Council forms Tour de Murrieta ad hoc committee to explore partnerships and event growth

Murrieta — The City Council authorized an ad hoc committee for Tour de Murrieta on April 7 after organizers presented participant, spectator and lodging data that show the event draws participants from multiple states and countries and produces measurable visitor activity in the city.

Event director Ernie told council the two‑day event had nearly 700 participants this year, representation from 13 states and four countries, and survey responses indicating 69 hotel room nights were occupied in the city during race weekend among the sample. Ernie proposed small, incremental additions — such as a Friday evening event or expanded community activities — rather than an immediate multi‑day expansion.

"We had 683 participants over 2 days, about 2,000–2,500 spectators and more than 10,000 livestream views," Ernie said, and urged a balanced approach to growth that considers volunteers and neighborhood impacts. (attributed to Ernie)

Councilmembers stressed sensitivity to neighborhood traffic impacts on routes such as Hays and Ivy, and recommended an incremental, organized approach supported by clear volunteer and traffic plans. Mayor Pro Tem Holliday suggested giving the city manager discretion to pace committee activity so staff is not inundated.

Council action: The motion to establish the Tour de Murrieta ad hoc subcommittee passed unanimously, with the city manager to set meeting cadence and workload to protect staff capacity.

Next steps: Staff and the event organizer will coordinate a committee timetable and scope. The committee will evaluate partnership models, volunteer needs, lodging and business impacts, and possible incremental event additions for future years.