Peachtree Group Awarded Developer of the Year by Hilton

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ATLANTA (April 24, 2024) – Peachtree Group today announced that it has been recognized by Hilton as the 2023 Developer of the Year in the Focused Service category. The Hilton Americas Development Awards recognize the achievements of owners, development partners and hotel teams in the Americas across several categories.

“We are immensely honored to have been named Developer of the Year by Hilton, a distinction that underscores our desire to build outstanding hotels,” said Mitul Patel, principal, Peachtree Group. “This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional hotels and further strengthens our partnership with Hilton. This award is a testament to our strategic approach to hotel development, which combines identifying great locations, assembling a top-tier team and maintaining a steadfast focus on quality.”

In 2022, Peachtree Group received the Multi-Brand Developer of the Year from Hilton.

These annual awards celebrate the resiliency and commitment of Hilton’s owners and team members who spread the light and warmth of hospitality. For more information about Hilton, visit the company’s newsroom at stories.hilton.com.

About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.

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AHLA: DOL overtime rule will hurt hotels and limit employee opportunities

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WASHINGTON (April 23, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement today after the Department of Labor (DOL) released its final overtime rule to raise the minimum salary threshold under which all employees must be paid overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a week.

“This rule is part of a growing list of aggressive federal regulatory efforts that are making it even harder for hoteliers to operate their businesses in this challenging environment. The impacts of this regulation will risk the elimination of jobs and make it more difficult for employees to pursue the existing pathways to success and career growth that the industry offers,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “We fear many hoteliers will have no option other than to eliminate managerial jobs that are long-established paths to advancement. AHLA is reviewing all available options, including litigation, for defeating this ill-advised regulation.”

Background

DOL’s overtime rule would increase the salary threshold for employees to qualify as salaried executive, administrative, and professional employees who are exempt from overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The rule is part of a wave of recent federal efforts making it harder for hoteliers to do business that also includes regulations to determine joint-employment and workers’ independent-contractor status.

Under the new overtime rule, the salary threshold will be increased from the current $35,568 to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and then to $58,656 on January 1, 2025. The first increase is based on the department’s current methodology for setting the threshold, while the second increase uses the department’s new methodology of setting the threshold to the 35th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage Census region.

This rule comes after DOL increased the minimum salary threshold by more than 50% to $35,568 just four years ago.

AHLA is leading coalition efforts with the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity, a business coalition that opposes the DOL rule, and in March AHLA led an industry letter to Congress in support of legislation that would overturn the rule.

 

About AHLA

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

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U.S. Hotel Development Kicks off Q1 2024 with Growth and Record-Highs

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April 24, 2024 – PORTSMOUTH, NH

As seen in the Q1 2024 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), at the end of the first quarter, there are 6,065 projects with 702,990 rooms in the pipeline. This new all-time high represents a 9% year-over-year (YOY) increase in projects and a 7% YOY increase in rooms compared to last year.

The details can be seen directly within the stages of the pipeline, which all saw YOY growth in Q1. Presently, there are 1,144 projects comprising 141,336 rooms under construction, marking a 9% increase in projects and a 1% increase in rooms YOY. Projects slated to start construction in the next 12 months total 2,259 projects with 260,968 rooms, reflecting a 10% rise in projects and an 8% increase in rooms YOY. Notably, both projects and room counts in the early planning stage increased by 9% YOY, reaching record-high figures of 2,662 projects and 300,686 rooms, respectively. Of all the projects in the pipeline, a little over half of them are concentrated within the upscale, upper-midscale, and midscale chain scales. In Q1, the upper midscale and midscale segments hit record-high project and room counts. The luxury chain scale also reached a record-high project total in Q1.

The latest data from LE also highlights the dominance of extended-stay brands in the pipeline at Q1, a segment that developers have increasingly favored in recent years. These brands now account for 37% of the total projects under construction, 41% of projects scheduled to begin within the next 12 months, and 39% of projects in the early planning stage. Sixty-three percent of the extended stay projects in the pipeline are branded with brands within the middle tier extended stay segment.

Renovation and brand conversion activities in the U.S. have also seen significant growth, reaching record-high combined totals of 2,041 projects and 266,405 rooms. Brand conversions, in particular, have hit a new record-high of 1,235 projects with 114,680 rooms, growing 14% by projects YOY, while announced renovations at Q1 stand at 806 projects and 151,725 rooms. LE analysts anticipate this robust conversion and renovation activity to continue throughout 2024.

In terms of new hotel openings, the first quarter saw the opening of 114 new hotels with 15,506 rooms in the U.S. Over half of these opens, 72 hotels/8,269 rooms, were in suburban locations, and 60 hotels/10,036 rooms (or 53%/65%) of newly opened hotels were located within the top 50 markets. With a record number of projects in early planning and an increasing number of projects scheduled to start in the next 12 months, LE analysts project modest growth in new hotel openings through 2024. The LE forecast for the remainder of 2024 includes the opening of another 547 projects with 60,483 rooms, totaling 661 new hotels with 75,989 rooms and representing a 1.3% increase in new hotel supply by year-end. Looking ahead to 2025, LE analysts anticipate an additional 790 new hotels with 85,561 rooms to open in the U.S., resulting in a 1.5% supply increase.

To view other recent media releases from LE, visit our Global Insights page.

About Lodging Econometrics (LE):
For over 25 years, Lodging Econometrics (LE) has been the industry-leading provider of global hotel intelligence and decision-maker contact information. LE custom-builds business development database programs for hotel franchise companies looking to accelerate their brand growth, hotel ownership and management companies seeking to expand their real estate portfolios, and lodging industry vendors wanting to increase their sales. To learn more about our business development programs contact us: +1 603.431.8740, ext 0025 or info@lodgingeconometrics.com.

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Red Roof Names Zack Gharib as President

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Promotes Red Roof Executive Fouad Malouf to the Newly Created Position of Chief Operating Officer

Zack Gharib, Red Roof President

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Red Roof®, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, has named hotel industry veteran Zack Gharib as President, effective immediately.

Gharib brings more than two decades of senior management experience in franchising, operations and brand management with companies such as Marriott, Vacasa, LaQuinta by Wyndham and Highgate Homes. He is widely regarded as a hospitality management innovator, having created and launched award-winning development, strategic planning and franchise operations programs over more than two decades of industry leadership.  He joins Red Roof as the company accelerates its growth towards 700 hotels across the U.S., and renews its focus on expanded and deepened franchise relationships.

Red Roof also announced the promotion of Fouad Malouf to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Malouf will support Gharib by overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, as the company doubles down on the unique culture of service and execution that has made Red Roof the preferred franchise partner for hotel owners across the industry. Having joined the company in 1982, Malouf brings more than four decades of continuous and increasing management responsibility to his new role. He most recently served as Senior Vice President for Franchise Operations.

Mohamed Thowfeek, Member of the Red Roof Board of Directors and Red Roof Interim President, said, “We are happy to welcome Zack Gharib as Red Roof’s new President, an appointment that we are confident will take the brand and its franchise partners to new heights. Zack brings a laser focus on growth and operations excellence to his new role, and has demonstrated his ability to deliver transformative results for some of the most widely regarded brands in the hotel industry.” He concluded, “We look forward to Zack’s immediate positive impact on Red Roof and its franchisees, and also congratulate Fouad Malouf on his promotion to Chief Operating Officer. Fouad brings unmatched knowledge and experience with the Red Roof brand and franchise community, and will work closely with Zack to accelerate the company’s growth and franchising excellence in the months ahead.”

Zack Gharib said, “I am deeply honored and excited to be joining Red Roof as its President at this dynamic and promising moment in the company’s development.”  He continued, “I am passionate about helping owners, franchisees and team members achieve their fullest potential, deliver exceptional guest service, and achieve operational excellence – which I hope will be instrumental in driving Red Roof’s continued growth and success. I look forward to developing a program of focused action and results that will help drive this venerable brand’s growth and transformation for many years to come.”

Gharib is relocating to Columbus, Ohio and will operate out of Red Roof’s corporate headquarters there.

About Red Roof

Red Roof is an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, recognized for creating the innovative Upscale Economy® segment, serving millions of guests each year. Red Roof’s portfolio of brands includes Red Roof Inn® and Red Roof PLUS+®, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof®, The Red Collection®, and Red Roof’s dual-branded properties. Red Roof has over 60,000 rooms in nearly 700 properties in the U.S. and internationally in Japan. For more information, visit redroof.com or download Red Roof’s free app for iOS and Android devices. To learn about franchising opportunities, visit redrooffranchising.com.

Red Roof’s Vision: To provide the best experience and value in the lodging industry for our guests, owners, team members, partners, and communities.

SOURCE Red Roof

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4.23 Embassy Suites Turns 40!

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Embassy Suites will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, but it’s not relying on the past. Undergoing a dynamic transformation we have Bonnie Campagnuolo to talk about new design innovations, exciting renovations, and the future outlook.

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Designing Wynn Resorts Around The World! Las Vegas! Middle East! NYC?

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We’re at Wynn Studios in Las Vegas with Todd-Avery Lenahan, President and Chief Creative Officer with Wynn Resorts discussing the secrets of building the company’s different projects such as the $3.9 billion under construction Wynn Al Marjam in UAE and the potential $12 billion NYC property.

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stayAPT Suites & Powerhouse Hotels Forge Partnership to Expand Presence with 30 New Locations

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Six Locations to Break Ground in 2024

MATTHEWS, N.C., April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — stayAPT Suites, the innovative apartment-style hotel brand, is pleased to announce a significant expansion initiative in partnership with Powerhouse Hotels, a joint venture between JCap Realty Group and Cullinan Holdings. This collaboration involves signing a multi-unit development agreement, adding 30 new locations to stayAPT Suites’ portfolio, and expanding the brand footprint to 25 states over the next five years, with six locations that will break ground in 2024.

The strategic alliance between stayAPT Suites and Powerhouse Hotels underscores confidence in the brand’s unique concept of apartment-style accommodations, prioritizing travelers’ comfort, convenience, and value. With 22 operational hotels and a projected total of 40 by the end of 2024, stayAPT Suites is rapidly establishing itself as a premier choice for modern travelers and an attractive franchise opportunity for investors.

Industry veteran Gary A. DeLapp, President & CEO of stayAPT Suites, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with Powerhouse Hotels to expand the reach of stayAPT Suites. This multi-unit development agreement marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy and demonstrates the appeal of our unique apartment-style concept to guests, investors and the franchise community.

Brian Johnson, Managing Partner of Powerhouse Hotels, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to partner with stayAPT Suites in this endeavor. The innovative approach of stayAPT Suites, a unique hybrid between multi-family and hotel, aligns perfectly with our vision for investing in hospitality.”

With a focus on new construction, flexible prototype sizes, and a commitment to maintaining a uniform standard across properties, stayAPT Suites stands out in a crowded market. Leading with an owner mindset and boasting corporate-owned and franchise-owned properties, the brand’s highly efficient labor model further enhances operational efficiency.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, stayAPT Suites remains at the forefront, continually setting new standards of excellence. With its broad customer reach, resilient business model, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, stayAPT Suites transcends the traditional concept of extended stay lodging, offering a place to stay and an experience with the conveniences of home.

About stayAPT Suites

stayAPT Suites entered the long-term lodging market with an announcement of its new hotel concept in January 2020. The brand, which will have 40+ hotels open by the end of 2024, offers guests an experience not yet seen in its category. The room layout for each 500+ square-foot suite was intentionally designed to feel residential, with a dedicated living room, a full kitchen, and a separate bedroom. With strong corporate financial backing and an experienced executive team in place, the Matthews, North Carolina-based chain is committed to building a portfolio of corporate-owned hotels, in addition to franchising. Learn more at www.stayAPT.com.

About Powerhouse Hotels

Powerhouse Hotels, a pioneering force in hospitality investment, was born from the visionary collaboration between JCap Realty Group and Cullinan Holdings in 2024. With a commitment to introducing innovation in the hospitality sector, Powerhouse Hotels focuses on identifying and nurturing unique ventures that promise exceptional returns and guest experiences. Embracing a dynamic investment approach, Powerhouse Hotels seeks to cultivate a portfolio of distinctive properties that resonate with modern travelers.

SOURCE stayAPT Suites

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hihotels by Hospitality International Continues Expansion with Eight New Properties

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Company adds Master Hosts Inns near JFK Airport New York and new construction Scottish Inns in Texas

(ATLANTA, April 22, 2024) – hihotels by Hospitality International, a recognized leader in franchising conversion and new-build hotels for economy lodging, expands its family of brands by signing eight new properties in five states.

“We’re excited to continue adding quality owners and properties in key locations throughout the country as our system expands,” said Chris Guimbellot, President and CEO, hihotels. The eight new properties include:

  • •  Master Hosts Inns – Airport Plaza Hotel, Jamaica, NY, 61 rooms, former OYO
  • •  Scottish Inns – Eastex Freeway North, Houston, TX, 29 rooms, new construction
  • •  Scottish Inns, Decatur, TX, 45 rooms, former Best Western
  • •  Scottish Inns, Middletown, PA, 25 rooms, former Rodeway Inn
  • •  Scottish Inns & Suites, Shenandoah/Woodland TX, 39 rooms, former OYO
  • •  Red Carpet Inn, Dumfries, VA, 45 rooms, former Econo Lodge
  • •  Red Carpet Inn, Garfield Heights, OH, 40 rooms, former El Dorado Motel
  • •  Red Carpet Inn & Suites, Philadelphia, PA, 98 rooms, former Motel 6

Thanks to its unique franchising model that delivers customized support, advanced technology, and overall value, hihotels continues attracting more and more hoteliers to its five featured brands.

Guimbellot went on to say, “Our mission is simple: help hoteliers maximize local-market revenue and overall brand value by offering all the resources of a legacy franchise while supporting their independent mindsets to operate their properties as they see fit.”

For more information about franchising with hihotels, visit hifranchise.com, call 800-892-8405, or email sales@hifranchise.com.

About Hospitality International, Inc.

Since 1982, hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. has offered inexpensive franchising alternatives for hotel owners and developers with five distinct economy brands—Scottish Inns, Red Carpet Inn, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns, and Passport Inn. hihotels offers franchisees a choice of franchise opportunities to best suit their particular market, geographic area and personal business needs, as well as customized support, advanced technology, and overall value.

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Hilton Announces Dynamic Executive Leadership Team at Waldorf Astoria New York

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Managing Director Luigi Romaniello and Executive Director of Sales Jasmin Howanietz prepare to usher in a new era at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property

NEW YORK – (April 18, 2024) –  Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is delighted to announce a distinguished lineup of luxury hospitality executives joining the 375-room Waldorf Astoria New York, which is expected to reopen its doors later this year following an extensive, multi-year restoration. Leading the team is managing director Luigi Romaniello, and returning to the hotel in a new capacity is executive director of sales Jasmin Howanietz. Romaniello and Howanietz together bring decades worth of expertise to their roles, along with a unique understanding of the luxury landscape.

Managing Director Luigi Romaniello

Romaniello’s illustrious 30-plus year career includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels worldwide, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills in openings, renovations, repositioning and concept development, with a focus on delivering a world-class guest experience. In his new position, Romaniello plays a pivotal role in redefining the next era of Waldorf Astoria New York, further delivering on Conrad Hilton’s vision of this hotel as the “greatest of them all.” In addition to driving plans for the property’s reopening, he is responsible for all aspects of operations for

both the hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York, and Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, the hotel’s newly introduced residences. Romaniello will deliver on the brand’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and extraordinary service to guests from around the world and across New York City.

Most recently, he served as managing director at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York City. Prior to this position, he spent more than 20 years with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he led the openings of Rosewood Baha Mar and Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel as managing director.

Originally from Rome, Romaniello has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurants Management from the University of Houston, and is fluent in Italian and English.

Executive Director of Sales Jasmin Howanietz

With 25 years of sales experience in the hospitality sector, Howanietz has returned to

Waldorf Astoria New York after dedicating more than a decade of her career to commercial leadership positions at the hotel, including director of sales and marketing, director of sales, and director of diplomatic affairs. In her new position at the landmark hotel, Howanietz plays an instrumental role in driving the commercial strategy to establish the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury in Manhattan, further positioning the Waldorf Astoria brand as a global blueprint in top-notch hospitality. 

Howanietz oversees all sales endeavors for the luxury group, leisure and business travel segments, along with New York City’s premier social events. She works closely with the sales and marketing team for Waldorf Astoria Residences New York and is focused on providing exceptional experiences for all guests.

Howanietz holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel-Restaurant/Institutional Management from Johnson & Wales University and she attended the Hotel Management School of Salzburg in Austria. She is fluent in English, German and Spanish.

With Romaniello at the helm, Waldorf Astoria New York is poised for its next chapter of excellence, further solidifying its status as a global beacon of luxury hospitality. In addition to Howanietz, the executive team includes:

A beacon of timeless glamour and luxury for more than a century, Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City. Following an extensive restoration, Waldorf Astoria New York will launch a new era for the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand and for luxury hospitality in New York City, positioning the hotel as one of the most anticipated hotel re-openings the city has ever witnessed. The 375-room hotel will feature some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites, more than 43,000 square feet of unparalleled event space totaling 17 hosting spaces, and one of the largest spas in New York City – spanning more than 30,000 square feet. Inspired by the hotel’s classic grandeur, designer Pierre-Yves Rochon set out to balance modern comfort with Art Deco opulence – blending the old and the new, the European and the American. Honoring Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to culinary excellence, the timeless property will also feature a signature restaurant and food and beverage offerings throughout select landmarked heritage spaces.

Atop the reimagined property, Waldorf Astoria Residences New York will introduce an unprecedented residential lifestyle on Park Avenue, featuring 375 expertly designed private residences with interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot, exclusive amenities and an art collection curated by art collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Once reopened, the luxury property will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands.

Waldorf Astoria New York is located at 301 Park Avenue New York, New York 10022. For hotel sales inquiries, please contact WaldorfAstoriaNewYork@hilton.com. Follow along on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.

Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com.

Waldorf Astoria New York

For nearly a century, Waldorf Astoria New York has been a fixture of New York City society, earning its place as a beacon of radiance in the cultural capital of the world. Following an extensive restoration spearheaded by renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the property will retain the scale and beauty of the original Art Deco architecture reimagined with fresh contemporary furnishings that pay homage to the original Waldorf Astoria New York. The 375-room hotel will feature some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites that will embody the spirit of New York. Above the hotel will sit 375 private residences, ranging from studios to four bedrooms, with interiors designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. Residents will have access to 50,000 square feet of exclusive amenities and an art collection curated by Swiss collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury. Hotel guests, residents, and visitors will have access to holistic wellness program, including a spa spanning over 30,000 square feet and a state-of-the-art fitness center, unmatched culinary offerings with a standout signature restaurant, and 43,000 square feet of modernized event space including a striking new opera-inspired Grand Ballroom set to be the crown jewel of New York City’s entertainment scene. Visit waldorfastorianewyork.com for more information or follow the hotel on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   

 

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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Brightline Breaks Ground in Nevada on High-Speed Train Line

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Company’s Brightline West project plans high-speed passenger service to cut travel time in half between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, in time for the 2028 Olympics.

LAS VEGAS – The railroad Brightline today breaks ground in Nevada on its new Brightline West project, which will use trains traveling up to 200 miles per hour to cut the travel time between Las Vegas and Los Angeles in half. The company already operates successful trains between Miami and Orlando, and aims to launch Brightline West service in time for the 2028 Olympics.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, along with other federal, state, and local officials, joins Brightline founder Wes Edens in Las Vegas to hammer the first spike for Brightline’s latest project. The company already operates 16 passenger trains per day in each direction between Miami and Orlando. For Brightline West, California and Nevada have granted Brightline a right of way alongside Interstate 15, and in December, the U.S. DOT augmented private investment in the project with $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, is personally attending the groundbreaking.

“This is a transformational investment in American trains,” Harnish says. “Getting a high-speed line in operation this decade will show Americans this terrific way to travel. If you have ever felt frustrated by traffic gridlock or airport hassles, a better future just got closer.”

“It’s urgent that we plan to bring these benefits to every region of our country,” Harnish says. “Just as the United States did for the Interstate Highway System, we need to establish a federal railway program that coordinates and supports the development of great train service. This means a combination of high-speed backbones, connected with regional rail networks to give people throughout the country the option to use fast, frequent, affordable trains.”

Alongside Brightline West, other American high-speed rail projects are under construction or in development.

The California High Speed Rail Authority has more than 100 miles of a high-speed line under construction. California’s project will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles, via the state’s populous Central Valley.

Additionally, Amtrak recently partnered with Texas Central to help advance the planning and analysis for a high-speed line between Dallas and Houston. Other important projects for high-speed service are also under development in places such as the Pacific Northwest, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The High Speed Rail Alliance is especially focused on Illinois, home to the Chicago rail hub. Midwestern states do not yet have active plans to build high-speed rail, but advocates are making progress. Harnish serves on the Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission, which has begun considering options for high-speed trains between Chicago and St. Louis. In 2021, the Federal Railroad Administration’s Midwest Regional Rail Plan shared a vision for fast, frequent train service on pillar lines throughout this densely populated region of the country.

For more details, contact the High Speed Rail Alliance at info@hsrail.org or (773) 334-6758, and see:

High-Speed Rail 101

Brightline West

California High-Speed Rail

Amtrak to Partner with Texas Central on Dallas-to-Houston High-Speed Line

FRA’s New Midwest Regional Rail Plan

Fast Track Illinois

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