Reviving the heart of Route 66
At Route 66: The Mother Road Revival, we believe the future of this legendary highway depends on more than photo-ops or nostalgia. We exist to restore local economies, fuel creative entrepreneurship, and unite communities with vision for the next 100 years.
Who we are...
Mother road revival exists to restore the heart of Route 66 - To provide a sustainable, membership-driven model to offer real financial support and tangible results on the ground.
Empowering local businesses and neighborhoods that enhances visitor experiences AND boost economic growth.
The Mother Road Revival is a grassroots initiative focused on reviving Route 66
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Supporting local-led restoration projects
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Supporting existing and new small businesses
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Transforming overlooked spaces into creative, cultural destinations
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Building a connected platform across the Route 66 Corridor
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Bringing together new generations of travelers and creators with longtime Route 66 enthusiasts.
Many Route 66 towns face real challenges.
New signs and photo opportunities may bring attention, but deeper challenges remain:
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95% of Route 66 towns have fewer than 10,000 residents.
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Limited job opportunities and the loss of essential services make it hard to sustain communities.
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More than 80% of Route 66 travelers come from out of state or overseas, yet much of their spending benefits only a handful of tourist-heavy towns.
Though Route 66 generates over $132 million in tourism revenue each year, most smaller communities see little impact. Revenue leaks away due to limited local infrastructure and business capacity.
Across the 2,400-mile corridor, fewer than $2 million in federal grants are available annually—leaving communities competing for resources that rarely cover their needs.
Meanwhile, younger travelers (ages 18–35) increasingly seek meaningful travel experiences—looking for authenticity and connection, not just retro or kitsch appeal.
Lets take a quick look...
Why it Matters...
Reviving Route 66 can’t be top-down.
It has to come from the people:
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Local communities who keep the towns alive.
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Travelers looking for authentic connection.
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Innovators and small business owners.
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Dreamers who see Route 66 as more than a road.
What this highway still represents: Freedom. Creativity. Community.
When should I join and Why?...
Join NOW - Your membership drives revitalization
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Fund projects that bring towns back to life.
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Have a say in which projects move forward.
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Support communities that rarely see investment.
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Be part of a future-focused movement connecting travelers, creatives, and locals.
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Recieve behind the scenes access and updates.
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Exclusive "swag" and partner offers.
A movement, not just a photo-op
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Independent and member-driven: No Federal grant dependency.
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Inclusive: Overlooked towns and communities have a voice.
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Connected: Unifying platform across the 2,400 miles of the Route 66 corridor.
How are we different...
The "Heart" of our mission...
At Mother Road Revival, we're leading a movement of Route 66 revitalization. Our mission is to support local businesses and bring fresh energy to the historic Route 66 corridor.
Through our unique membership model—open to anyone who loves Route 66—we collect annual dues and invest over 70% directly back into Main Street businesses, local makers, and infrastructure projects. From roof repairs and storefront refreshes to sourcing materials for new builds and remodels, these small but essential upgrades fuel long-term economic growth in towns often bypassed by traditional funding.
Our approach blends placemaking (creating vibrant, welcoming spaces), community-driven development, and flexible micro-investment. Unlike traditional grant programs with red tape, our grassroots model puts power directly in the hands of local communities. Our goal is to create memorable destinations where Route 66 enthusiasts find experiences that surprise and delight.
We believe small towns can stay small and still offer big opportunities—for residents and travelers alike.
The Mother Road Revival is about more than memory. It's about reigniting the future of Route 66 small towns—vibrant, resilient, and built to last.
Every time I travel, I’m inspired by the heart and creativity of small towns. That’s what sparked this idea of Reviving Route 66—a way to honor the past while building new opportunities for the future. One idea, one community at a time.
— Brian Abbott, President
CONNECT WITH US
Route 66 - Reviving The Mother Road USA
info@motherroadrevival.com