Airport Commission - August 19, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Airport Commission held a meeting on August 19, 2026, focusing on several procurement and operational updates. Key procurement-related discussions included the upcoming release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Fixed Base Operator (FBO) redevelopment scheduled for August 24, with a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) planned for November to secure a lease starting March 2027. Additionally, the commission reviewed the ongoing RFQ process for contractors for the terminal improvement project, utilizing a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) procurement method, with strong contractor interest and a collaborative design-build approach anticipated. The commission also addressed consent calendar items involving lease agreements, including a lease for Fishbone for trailer parking at a standard commercial rate. Financial reports highlighted a record passenger count and revenue increases in terminal leases, commercial aviation, and rental car services, alongside capital expenditures such as the Southfield parking redevelopment funded partly through reserves and insurance reimbursements. The commission discussed surplus land declarations necessary for leasing airport property, ensuring compliance with the Surplus Land Act and FAA restrictions. No votes opposed the consent calendar, and the meeting concluded with no additional public comments or speaker slips.