In 2006, led by Council Members Jessica Lappin, Tony Avella and Diana Reyna, the City Council increased the budget of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) by $250,000 for the fiscal year. Consequently, the LPC was able to hire five new staff dedicated to survey, research and designation.

In 2007, in an effort led by Council Member Lappin, the City Council renewed the funding and increased it to $300,000, thereby enabling the LPC to keep the 5 additional staff and continue the level of designation work necessary in today's building boom. During the past two years, a remarkable difference in the LPC's designation activity has been seen as a result of this increased funding and staffing. Last year alone, the LPC designated 26 individual landmarks and 4 historic districts and have plans to protect many more.

Unfortunately, the LPC's increased funding is at risk of not being renewed this year for the Fiscal Year 2009. MAS has joined preservationists throughout the city to urge the City Council to renew the $300,000 funding so that the LPC can keep those five staff members and continue to effectively carry out its mandate of preserving the city's heritage.