Lincoln, Illinois Now Appoints Former Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy as Tourism Director to Boost Route 66 Efforts

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In advance of the Route 66 centennial event, the City of Lincoln made a shrewd investment to increase its stature as a top Route 66 attraction. The City of Lincoln recently hired a new tourism director, a seasoned tourism developer with a successful pedigree, most notably when he revitalized the City of Pontiac as a leading Route 66 attraction within the state of Illinois. McCoy was the architect behind placing Pontiac on the Route 66 itinerary and should spearhead Lincoln’s tourism development for the future centennial events in 2026.

Strategic Appointment to Enhance Lincoln’s Tourism

Lincoln officials are hopeful that McCoy’s expertise will propel the city into the spotlight as a destination on the historic Route 66 corridor. The route, often referred to as the “Mother Road,” has been a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. Lincoln, which is located about 40 miles north of Springfield, has the potential to capitalize on the increased attention surrounding the centennial, and McCoy’s appointment is seen as a vital step toward achieving that goal.

The Route 66 Centennial, scheduled for 2026, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the highway’s completion, and with many communities along the route preparing for the event, McCoy’s experience and leadership are seen as key to ensuring Lincoln doesn’t miss out on the increased visitor traffic expected in the coming years.

McCoy’s Proven Track Record

Scott McCoy served as mayor of Pontiac from 2005 to 2017 and was instrumental in transforming the town into one of the most recognized Route 66 tourist destinations in Illinois. Under his leadership, Pontiac saw the establishment of key Route 66 attractions, including the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as a series of murals that depict the highway’s history. These efforts attracted thousands of visitors annually, boosting the local economy and putting Pontiac on the map as a must-see location for Route 66 enthusiasts.

“We can only hope to be as successful as Pontiac, but they’ve been at it for a lot longer, so we have to start somewhere,” said Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, who expressed his optimism about McCoy’s appointment. The city is eager to learn from Pontiac’s successes while tailoring efforts to its own unique assets.

A Cost-Effective Solution

McCoy, who is being hired as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, will serve as the tourism director for Lincoln on a budget-friendly contract. His compensation is set at $45,000 per year, a sum that reflects the city’s commitment to effective tourism development while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This arrangement is part of a broader trend in local governments seeking to implement tourism strategies without the costs associated with full-time positions that come with salaries, benefits, and pensions.

“I’m excited to bring my experience to Lincoln,” McCoy said, noting that his compensation structure allows for flexibility and ensures that the tourism department can focus on maximizing its impact without draining city resources. He emphasized that his fee will be funded through the hotel/motel tax, which is earmarked specifically for tourism-related initiatives, meaning it won’t be taken from local taxpayers.

“The more visitors we attract to stay overnight, the more money they will spend in the local economy, and the more funds will go directly into tourism,” McCoy added. The hotel/motel tax is an essential revenue stream for supporting tourism efforts and creating more local jobs in the hospitality industry.

Community Support and Anticipation

The community’s response to McCoy’s appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. Local residents have expressed excitement about the direction Lincoln is heading under McCoy’s leadership. Jacob, a Lincoln resident, expressed his optimism, saying, “Having someone take a look at Lincoln, top to bottom, as far as what we have available and say ‘Here’s a plan,’ I think that would be really huge for the city.”

In addition to the general excitement, local businesses are hopeful that McCoy’s appointment will lead to increased tourism and spending in the city. With more visitors expected to travel through the area, the potential for Lincoln’s businesses to thrive has locals eager to see McCoy’s plans unfold.

Plans for Route 66 Centennial and Beyond

Although McCoy and Mayor Welch have not yet disclosed specific details about their plans for Lincoln’s tourism development, they have both emphasized that major announcements are on the horizon. The centennial celebrations in 2026 will likely include new attractions, events, and improved infrastructure aimed at making Lincoln a more attractive stop along the Route 66 corridor. This includes highlighting Lincoln’s rich history, historical landmarks, and unique Route 66-related sites.

The Route 66 Centennial celebration will also draw attention to the cities, towns, and attractions that define the highway’s legacy, making it crucial for Lincoln to stand out in the competitive tourism landscape. McCoy’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the city’s offerings are compelling enough to captivate both Route 66 enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

Future Prospects for Lincoln’s Tourism

In addition to Route 66, McCoy’s appointment could also open doors for Lincoln to expand its tourism beyond the iconic highway. With McCoy’s background in developing sustainable tourism strategies, the city could see growth in cultural tourism, heritage tourism, and even eco-tourism. Local stakeholders and tourism professionals are hopeful that McCoy’s work will lead to lasting growth in Lincoln’s tourism sector, ultimately improving the city’s economic sustainability.

With the preparations for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial underway, the future for Lincoln becoming a prominent destination on the original trail could not be brighter. The future for McCoy and the tourism efforts for the city could hardly be rosier as the preparations for the Route 66 Route’s 100-year celebration get underway.

(Sources: City of Lincoln Official Website, WICS/WRSP News, Visit Illinois)