Commission opens review of airport mission and vision to support economic development and sustainability

The Middleton Airport Commission on March 6 launched a review of mission and vision language tied to the 2023 city comprehensive plan to clarify whether the airport’s role should emphasize status quo operations or active business development, hangar growth and sustainability investments.

Chair said the comprehensive plan pages (51–52) are the city’s legal guidance document and invited commissioners to read the two pages and submit comments to staff. "How can we reflect a model that promotes economic development and opportunity at the airport?" the chair asked.

Commissioners debated trade‑offs. Some said the current text reads as status quo and that revised language could signal support for hangar development, attracting businesses and preparing for future technologies such as electric aircraft charging infrastructure. Others noted the master plan already includes alternatives for hangar and runway development and that pursuing new development would require revisiting the master plan and potentially significant capital work.

Commissioners agreed to review the plan text and return suggested edits to staff; any formal changes would be routed through the Plan Commission and, if adopted there, to the Common Council.

What’s next: Commissioners will individually review the two pages of the comprehensive plan and provide suggested edits to staff to inform a redraft for Plan Commission consideration.