​

Historic preservation organizations and practitioners are commonly involved in legacy business programs. At least two of the existing programs, San Francisco and Long Beach, were initiated by community preservation organizations before being turned over to the local municipality. A third, in San Antonio, was initiated and is run by that city’s historic preservation office. Legacy business programs tend to be multidisciplinary efforts where historic preservationists can play an important role. Take, for example, the San Francisco Legacy Business Program. While it is run by San Francisco’s Office of Small Business, preservation professionals from the city’s Planning Office play an active role in the program in accordance with legacy business registry policy. They advise the Office of Small Business on the initial eligibility of nominated businesses and conduct subsequent research and evaluation in support of the nomination. They provide advice and support to businesses during their application process. They continue to support and participate in any subsequent public hearings or reviews as needed. These types of historic preservation activities would be valuable and relevant to any legacy business program.