Brigadier General Smith told the commission he felt compelled to speak about the federal government shutdown and its local impacts on airport partners, urging commissioners and residents to engage elected officials about the human consequences. "To say that anyone that wears the uniform and serves day to day in our national guard is nonessential is not the message that we're willing to send," he said, noting that federal technicians have missed paychecks and some guard personnel are working without full pay.

Commissioners echoed appreciation for TSA and air-traffic controllers continuing to work without pay and described seeing strain in airport operations at other hubs. Director Hough said airport staff launched a recognition and relief effort led by the marketing team to support employees: providing meals at the terminal, soliciting gift cards, and organizing a drive-by donation drop-off immediately following the meeting. "We will have boxes by each of the doors for people to drop off donations, and then we'll provide them to employees here," Hough said.

Commissioners also raised community concerns about low-altitude climbs and turning patterns over nearby neighborhoods; one commissioner said staff would work with federal partners after the shutdown resolves to discuss flight tracks and neighborhood safety.

No formal actions were taken on the shutdown discussion; staff were directed to continue employee support programs and to coordinate with federal partners when bandwidth allows.