Kingman AZ Local News Brief Tuesday 6-23-2026

Municipal Budget and Tax Hikes
Local leaders are scheduled to formally adopt the city’s final operating budget for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This spending plan follows a recent 7-0 council vote that raised the local sales tax by 0.5% (bringing it to 3%). The tax hike, which begins September 1, will target municipal road repairs and generate an estimated $6 million each year. Hotel stays and commercial rentals will also see a 1% tax bump to secure financing for public transit and the design of the new Fire Station 25.

Route 66 Centennial and Major Closures
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Hemmings Great Race arriving this Friday, June 26. The century celebration of Route 66 will feature 140 vintage cars stopping at the Kingman Visitor Center. Motorists should expect significant roadblocks; Beale Street will close entirely between Grandview Avenue and First Street. Concurrently, the multi-month shutdown on Airway Avenue persists through September to complete crucial drainage work for the Flying Fortress Parkway.

Extreme Heat Operations
A severe weather warning grips Mohave County as summer temperatures surge. In response, public works personnel have ramped up weed abatement enforcement to lower regional wildfire risks during the dry spell. Emergency services remain on alert, though regional trail rescue calls have stayed lower than anticipated.