Early in the 1970s, preservation leaders realized that achieving their goals required substantial increases in federal support.

[2] Preservation Action proved instrumental in the passage of various laws and amendments, including the Tax Reform Act of 1976.

Such was the case with the establishment of Connecticut Preservation Action in 1979, to overturn a newly enacted law that would have crippled the state's National Register program.

[4] With improved incentives for historic preservation in the form of tax credits and other programs, the focus of urban projects shifted dramatically from demolition to rehabilitation.

Nellie Longsworth, founding member and President of Preservation Action for twenty-two years,[5] explained: "All kinds of things have been tried to stop the deterioration of downtowns.

In 2015, Preservation Action started to conduct monthly calls with statewide organizations to better connect states to the legislative efforts happening at the federal level, as well as, connecting Preservation Action the legislative efforts happening at the state and local level.

This event, usually held in March of each year, provides an opportunity for representatives from participating states to come and lobby their members of Congress.

He is responsible for the leadership of the organization, and furthering the member-driven legislative agenda in Congress through direct lobbying and/or through an active membership and national partners.