19th Annual Rural Policy Forum
August 5 - 7
Lee Williams High School
400 Grandview Ave.
Kingman, AZ 86401
In 2026, the Rural Policy Forum will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial by convening along the Mother Road in Kingman! Join rural and tribal economic development professionals, community leaders, business owners, nonprofits and other advocates there for this one-of-a-kind annual gathering.
At the forum, participants will explore strategies from experienced practitioners, hear success stories from across the state, strengthen professional skill sets and build relationships to expand opportunities in rural and tribal communities.
Routes to Rural Prosperity
2026 Keynote Jim Hinckley
Jim is the author of 23 books, a founding member of the Route 66 Association of Kingman, co-creator of Jim Hinckley’s America travel network and an author, humorist, content creator (including a Coffee with Jim podcast), speaker, historian, and tour development consultant. He’s traveled throughout the U.S. and to Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands to share his knowledge of the Mother Road’s history and marketing of its uniquely American experiences. Jim’s focus is on economic activation of Route 66, rooted in its history while focused on the dynamic and evolving opportunities ahead for this legendary route.
A native of the Kingman area, Jim is immortalized in a life-sized bronze statue commissioned by Kingman Main Street, dedicated during National Road Trip Day celebrations in 2022. The California Legislature Assembly honored him for his dedication to preservation of American history and he was named Citizen of the Year during Andy Devine Days in 2019.
2026 Speakers
2026 Agenda
This year, Rural Policy Forum will feature four agenda tracks:
Local Priorities for Natural Resources
Economic Boosters
Disaster Readiness & Recovery
Funding Strategies
Experts and local leaders will lead sessions, diving deep into topics such as community revitalization, workforce development, groundwater planning, disaster recovery, healthcare and funding resources.
A full agenda will be available online ahead of the forum. View the 2026 agenda.
Optional Add-On Experiences
Take your Rural Policy Forum experience beyond the conference sessions with these optional networking and community experiences inspired by the spirit of Route 66 and the energy of Kingman.
Economic Development Tour — $40
This half-day tour will feature Mohave Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and community maker space, the Kingman Airport & Industrial Park, a new commercial kitchen at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and a sampling of the history and culture that make Kingman and surrounding areas an international destination along Route 66.
This small-group experience is limited to the number of seats on the bus, so reserve your spot early.
Forum Launch Party — $35
Kick off the forum at Kingman’s iconic Arizona Route 66 Museum inside the historic Powerhouse Visitor Center. Reconnect with colleagues, expand your network and experience the classic cars, neon signs and stories that keep Route 66 alive.
Thursday Night Celebration Dinner — $40
Continue the conversation after Day 1 at Rickety Cricket Brewing, a beloved local brewery and pizzeria in downtown Kingman. Enjoy great food, local flavor and an evening exploring the businesses and community spaces shaping the future of Route 66.
The Arizona Rural Development Council (AZRDC) is Arizona’s official, federally-recognized State Rural Development Council in the National Rural Development Partnership. State Rural Development Councils are composed of the agencies and organizations that play a part in developing the rural areas of their state. As a result, federal, regional, tribal, state, and local governments, along with non-profits and for-profit sectors, all play an important role in the work of each council.
Thank you to our Rural Policy Forum Sponsors
