The work of preservation and heritage conservation is ever-evolving. It is expanding to ensure we tell fuller stories, reach more people and communities that have been omitted or unintentionally left out of the narrative, and respond to heightened political and development pressures and larger societal needs. As preservation becomes more people-centric, the old way of doing things does not always work.

Is preservation positioned and poised to meet this current moment, or are we losing ground and need to regroup and redefine what preservation means to ensure we remain relevant? From the nationwide affordable housing crisis to YIMBY/NIMBY debates to a broadening definition of what constitutes “heritage,” there is much to do. With this challenge also comes opportunity, for preservation to step up, build upon its successful track record, and insert its voice and develop new tools to help. Now, perhaps more than ever, the work of preservation is needed. 

Adrian Scott Fine is president and CEO for the Los Angeles Conservancy, overseeing the organization’s overall leadership for the organization within the greater Los Angeles region (serving 88 cities and unincorporated L.A. County, encompassing more than 4,000 sq. miles). This includes managing teams that help set priorities and provide strategic direction to educate and build awareness, protect historic places, and develop new proactive initiatives and programs, all while working collaboratively with working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. The Los Angeles Conservancy is the largest local, nonprofit membership-based, heritage conservation organization in the U.S.