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City presents RFP plan for Santa Barbara Airport FBO redevelopment; council offers place‑making and sustainability priorities
Summary
Airport staff outlined a planned request for proposals for a fixed-base operator at the Santa Barbara Airport and solicited council input on selection criteria, community benefits and phasing; no formal vote was taken.
Airport staff updated the City Council April 29 on plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a fixed-base operator (FBO) redevelopment at Santa Barbara Airport and sought council input on selection criteria and community benefits.
Airport Director Chris Hastert described an RFP that would first select one FBO for the East site and then proceed to select a second FBO for the West site. Hastert said the city’s master plan anticipates two FBOs and indicated capital investment could range from tens of millions up to near $100 million depending on proposals.
Hastert said the city will set a minimum bar based on recently updated airport minimum standards (terminal space, hangar space, fuel compliance, etc.) and evaluate proposals on finance, development, business plan, workforce development and community benefits such as local hiring, job creation, events and environmental stewardship. He told council staff aim to issue the RFP by June, and anticipated selected proposers could take two to three years to begin visible construction because of permitting and review timelines.
Representatives of the two incumbent FBOs addressed the council. Troy Scott, area general manager for Signature Aviation, said his company looked forward to participating in the RFP and thanked airport staff for their work. “We really look forward to an FBO and are excited about the opportunity,” Scott said. Julie Broderick of Atlantic Aviation said Atlantic has served Santa Barbara as an FBO for 16 years and is eager to remain a long-term partner.
Council members used the presentation to recommend priorities for the selection criteria. Council member Jordan urged the city to credit proposals that deliver “place‑making” community amenities — for example, public food and beverage, historical hangar uses, aviation education events and other public‑facing activities that connect the airport to the city. Several council members emphasized workforce development, housing for airport workers, sustainability measures (including future fuels and electrification), and availability of hangar space to meet local demand.
Hastert said the RFP will include a section allowing proposers to offer incentives or assistance for the airport administration’s planned relocation into Building 245, and noted a short-term food-truck operator has been permitted to use the old restaurant space while the RFP process continues.
No formal council vote was required. Staff will return with a final RFP and has asked for council input on weighting for selection criteria and desired community-benefit priorities.
