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The Centennial of Route 66 Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926. In 2026, the road turns 100 - and big celebrations are already being planned! |
This page was created to keep you abreast of what’s happening within the New Mexico “State” Centennial Commission as well as any pertinent “Federal” Centennial information.
A note from Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee, President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and Board of Director for the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, as it relates to Route 66 in New Mexico:
Within the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, the Centennial Commission announced on December 28, 2022 with members appointed by President Biden, is considered the “National” Commission. In addition to this commission, each of the eight Route 66 States will form its own “State” Centennial Commission composed of members who reflect the interests, history, and importance of the communities along Route 66 in their state.
Once our state commission is established, we will obtain funds available to complete several key projects on Route 66 throughout our state. We want to make sure New Mexico Route 66 is shining for its 100th Anniversary.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is currently working to set up the New Mexico State Commission to begin working on plans to ring in this once-in-a-lifetime event! The New Mexico Route 66 Association is proud to be representing Route 66 Businesses and communities as a member of this Commission.
Below is a timeline of information to keep you up to date on the latest advancements of the New Mexico “State” Centennial Commission formation. Hopefully soon, the bill will be passed, signed into law, and gathering its members. Then it’s off to getting things ready for New Mexico to celebrate 100 years of Route 66!
February 22, 2023: We heard word this morning from the Round House (State Capitol) - the bill is being drafted.
February 13, 2023: As of today, we have not received a bill number nor any information pertaining to its current status. We are checking the New Mexico Legislator website daily. If you would like to check the website, here is a link: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Search. You can search by name: Route 66 Centennial Commission, or by sponsor: Senator, Pete Campos.
On January 6, 2023: Association President, Beasley-Lee, submitted a draft synopsis for the formation of the New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Commission to Senator Campos. In addition to the NM Route 66 Association, a portion of these members will be a representative from the NM Department of Transportation, NM Historic Preservation Agency, and the NM Route 66 Scenic Byway.
December 15, 2022: Association President Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee contacted State Senator, Pete Campos, asking if he would introduce a bill to establish the New Mexico “State” Route 66 Centennial Commission, adding “Once our commission is established, we desire to obtain funds available to complete several key projects on Route 66 throughout our state. We want to make sure New Mexico Route 66 is shining for its 100th Anniversary.”
Within the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, the Centennial Commission announced on December 28, 2022 with members appointed by President Biden, is considered the “National” Commission. In addition to this commission, each of the eight Route 66 States will form its own “State” Centennial Commission composed of members who reflect the interests, history, and importance of the communities along Route 66 in their state.
Once our state commission is established, we will obtain funds available to complete several key projects on Route 66 throughout our state. We want to make sure New Mexico Route 66 is shining for its 100th Anniversary.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is currently working to set up the New Mexico State Commission to begin working on plans to ring in this once-in-a-lifetime event! The New Mexico Route 66 Association is proud to be representing Route 66 Businesses and communities as a member of this Commission.
Below is a timeline of information to keep you up to date on the latest advancements of the New Mexico “State” Centennial Commission formation. Hopefully soon, the bill will be passed, signed into law, and gathering its members. Then it’s off to getting things ready for New Mexico to celebrate 100 years of Route 66!
February 22, 2023: We heard word this morning from the Round House (State Capitol) - the bill is being drafted.
February 13, 2023: As of today, we have not received a bill number nor any information pertaining to its current status. We are checking the New Mexico Legislator website daily. If you would like to check the website, here is a link: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Search. You can search by name: Route 66 Centennial Commission, or by sponsor: Senator, Pete Campos.
On January 6, 2023: Association President, Beasley-Lee, submitted a draft synopsis for the formation of the New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Commission to Senator Campos. In addition to the NM Route 66 Association, a portion of these members will be a representative from the NM Department of Transportation, NM Historic Preservation Agency, and the NM Route 66 Scenic Byway.
December 15, 2022: Association President Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee contacted State Senator, Pete Campos, asking if he would introduce a bill to establish the New Mexico “State” Route 66 Centennial Commission, adding “Once our commission is established, we desire to obtain funds available to complete several key projects on Route 66 throughout our state. We want to make sure New Mexico Route 66 is shining for its 100th Anniversary.”
Congratulations to Jen Paul Schroer, NM Secretary of Tourism. Jen was appointed to serve as a member to the “National” Route 66 Centennial Commission. She serves as New Mexico’s representative on the “National” Commission and will serve as Chair to the New Mexico “State” Centennial Commission.
On December 28, 2022, President Biden announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to serve as members on the Route 66 Centennial Commission:
Route 66 Centennial Commission (National)
The Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that would be fitting and proper to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road of the United States, Route 66, in 2026. The Commission shall study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to honor Route 66, including potential ceremonies and celebrations, the production and publication of media or other materials, and the issuance of commemorative items.
Jen Paul Schroer (New Mexico), Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission
Jen Paul Schroer was appointed as Secretary of Tourism by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in January 2019. Since her appointment as Tourism Secretary, Schroer spearheaded the landmark Lodgers’ Tax legislation, which brought more equity to New Mexico’s lodging industry and created more channels for local and state tax revenue. Schroer also successfully advocated for a $19.6 million budget for marketing and tourism promotion for FY23, the largest-ever amount for the agency. Schroer also guided a successful refresh of the New Mexico True brand and entry into the Los Angeles market. Prior to her appointment to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Cabinet as Tourism Secretary, Schroer served as the President & CEO of New Mexico Hospitality Association, where she led the merger of two state level trade associations and went on to pass key legislation that helped to boost tourism development for her state.
On December 28, 2022, President Biden announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to serve as members on the Route 66 Centennial Commission:
- Caroline Beteta, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - CA
- Danielle E. Blackshear, Member, Route 66 Centennial Comm - Natl Scenic Byways
- Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - IL
- Mark V. Falzone, Member, Route 66 Centennial Comm - Scenic America President
- Tim J. Gatz, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - OK
- Debbie Johnson, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - AZ
- Dale A. Oglesby, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - KS
- Rod Reid, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission - MO
- Jen Paul Schroer, Member, Route 66 Centennial Comm - New Mexico
- William M. Thomas, Member, Route 66 Centennial Comm - Rt 66 Rd Ahead Partnership
- Michael Wallis, Member, Route 66 Centennial Comm - Route 66 Alliance
- Richard Ware, Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission – TX (in Amarillo)
Route 66 Centennial Commission (National)
The Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that would be fitting and proper to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road of the United States, Route 66, in 2026. The Commission shall study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to honor Route 66, including potential ceremonies and celebrations, the production and publication of media or other materials, and the issuance of commemorative items.
Jen Paul Schroer (New Mexico), Member, Route 66 Centennial Commission
Jen Paul Schroer was appointed as Secretary of Tourism by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in January 2019. Since her appointment as Tourism Secretary, Schroer spearheaded the landmark Lodgers’ Tax legislation, which brought more equity to New Mexico’s lodging industry and created more channels for local and state tax revenue. Schroer also successfully advocated for a $19.6 million budget for marketing and tourism promotion for FY23, the largest-ever amount for the agency. Schroer also guided a successful refresh of the New Mexico True brand and entry into the Los Angeles market. Prior to her appointment to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Cabinet as Tourism Secretary, Schroer served as the President & CEO of New Mexico Hospitality Association, where she led the merger of two state level trade associations and went on to pass key legislation that helped to boost tourism development for her state.
