Landmarks Illinois Honors Innovators in Preservation Amid Federal Funding Cuts
Event summary
- Landmarks Illinois hosts its annual Preservation Forward fundraiser on March 12, 2026, at The Old Post Office in Chicago.
- Event honors three Influencers: BMO Bank N.A., Sunny Fischer of National Public Housing Museum, and Route History Museum leaders for innovative preservation strategies.
- Funds raised support free advocacy services and grant programs aiding hundreds of community-led preservation projects annually.
- The event includes a paddle raise, raffle, and access to restored spaces within The Old Post Office.
The big picture
Landmarks Illinois' event highlights the growing need for private-sector innovation in preservation as federal funding declines. The honorees demonstrate how adaptive reuse and community-led initiatives can drive economic stability and social equity, positioning preservation as a critical tool for urban revitalization.
What we're watching
- Funding Innovation
- How BMO Bank and Route History Museum's creative funding strategies will influence future preservation projects.
- Community Impact
- Whether the National Public Housing Museum model can be replicated in other urban areas.
- Federal Policy
- The pace at which federal funding cuts will force nonprofits to rely more on private partnerships.