The Douglas County Board of Commissioners appointed Steve Sliwa to fill a vacancy on the Airport Advisory Committee for a partial term ending Dec. 31, 2026.

Why it matters: Staff and commissioners said the airport's economic health depends partly on creating more hangar space and attracting tenants. Sliwa described prior experience assembling investor teams to develop hangar complexes, getting private hangar projects leased, and participating in airport master planning. Commissioners said they expect the new member to be an active participant in the airport master plan and associated public outreach.

What happened: Two applicants who attended the hearing described aviation and hangar-development experience. Sliwa said he has developed hangar complexes, worked with investors to build and lease hangars, and would support broader airport tenant and master-plan goals. Clyde Kawasaki, another applicant, described a long career in aviation and new involvement with the airport airshow committee. Public comment included endorsements of Sliwa's hangar development experience. After deliberation, the board moved and seconded a recommendation to appoint Sliwa; the motion carried unanimously.

Board direction: Commissioners emphasized a desire to see increased hangar capacity and creative public-private partnerships to support airport revenues; new appointees were encouraged to engage in master-plan review and implementation.

Next steps: The appointee will serve on the Airport Advisory Committee through Dec. 31, 2026. Staff will notify the committee and the new member of the appointment and next meeting dates.