The City of Raleigh aspires to safeguard its heritage by preserving, and designating, any property or district containing significant elements of its culture or history for the enrichment of its residents and visitors. The city therefore created the Raleigh Historic Development Commission to review proposed changes to historic district properties and landmarks through a public design review process according to RHDC's Design Guidelines. Through the design review process, Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) are issued to property owners and stewards, thereby maintaining the existing character of Raleigh's historic districts and landmarks.