Established in 2016 with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national icon and international destination, for the benefit of all Route 66 communities, travelers, and businesses/attractions, through collaborative partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research & education, and economic development. In carrying out its mission, the Road Ahead is committed to achieving the following outcomes:

Purposeful Preservation

We want to purposefully maintain and preserve as much of the authentic roadway design, original buildings, landscapes, traditions, and experiences that together make up the idiosyncratic experience that is the essence of Route 66. To help achieve this outcome, the Road Ahead has established a Preservation Working Group.

Effective Promotion

We want to promote the road and increase the number of visitors, both domestic and international, coming to Route 66, with the specific aim of increasing their length of stay and the amount of money they spend along the Route. To help achieve this outcome, the Road Ahead has established a Promotion Working Group.

Increased Prosperity

We want to act as a catalyst for community development, increasing the prosperity of the people who live along, and are connected to, Route 66 by helping sustain existing businesses and attractions, and by helping new ones develop. To help achieve this outcome, the Road Ahead has established an Economic Development Working Group.

Accurate Research and Education

We want to ensure that the history and stories associated with Route 66 are both accurate and accessible to the public, to researchers, and to educational institutions in order to enhance and encourage greater understanding of the mother road. To help achieve this outcome, the Road Ahead has established a Research and Education Working Group.

Strong National, Tribal & International Collaboration

We want to increase communication and participation among and between Route 66 stakeholders and sectors (tourism, preservation, associations, transportation, economic & community development, tribal and international groups) to leverage their work for the benefit of the entire road. To help achieve this outcome, the Road Ahead has established a State Advocacy Working Group, a Tribal Advisory Group, and an International Advisory Group.