Responsibilities of the State Historic Preservation Officer Designated by the Mayor, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for the District of Columbia is responsible for protecting the District's unique historical, archaeological, architectural, and cultural resources. This responsibility is shared with each federal agency that administers properties or undertakes construction activities in Washington, DC. Each year the SHPO prepares an Action Plan to help the District meet its long-term historic preservation goals. The District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board, a group of private citizens appointed by the Mayor to represent professional and community viewpoints in the historic preservation process, advises the SHPO on matters relating to Section 106 review. The Historic Preservation Office serves as staff to the SHPO and the Historic Preservation Review Board.