If you’ve been around us for very long, you know one thing for sure:
The Mississippi Heritage Trust is a vocal group of card-carrying preservationists. We’re working the state to make sure that our members of Congress are clear on this issue and are equipped to convince other states to agree. We need your help.
þ Join our Advocacy Group Building support hinges on your willingness to declare that you and your organization are behind us. Members of our Advocacy Group will be listed on all collateral, enabling prospective candidates to see familiar names and feel more confident about signing on as well.
þ Write your representative. A simple postcard will do but don’t let that stop you from drafting your own appeal. As stake-holders in historic properties, you know better than anyone how the tax credit has enhanced your ability to restore these treasures. Tell that story - and be sure to talk at length about jobs created, taxes paid, auxiliary businesses (begun as a result of your property), quality of life enhancements, tourism generated, and more.
$13.7m in Federal Historic Tax Credits Imagine Downtown Jackson without the KING EDWARD HOTEL
The Mississippi Heritage Trust works to save and renew places meaningful to Mississippians and their history. MHT fulfills its mission through education, advocacy and active preservation using a range of programs and activities that reach communities throughout the state.
þ Host a member of Congress.
MHT was established in 1992 to serve
Review the list of projects in your area that have received the Federal Historic Tax Credit and invite a member of Congress to visit. This is the most convincing way to convey that preservation is a catalyst for economic development.
as a unified voice for preservation in Mississippi. MHT is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
þ Host an MHT representative. We love to present at civic organization meetings because this is exactly where we find those most interested in our mission. This service is free of charge (though donations for travel expenses are deeply appreciated).
It was raised to $120 million. For that, we express our deepest gratitude to the many advocates who shared our vision. Now, dozens of real estate investors (many from outside of Mississippi, banking on our state as a great place to invest their funding and confidence) are able to complete their projects because the financing they had counted on was secured.
þ Donate money or resources. The MHT Federal Historic Tax Credit Advocacy Campaign needs funding to support marketing efforts, travel expenses and administrative assistance. Our organizational funding, like many others, was dramatically cut in 2016, requiring that we depend on the financial support of our friends unlike ever before. If you’ve benefited from the state or federal tax credit, please carefully consider a contribution to assure the future of these programs.
þ Become a member of MHT. Investment begins at just $35/year.
Mississippi Heritage Trust led an advocacy effort during the 2016 Mississippi Legislative Session, during which our leaders decided that the Mississippi Historic Tax Credit was worth saving. Original legislation called for the program to be renewed and the aggregate cap raised from $60 million to $100 million.
MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE TRUST P.O. Box 577 • Jackson, MS 39205 (601) 354-0200 www.mississippiheritage.com www.ms10most.com www.savemyplacems.com www.listenupms.com www.lovemsmod.com
Those we’ve spoken with say they plan to pursue future preservation projects because the tax credits make them financially viable.
However, there’s one enormous problem:
The Federal Historic Tax Credit is now at risk for elimination.