Created in 1980 through amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act, the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program forms a partnership among participating local governments, the State Office of Historic Preservation, and the National Park Service.

Jurisdictions designated as Certified Local Governments are eligible for state and federal grants to support efforts such as preservation plans, historic resources surveys, and preservation education and outreach programs.

CLGs also receive valuable technical assistance from the State Office of Historic Preservation and have a specific role in the review of local sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

A jurisdiction’s status as a CLG indicates both a high degree of protection for historic resources and a strong commitment by local government to continue improving its preservation programs.

To qualify as a Certified Local Government, a jurisdiction must demonstrate to the State Office of Historic Preservation that it has several aspects of a strong preservation program in place, including:

• A historic preservation ordinance allowing for the designation of local resources
• An established Historic Preservation Commission
• A regularly updated survey of historic resources

As of late 2013, only eleven cities within Los Angeles County were Certified Local Governments: Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Pomona, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, and West Hollywood. Beverly Hills had submitted an application for CLG status and was awaiting official recognition.