Broadcasting from the Local First Arizona Rural Policy Forum, Birdman sits down with Nikki Terleski to explore why Arizona is at the center of the world-wide celebration of Historic Route 66's centennial.

As Director of Operations for the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, Nikki shares how Kingman has earned its reputation as the "Heart of Historic Route 66." Home to the longest drivable continuous stretch of the Mother Road in the country—nearly 158 miles from Topock to Crookton Road—Kingman welcomes visitors from around the globe beginning their Arizona Route 66 adventure.

The conversation highlights the beautifully restored Kingman Visitor Center and Route 66 Museum, the history behind the iconic Powerhouse building, and how interactive exhibits bring the story of America's most famous highway to life for visitors of all ages.

Birdman and Nikki also discuss Arizona's year-long Route 66 Centennial celebration, the significance of preserving the highway's legacy while modern infrastructure continues to evolve, and the unique ways travelers can experience the Mother Road through passports, self-guided audio tours, and scenic itineraries across northern Arizona.

Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, Route 66 history buff, or simply looking for your next Arizona adventure, this episode showcases why Historic Route 66 remains one of America's most iconic travel experiences.

#RuralBuilds #ArizonaBackroads #Route66 #HistoricRoute66 #KingmanAZ #ArizonaTravel #RoadTrip #MotherRoad #VisitArizona #Tourism #RuralArizona #Route66Centennial

RURAL BUILDS is brought to you by Birdman Media™ and supported by the following sponsors;

Please visit their sites for more information and support them when you can.

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Broadcasting from the Local First Arizona Rural Policy Forum, Birdman sits down with Ken Watkins to discuss why Kingman is becoming one of Arizona's most strategically important communities for transportation, tourism, and economic development.

Known by many as a stop along Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66, Kingman is leveraging its unique location at the crossroads of I-40 and U.S. Highway 93 to attract new industry, expand infrastructure, and welcome millions of visitors traveling through northern Arizona.

Mayor Watkins shares updates on major transportation projects, including Flying Fortress Parkway and the Beale Street Bypass, explaining how improved access will strengthen Kingman's industrial park—the largest outside Maricopa County—and create new opportunities for businesses looking to relocate from neighboring states.

The conversation also highlights Kingman's growing reputation as a premier Route 66 destination. From the city's popular Route 66 Visitor Center and Museum to the iconic Route 66 Arch, tourism continues to play a vital role in the local economy as communities celebrate the Mother Road's centennial.

If you're interested in rural economic development, transportation infrastructure, tourism, Route 66 history, or Arizona's future growth, this episode offers an inside look at how Kingman is positioning itself for the next generation of opportunity.

#RuralBuilds #KingmanAZ #Route66 #HistoricRoute66 #Arizona #EconomicDevelopment #Transportation #Infrastructure #Tourism #RuralArizona #LocalFirstArizona

RURAL BUILDS is brought to you by Birdman Media™ and supported by the following sponsors;

Please visit their sites for more information and support them when you can.

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

At the Local First Arizona Rural Policy Forum, Birdman sits down with Tori Cranford and Vance Bryce to explore how collaboration is driving economic growth across rural Arizona.

Representing the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, Tori and Vance share how Graham County has embraced a regional approach to economic development by bringing together local governments, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations to pursue grants, solve problems, and create new opportunities.

The conversation highlights the unique challenges rural communities face—from transportation and infrastructure to childcare shortages and workforce development—and why those challenges require innovative public-private partnerships instead of one-size-fits-all solutions.

Tori discusses how the DreamBuilder program is helping entrepreneurs and small business owners develop the financial skills needed to launch and sustain successful businesses, while also tackling one of rural Arizona's biggest workforce barriers: the lack of accessible childcare facilities.

Vance shares Graham County's vision for the future, including downtown revitalization, the Chamber's centennial renovation, mining heritage exhibits, tourism growth, and why investing in community assets creates long-term economic momentum.

If you're passionate about rural economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce solutions, tourism, or community leadership, this episode offers practical examples of how local collaboration can create lasting change across Arizona.

#RuralBuilds #RuralArizona #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GrahamCounty #CommunityLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ChildCare #Tourism #ArizonaBusiness #LocalFirstArizona

RURAL BUILDS is brought to you by Birdman Media™ and supported by the following sponsors;

Please visit their sites for more information and support them when you can.

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation