COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio History Connection has laid off one-third of the staff at the State Historic Preservation Office following a delay in federal funding, despite congressional appropriation of the funds last October.
The cuts, totaling 12 employees, were announced last week as the agency continues to await $1.448 million from the National Park Service. The funding, drawn from the federal Historic Preservation Fund, is critical to the office’s operations and accounts for approximately 60% of its budget, according to Neil Thompson, media relations manager for the Ohio History Connection.
Executive Director and CEO Megan Wood informed staff that the office could not sustain current staffing levels without the release of these federal dollars.
“Although these funds were appropriated for the current federal fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, they have not yet been released,” Wood wrote in a memo. She noted that the agency has been working closely with the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Congressional Delegation, and its Board to advocate for timely disbursement.
The funding delay stems from ongoing instability within the National Park Service, which administers the preservation fund. The agency has faced significant staffing and budget cuts in recent years, particularly under the Trump administration, which installed Elon Musk to lead a so-called Department of Government Efficiency. In February, the Park Service laid off 1,000 probationary employees, accepted 700 buyouts, and plans to eliminate another 1,500 positions — moves that observers say have severely disrupted the agency’s functions.
The State Historic Preservation Office plays a vital role in reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, managing historic preservation tax incentives, and maintaining records of Ohio’s historic sites and structures. These responsibilities are mandated under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which Congress passed to safeguard the nation’s heritage amid rapid urban development and federally funded demolition projects.
While ultimate authority over the National Register rests with the U.S. Department of the Interior, state offices such as Ohio’s are tasked with evaluating whether properties meet criteria based on age, historical relevance, and architectural integrity.
Public support for preservation remains strong. A 2014 survey by UCLA found that 88% of respondents consider historic places to be valuable community assets, and 83% believe preservation is an important priority.
Despite the staff reductions, the Ohio History Connection affirms that legal obligations will continue to be met. “We remain responsible for fulfilling our federally mandated duties, including administration of the National Register of Historic Places, the Federal Historic Tax Credit program, and compliance reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act,” said Wood.
She acknowledged the coming months would be challenging, with likely delays in processing, but emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to preserving Ohio’s cultural and historical legacy.
The National Park Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
