First Route 66 Centennial stakeholder meeting scheduled for February 29

SANTA FE, NM – On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group will host its first stakeholder meeting in Tucumcari to begin the process of acquiring input and ideas from the public to consider for the state’s Route 66 Centennial strategy.

The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Tucumcari Convention Center, located at 1500 U.S. Rt. 66, Tucumcari, NM 88401. Members of the public will have the opportunity at this meeting to share their perspective and ideas related to New Mexico’s preparations to celebrate the U.S. Route 66 Centennial.

During this meeting, members of the public will be able to participate in workshop sessions focused on consumer experiences, special events, marketing and promotion, product development and infrastructure. The project ideas and strategies from these workshops will then be presented to the Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group.

The Feb. 29 meeting is the first of at least five stakeholder meetings for the purpose of obtaining input from New Mexico residents on appropriate activities and projects to honor the Route 66 Centennial.

“We are excited to learn more about all the ideas for celebrating the centennial from our Route 66 communities,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. “We welcome the opportunity to consider creative ideas and recommend projects for endorsement and funding.”

News of this meeting was highlighted by Adams during Tourism Day at the Capitol on Monday, January 22. Adams also highlighted a $2.5 million special appropriation for the Route 66 Centennial included in the FY25 Executive Budget Request. Through this special appropriation, the state will be better suited to support the promotions, projects and events that the Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group may propose.

“We have a once-in-a-century opportunity to welcome travelers to New Mexico for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial,” said Adams. “Having the funding dedicated to supporting Route 66 communities as they prepare for the centennial is critical. I look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure that we have the resources necessary to make the Route 66 Centennial a celebration that truly benefits local communities.”

For more information about this event, visit www.newmexico.org/industry .