The Historic Conservation Board, established by ordinance in 1980, consists of nine members who are appointed by the City Manager. The Board must include at least one professional historic preservationist, one historian, one architect, one urban designer or planner, one attorney and one person engaged in the real estate or development business. At least two members must be registered architects, and at least three members must be community representatives.

• conservation of historically or architecturally significant structures, sites or districts
• combating of urban blight caused by neglect of aging buildings, sites and districts
• encouragement of investment in historic resources and strengthening the city's economy
• promotion of tourism, fostering of civic pride, and maintaining physical evidence of the city's past
• efficient use of resources in an age of scarcity
• revitalization of neighborhoods
• enhancement of the environmental and aesthetic quality of the city
• stabilization and improvement of property values
• simplification of the process by which historically or architecturally significant structures, sites and districts may be conserved and protected
• protection of the property values of individual properties within a historic district from diminution caused by the destruction of or degradation of historic features in the vicinity
• protection of public health, safety, prosperity and welfare