The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the landmark policy that requires state and local governments to evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed projects and to determine mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts. Since CEQA was signed into law in 1970 (by Governor Reagan), it has become one of the most important tools that preservationists have to protect historic resources from alteration, demolition, or development. It has also been the subject of controversy among housing and density advocates and amid efforts to rebuild in areas destroyed by recent firestorms.

This Roundtable is for you if:

• You want to learn about CEQA and its role in historic preservation.

• You are familiar with CEQA but could use a refresher.

• You want to understand current challenges to CEQA.

• You want to hear how you can navigate CEQA and use it to protect historic resources in your community.   

The Preservation Roundtable is a biannual event conceived and hosted by Preserve Orange County. Roundtables provide attendees the opportunity to connect with other preservationists from across Orange County and to learn how to advocate for historic and cultural resources in their communities. If you are not a member of Preserve Orange County, we encourage you to become one. Your support allows the organization to offer programs like this. We are grateful to our Orange host, Old Towne Preservation Association for its support in making this event possible.