The efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the unique contribution that neon signage has made to the modern urban landscape have intensified in the last decade. The innovative ideas fueling successes in other communities are replicable. The following lessons are guideposts for groups undertaking this preservation work:

• A survey of existing signs crucial to the eventual success of a neon sign preservation movement as witnessed in Tucson and Tulsa. The survey should include a methodology for introducing subsequent signs.

• An assessment utilizing objective criteria for significance and an industry expert’s analysis of the physical integrity of the signs.

• Strong leadership, usually a single champion surrounded by a dedicated and qualified support network. Examples are Dave Williams in Boston and Nick Vedros in Kansas City.

• Having a qualified local neon shop with preservation experience. A partnership of this nature has been remarkably successful between the City of Tucson and Cook and Company Signmakers.

• Cooperative relationships with Mayors, City Councils, and various Planning and Transportation Departments. The City of Vancouver has long been a pioneer in this area.

• Create vintage sign ordinances, and historic sign districts, and amend existing codes to accommodate non-conforming historic signs. SF Neon and the Tenderloin Museum have been effective in their efforts.

• Provide public and private grants and tax incentives to restore existing signs. Tulsa manages the premiere program in the United States.

• Establish public, private, and non-profit partnerships to sustain preservation goals. Randy Dixon at Relight the Night in Pocatello, Idaho is a trailblazer in this area.

• Foster relationships among the multitude of partners invested in the longevity of neon signs and the neon tube-bending craft. SF Neon hosts a two-weekend event every year, Neon Speaks, that is attended live and online by letterform and sign enthusiasts from around the world. Morry’s Neon in Denver, Colorado provides on-demand shop tours for purpose-aligned groups.

The efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the unique contribution that neon signage has made to the modern urban landscape have intensified in the last decade. The innovative ideas fueling successes in other communities are replicable. The following lessons are guideposts for groups undertaking this preservation work:

• A survey of existing signs crucial to the eventual success of a neon sign preservation movement as witnessed in Tucson and Tulsa. The survey should include a methodology for introducing subsequent signs.

• An assessment utilizing objective criteria for significance and an industry expert’s analysis of the physical integrity of the signs.

• Strong leadership, usually a single champion surrounded by a dedicated and qualified support network. Examples are Dave Williams in Boston and Nick Vedros in Kansas City.

• Having a qualified local neon shop with preservation experience. A partnership of this nature has been remarkably successful between the City of Tucson and Cook and Company Signmakers.

• Cooperative relationships with Mayors, City Councils, and various Planning and Transportation Departments. The City of Vancouver has long been a pioneer in this area.

• Create vintage sign ordinances, and historic sign districts, and amend existing codes to accommodate non-conforming historic signs. SF Neon and the Tenderloin Museum have been effective in their efforts.

• Provide public and private grants and tax incentives to restore existing signs. Tulsa manages the premiere program in the United States.

• Establish public, private, and non-profit partnerships to sustain preservation goals. Randy Dixon at Relight the Night in Pocatello, Idaho is a trailblazer in this area.

• Foster relationships among the multitude of partners invested in the longevity of neon signs and the neon tube-bending craft. SF Neon hosts a two-weekend event every year, Neon Speaks, that is attended live and online by letterform and sign enthusiasts from around the world. Morry’s Neon in Denver, Colorado provides on-demand shop tours for purpose-aligned groups.