11-6-2024: Protecting State Historic Tax Credit

November 6, 2024 

Louisiana Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee 
P. O. Box 94183 
Baton Rouge, LA 70804 

Re: Protecting State Historic Tax Credit 

Dear Senator: 

Established in 1950, Louisiana Landmarks Society remains one of the oldest historic preservation organizations in Louisiana. Today, we are writing to ask for your support in preserving the Louisiana Historic Tax Credit ("LA HTC") (La. R.S. 47:6019). This program has enabled the rehabilitation and restoration of over 1,800 projects in the state thus far, created thousands of jobs, and generated an economic boost – all while preserving our rich architectural heritage. 

Annually, the organization hosts the Louisiana Landmarks Society Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation in New Orleans. Each year, we acknowledge that most of the award-winning restoration and rehabilitation projects were only made possible through a combination of State and Federal Historic Tax Credits. Private investment needs the added enhancement that these tax credits bring to enable preservation projects to be financially feasible. The preservation of our historic architecture has made New Orleans the tourism capital it is – an essential asset to the state. More importantly, this program works throughout Louisiana, preserving and enhancing our cultural landscape. 

We respectfully encourage you not to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" as you work through state tax reform. We ask you to prioritize the continuation of the LA HTC Program in the upcoming special session. 

Louisiana Landmarks Society thanks you for your assistance in preserving one of the assets that makes Louisiana so unique. 

Sincerely yours, 

 Sandra L. Stokes 
Chair of Advocacy 
Louisiana Landmarks Society