Historic Preservation Review Board Chris Morrison Confirmation Resolution of 2025
Summary
PR260407 is a Council resolution confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Chris Morrison, a Ward 2 resident and licensed architect, to the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board. The appointment is to fill a vacant architect seat formerly held by Patrick Williams for the remainder of an unexpired term ending July 21, 2028. The resolution also directs transmittal of the adopted measure to the nominee and the Mayor and takes effect immediately upon adoption.
The bill does not create new regulatory requirements or alter substantive preservation law. Instead, it implements existing appointment authority under the District’s Confirmation Act and the Historic Landmark and Historic Protection Act by placing a new member on the board that reviews historic preservation matters, including projects affecting historic landmarks and districts. Because the appointee is specifically designated as the architect member, the resolution affects the composition and professional expertise of the board rather than the underlying standards it applies.
Impact
The resolution changes District governance by confirming one member to the Historic Preservation Review Board, a body established under Mayor’s Order 83-119 and governed by the Historic Landmark and Historic Protection Act. Its practical effect is to fill an architect vacancy on the board, ensuring continued operation with the required professional representation. It does not amend the D.C. Code or impose obligations on residents or property owners, but it may influence future preservation decisions through the board’s membership and expertise.
Sentiment
The available record suggests broad support and little controversy. The Mayor forwarded the nomination with a request for the Council’s earliest consideration, the Office of the General Counsel found the resolution legally unobjectionable, and the Council approved the measure on final reading by a unanimous 12-0 vote. The overall tone is routine and affirmative, consistent with a standard confirmation of a qualified professional to a specialized advisory/regulatory board.
Contention
No committee debate or recorded opposition is included in the materials, and the final vote was unanimous, indicating no notable substantive contention. The only potentially relevant issue is the selection of the individual to fill the architect seat on the Historic Preservation Review Board, but the record provided does not show any dispute over Morrison’s qualifications, the vacancy, or the board’s role. The confirmation appears to have been treated as a routine personnel matter rather than a policy fight.
Revised for 1st substitute: Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium operating appropriations and 2023-2025 fiscal biennium second supplemental operating appropriations.
Revised for 1st substitute: Making 2025-2027 fiscal biennium operating appropriations and 2023-2025 fiscal biennium second supplemental operating appropriations.