Working Groups (September/October 2026)
• Background Document and Plan Research (September – October 2026)
• In-Person Engagement #1 (November 2026)
• Digital Engagement Efforts (December 2026 & March 2027)
• Draft 1 – Historic Preservation Plan (75%) (May 2027)
• In-Person Engagement #2 (May 2027)
• Draft 2 – Historic Preservation Plan (100%) (July 2027)
• Final – Historic Preservation Plan (100%) (November 2027)
• Final Historic Preservation Plan presented to and adopted by Raleigh City Council (August – November 2027)