Founded in 1962, the Mobile Historic Development Commission is a department of the City of Mobile in Alabama, under the direction of an independent volunteer commission composed of representatives of various civic and public entities. The commission is responsible for overseeing the preservation interests of the City and advising the Mayor and Council on issues affecting the historic resources of the community. Besides handling the paperwork and agendas for the city s review boards, it executes research projects on buildings, conducts seminars and tours, assists with tax credit projects and provides technical expertise. In addition to setting preservation policy for the City, the Mobile Historic Development Commission undertakes several preservation activities, such as education, marking, grants, special projects and more. Its Historic Building Marker program serves as an award for excellent restoration of a historic property and as a public education tool.