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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: April 1, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Gabriel Elliott, Director of Community Development & Housing Department: Community Development & Housing
Subject: Resolution In Support Of The California Historic Route 66 Association And The Route 66 Centennial Year (All Wards) Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2026-032 expressing support for the California Historic Route 66 association and the Route 66 Centennial year.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager concurs in recommending adoption of Resolution.
Executive Summary
Historic Route 66 was commissioned as a U.S. Highway 66 in 1926 and is celebrating its centennial year in 2026. Route 66 travels 2,448 miles through eight states, beginning in Chicago, Illinois and ending in Santa Monica, California.
Approximately 15 miles of Historic Route 66 travel through the City of San Bernardino and, being located at the mouth of the Cajon Pass, the City is considered the Northern Gateway to the Inland Empire.
Background
The California Historic Route 66 Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the official voice of Route 66 in California, has worked closely with small businesses on promotions and in obtaining grant funding for Historic Route 66. The Association collaborated with San Bernardino County on projects such as the Route 66 Corridor Management Plan, the National Scenic Byway designation, as well as the promotion of state tourism.
Each year, thousands of travelers from across the United States and around the world visit Route 66. The City of San Bernardino is located along the Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Mormon Trail, and Historic Route 66, making the City of San Bernardino 3 2
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the true crossroads of the Inland Empire.
Discussion
The City of San Bernardino is home to three historic icons of Route 66, including the Wigwam Motel, the Mitla Café, and the California Theatre where legendary comedian, Will Rogers, gave his final performance in 1935.
Adopting a resolution expressing support for the California Historic Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Centennial year, fosters the work of the Association in the preservation and promotion of Historic Route 66 in the County.
Strategic Targets and Goals
Support of the California Historic Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Centennial year aligns with Goal No. 4a Economic Growth & Development - Develop a branding and marketing campaign.
Fiscal Impact
A resolution in support of the California Historic Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Centennial year will not impact the City’s General Fund.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2026-032 expressing support for the California Historic Route 66 association and the Route 66 Centennial year.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution No. 2026-032
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
There have been no resolutions adopted by the Mayor and City Council in support of the Centennial celebration of Route 66 and the California Historic Route 66 Association.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager