Most Washingtonians would tell you that life has been hard lately in the nation’s capital: federal workforce cuts, the National Guard deployment, the destruction of the White House East Wing, the Trumpian takeover of the Kennedy Center, and another futile season for the NFL Commanders, to name a few reasons.
But the hardest thing in DC these days by far is the ground – or more precisely what’s on the ground. The major snowstorm that beset much of the country two weeks ago, combined with near constant sub-zero temperatures, has left a solid layer of permafrost across sidewalks, roofs and just about everything else. The new substance has been dubbed “snowcrete,” and it’s making getting around the region a real chore.
Not that there isn’t some good(ish) news from DC: the second partial government shutdown of the fiscal year came and went fairly quickly last week. Last Tuesday, President Trump signed into law an appropriations package that re-opened the government after a short closure that began the weekend before. The deal provides full-year funding for the Departments of Defense, Labor, HHS, HUD, Transportation, Education, State, and Treasury. Coming after the passage of full-year bills for other departments and agencies in January, this means there won’t be any more shutdowns this fiscal year – with the possible exception of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The bill provides temporary funding for DHS through February 13, to buy time for continued negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats about restrictions on ICE immigration operations. But it’s looking doubtful that there will be a breakthrough, meaning Congress would have to pass another short-term DHS funding bill or see the Department, which includes FEMA, TSA and other functions, shut down.
Ironically, ICE itself would not have to cease operations, since it received an influx of money in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But with anger simmering over immigration and ICE’s actions in Minnesota and elsewhere, it’s not clear whether the sides can come to a détente. Getting the parties to thaw their icy relationship with one another will be about as easy as thawing snowcrete.
What’s Next for ACHP and the 800 Regs
For the CRM industry – and the entire preservation community – the developments around government shutdowns are taking a back seat to the news that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is looking to consider changes to the 800 regulations that implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
This week, the ACHP will hold its first business meeting in months. In addition to voting on the Army’s warfighting program comment, Vice Chair Travis Voyles has placed a discussion about the 800 regs onto the agenda; his goal is to “carry out a review and consider potential revisions” to the regulations “[i]n accordance with the Trump Administration’s policy to review existing environmental review regulations.”
Voyles said that the effort is intended to address “challenges that stakeholders are encountering in the use of the current Section 106 regulations,” including “lengthy and protracted reviews; confusion on addressing indirect and cumulative effects; burdensome requirements for long, linear projects; difficulty reaching agreement on routine effects to historic properties; and the unnecessary delay to critical projects that serve the American people.”
The business meeting takes place this Thursday, February 12, from 9am-12pm ET. While it is open to the public, it will not be livestreamed.
Although ACRA does not have a seat on the ACHP, ACRA staff and leadership will be in attendance on Thursday, underscoring the importance of this discussion to the CRM industry. In addition, ACRA Executive Committee and Government Relations Committee are developing an action plan and consulting with their allies in the preservation community, as well as with champions on Capitol Hill, to be prepared to address any potential changes to the regulations.
It’s too early to say with any certainty how this process will play out and what it will mean for the 800 regulations. But ACRA will be making sure that the voices of the CRM industry are heard.
If you or your firm colleagues are in the Washington area, we encourage you to attend the ACHP business meeting. Click here for more information about the meeting.
The 2026 Outlook: Join Us on February 11
In addition to the ACHP 800 regulations review, 2026 may have a lot in store for CRM in Washington.
Find out on Wednesday, February 11 at 2:00pm EST for the 2026 Washington Outlook for CRM. This webinar will explore the current legislative and regulatory environment, the outlook for the elections, and how ACRA is speaking up for the industry.
You will also learn how to make a direct impact on the issues you care about the most. From engaging policymakers to communicating your message effectively, you will come away with the skills you need for advocating for your business, your family, and your community.
The webinar is FREE for ACRA members and available to non-members for $20. Spaces are limited – register NOW to reserve your spot!
Make Your Voice Heard at Preservation Advocacy Week
With Congress beginning to exert more independence and looking to debate permitting reform and other proposals that could affect CRM, it’s more important than ever that ACRA members meet with their elected representatives.
By joining forces with Preservation Action at the 2026 National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, ACRA members can join their preservation colleagues in speaking with a unified voice on Capitol Hill. The event also features a variety of preservation and policy professionals discussing issues affecting historic preservation, exclusive local tours, networking opportunities and more.
We hope that you and other members of your firm can make plans to join us in March to make a difference for CRM. Learn more and register today here!