In order to thrive as a “Movement of Yes,” we need to first reckon with why we’re perceived as the opposite—sometimes accurately, sometimes not—and why our success in promoting a competing narrative has been limited. After all, we know that historic preservation done right fosters a sense of place and revives community at every level, from a few city blocks to the entire country. At its best, our movement shepherds places gracefully—honoring their past, animating their present, and securing their future—for a communal benefit. And the maintenance of place and community does not happen on its own or by chance. Every day, preservationists say “yes” to this important work. To win over our audience, those are the stories we need to tell.

Table of Contents

• Introduction.
• How Preservation Law Lays the Groundwork for a “Movement of Yes” by Will Cook
• The Tao of Urban Rejuvenation: Lessons from Lowertown by Weiming Lu
• The Four Point Refresh: Improving on Main Street’s Successful Model by Hannah White
• Strengthening the Connection: Community Development and Historic Preservation by Justin Gunther
• Getting Away From “No”: Straight Talk to Local Advocates by Joyce Barrett
• Looking (and Getting) Past Crisis Moments in Preservation by Margaret O’Neal
• How State Historic Preservation Offices Say “Yes” by Erik Hein
• From Regulation to Community Action: The Expanding Role of Preservation Commissions by Esther Hall

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