Docomomo US/Northern California Joins National Call to Defend Section 106

Unprecedented coalition representing more than 5 million Americans in all 50 states launches national campaign to defend—and strengthen—Section 106

The loss of San José’s César Pelli–designed Sphinx illustrates the limits of local environmental and landmark-review processes when preservation alternatives are rejected—not a failure of Section 106 review. The building was demolished in 2021.

Docomomo US/Northern California is happy to join over 600 public, private, and nonprofit organizations representing five million Americans in signing an open letter to Congress, asking that Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act be protected and strengthened. Section 106 is a basic federal review process that ensures historic properties, cultural resources, and the communities affected by them are properly considered in any projects that are federally funded, licensed, or permitted.

The coalition is asking Congress to oppose any proposed regulatory, legislative, or executive measures that would undermine the process; to defend its constitutional authority regarding preservation law; and to promote evidence-based improvements that make the review process more effective without compromising meaningful public participation and preservation protections. Docomomo US/Northern California is listed among the signatory organizations.

• Read the full Open Letter to Congress.

• Learn more about the fight to save Section 106 and write to your representatives in Congress today!