In Texas, a city or a county may apply to become a Certified Local Government (CLG). To qualify as a CLG, a local government must:

1. Enforce state or local legislation that protects historic properties

2. Establish a qualified review commission composed of professional and lay members

3. Maintain a system for surveying and inventorying historic properties

4. Provide for public participation in the historic preservation process, including recommending properties to the National Register of Historic Places.

Interested local governments are encouraged to contact the CLG Coordinator at the Texas Historical Commission (THC) prior to preparing an application. Numerous steps are involved in the application process, and communicating with the THC will reduce delays for official designation.

To pursue designation, follow these steps:

1. Submit a Request for Certified Local Government Status form, which may be obtained from the THC. This form must be signed by the chief elected official of the interested local government and submitted to the THC's executive director.

2. Enclose a copy of the local preservation ordinance (municipalities) or copy of the county
   historical commission's adopted by-laws (counties). See the Sample Historic Preservation Ordinance.

3. Enclose a list of locally designated properties, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, State
   Archeological Landmarks and National Register properties. Include maps and statements of significance.

4. Enclose a resume or brief biography for each member of the review commission, board or
   committee.

5. Enclose a copy of an adopted preservation plan or a list of goals and objectives for the local preservation program.

6. Once a year, each CLG must provide an annual report to the THC. See the Sample Annual Report Outline.

For full program information, contact the CLG coordinator or call 512/463-7812.