Pacific tourism commission elects Max Orris chair, advances Route 66 events and 2026 budget planning

The Pacific Tourism Commission approved its minutes, elected Max Orris to serve as chair and spent the bulk of its meeting outlining event plans and budget timing for the 2026 season.

Commissioners said the packet shows year-to-date figures through January and that February numbers were not yet available; staff asked commissioners to submit budget additions by April 10 so the commission can review a proposed 2026 line-item budget in May. The commission also set its April meeting date for April 15 to accommodate schedules and pending special-event approvals.

Members discussed a range of Route 66–themed events. Planning for a proposed Route 66 Railroad Days in 2026 focused on coordination with rail operators, ticketing and vendor costs. Commissioners noted the Union Pacific schedule is set only months in advance and that a steam or heritage locomotive visit would need to be staged at the plaza where the train stops. A speaker who has tracked heritage runs offered to notify the committee if an appropriate Union Pacific or visiting steam locomotive is scheduled. The commission…