California’s historic buildings are more than landmarks—they are important resources for housing, economic development, and community revitalization. AB 1265 (Haney) renews and strengthens California’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit, helping make the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings financially feasible.
By encouraging investment in historic properties, including projects that create housing and preserve existing affordable homes, AB 1265 supports housing production, sustainability, and local economic growth. For architects, the bill creates new opportunities to transform underutilized buildings into housing, workplaces, and community assets while preserving neighborhood character and reducing environmental impacts.
AIA California is proud to co-sponsor AB 1265 alongside the California Preservation Foundation and a broad coalition of advocates. As the bill heads to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, now is the time for architects and design professionals to make their voices heard.
We encourage members to contact their State Senator and express support for AB 1265. Together, we can help expand opportunities for adaptive reuse, support housing production, strengthen local economies, and preserve California’s historic places for future generations.
How to Take Action
Sample Message to Your State Senator
Subject: Please Support AB 1265 (Haney)
Dear Senator,
As a constituent and member of the architectural profession, I am writing to respectfully urge your support for AB 1265 (Haney), which renews and strengthens California’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
Historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse projects are an important part of California’s housing, economic development, and sustainability strategies. These projects often face significant financial and regulatory challenges despite their ability to create housing, revitalize communities, preserve cultural resources, and reduce environmental impacts by reusing existing structures.
AB 1265 will help make these projects more feasible by encouraging investment in historic buildings throughout California. By supporting adaptive reuse and preservation, this legislation will create new opportunities for housing production, economic revitalization, and climate-responsive development.
As an architect, I see firsthand how historic buildings can be transformed into housing, workplaces, and community assets that continue to serve Californians for generations. AB 1265 will help unlock these opportunities while preserving the character and history that make California’s communities unique.
I respectfully ask for your support of AB 1265.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Name]
