Airport Development Plans Update - CC Workshop 7-7-26 - Final.pdf

Airport Development 
and Planning Update
City Council Workshop
July 7, 2026
1

AGENDA
• Objectives
• Team Introductions
• Planning Efforts
• Airport Marketing and Lead Generation
• Airport Strategic Implementation Plan
• Airport Long-Range Concept
• Airport Specific Area Plan
• Key Milestones
2

OBJECTIVES
• Present findings from the market analysis
• Present utilities analysis
• Present long-range development evaluation criteria and preliminary 
findings
• Present recommended specific area plan boundary
• Present coordinated public engagement strategy
• Share key milestones
• Seek concurrence with findings and next steps
3

TEAM INTRODUCTIONS
CITY STAFF
• Scott Gray, Aviation Director
• Suzie Boyles, Economic Development Director
• Adam Copeland, Deputy Director of Planning-Development Services
• Mandy Woods, Principal Planner
CONSULTANTS
• Ron Kresha, Golden Shovel
• Matt Quick, Coffman Associates
• Miriam McGilvray, Logan Simpson
4

Coordinated Approach
Department Coordination
• Aviation
• Development Services
• Economic Development
Consultant Coordination 
• Ongoing collaboration, data, and information sharing  - 
calls, meetings, emails throughout the process
Stakeholder Engagement
• Master stakeholder engagement lists across all planning efforts to ensure strategic and consistent 
stakeholder engagement
5

AIRPORT MARKETING 
AND LEAD GENERATION (AMLG)
6
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Purpose
• Creation of an asset analysis and a marketing analysis for the airport
• Identify aviation sectors and sub-sectors:
• BXK should and should not be targeting, short/long term
• Look at the highest and best use, and return on investment, to 
enhance business attraction and development opportunities at 
the airport
7
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Methodology
Buckeye Municipal Airport is a critical anchor asset with community support.  
Economic Development Importance
A phased strategy balances near-term planning (2026–2029) with long-term expansion (2030–2045).
8
The Golden Shovel Agency employed a research-based methodology and surveys to derive 
recommendations for the strategic growth of the Buckeye Airport.
•
Relied on 20 years of industry knowledge, experience and research 
•
Conducted two online surveys: Stakeholder Survey (21 Targeted Stakeholders) and Constituent 
Survey (357 responses)
•
Two days of in-person interviews (Stakeholders, investors and council members)
•
Online interviews (City Council Members and Mayor)
•
Reviewed all available airport planning documents
•
Reviewed all available economic development strategy documents
•
Reviewed peer reviewed articles, economic data, industry data, and industry forecasts
 
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Airport Vision
BXK will position Buckeye as the aviation center of the West Valley—
connecting businesses, talent, and investment through strategic 
infrastructure, aviation development, and economic growth. Together, the 
Mayor, City Council, and stakeholders will create an airport that powers the 
city’s future and creates a space “Where Opportunity Lands”. 
This focused commitment will lead to a uniquely positioned regional airport 
built on a strong foundation in general and corporate aviation. The direct 
highway connectivity, rail service, and surrounding development capacity 
will attract long-term investors and companies to BXK, who will shape the 
next generation of development. 
9
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Why This Matters
Buckeye Municipal Airport is a critical anchor asset with community support.  
Economic Development Importance
A phased strategy balances near-term planning (2026–2029) with long-term expansion (2030–2045).
West Valley Hub Critical Asset
10
The airport should be viewed as a critical 
economic development platform capable of 
supporting corporate investment, advanced 
manufacturing, aerospace growth, 
workforce development, defense-related 
industries, and future transportation 
technologies.
Through the community survey, the 
respondents overwhelming support the 
airport future. 
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Buckeye’s Growth Opportunity
Site Readiness
Water, sewer, power, broadband connectivity, road access, and site 
readiness emerged as more pressing concerns than runway length.
Geographic Advantage
Positioned along major West Valley transportation corridors with 
direct regional access.
Available Developable Land
Significant open land surrounding BXK offers room for aviation and 
industrial expansion.
West Valley Economic Expansion
Buckeye sits at the center of one of Arizona’s fastest-expanding 
economic regions.
11
The majority of stakeholders and elected officials support the potential of the airport.  
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

The Strategic Gap
Infrastructure—not runway length—is the most pressing barrier to growth.
Current State
•
Utility Constraints: Water, sewer, 
power, and broadband are not yet site-
ready
•
Runway (Current): 5,500 ft limits aircraft 
size and business type
•
Competitive Challenges: Other Southwest 
markets are advancing
•
Missed Opportunities: Corporate and 
   MRO operators are choosing evaluating
   sites
Future-Ready State
•
Site-Ready Infrastructure: Utilities in 
place to support private investment
•
Extended Runway: 7,300 ft supports 
midsize and large-cabin corporate jets
•
Regional Competitiveness: BXK 
competes directly for high-value aviation 
users
•
Captured Opportunities: Buckeye 
becomes the preferred West Valley 
aviation location
12
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Recommended Airport Development Strategy
PHASE 1 • 2026–2028
Infrastructure Readiness
Invest in water, sewer, power, 
broadband, and road access to 
make BXK site-ready for private 
investment.
This step increases the 
competitiveness of the airport 
significantly. 
PHASE 2 • 2029–2032
7,300-Foot Runway
Advance toward operational use of 
an extended runway, unlocking 
corporate aviation, MRO, and 
defense support.
Plan for 7,300 feet as the primary 
economic development runway 
target. This appears to be the most 
defensible ROI threshold for 
Buckeye. 
PHASE 3 • 2032–2045
Long-Term Optionality
Preserve the option for an 8,000-
foot runway to pursue cargo, 
aerospace manufacturing, and 
advanced MRO as the market 
evolves.
Pursue 8,000+ feet when the plan is 
tied to a committed anchor user or 
state/federal funding package. The 
incremental value beyond 7,000 
feet is real but more specialized.
Note: A 10,000-foot runway is not recommended within this planning horizon — the
cost-benefit case does not support near-term planning for 10,000 feet.
13
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Recommended Target Industries
PHASE 1 • 2026–2028
General and Corporate Readiness
•
Establishes aviation foundation
•
Attracts decision makers and 
investors
•
Prepares and validates runway 
expansion
•
Attracts tenants and revenue
PHASE 2 • 2029–2032
Target Industry Attraction
•
Corporations using light jets, 
King Air, and turbo props
•
Maintenance, repair and 
overhaul
•
Light cargo
•
Modern FBO
•
Manufacturing and testing
•
Advanced air mobility
•
Control tower
PHASE 3 • 2032–2045
Accelerated Growth Option
•
Large cargo and logistics
•
Passenger and regional 
commercial
•
Military aviation, defense, and 
mission support
•
Ongoing growth and 
development 
14
Buckeye Municipal Airport should begin with a strategy to be the most competitive general and 
corporate aviation hub in the region. The Phoenix airspace is crowded and will become more 
expensive; Buckeye, AZ can provide the West Valley relief. 
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP
Note: A 10,000-foot runway is not recommended within this planning horizon — the
cost-benefit case does not support near-term planning for 10,000 feet.

Economic Development Impact
Runway
Economic Opportunity
Aircraft Served
5,500 ft
(up to 6,300 ft)
General and corporate aviation, hangars, aviation services, small MRO
(Enhances safety and operations)
Piston, light twin, turboprops
(small jets)
7,300 ft
(recommended)
Corporate aviation hub, regional airline service, larger MRO, defense 
support, aviation manufacturing
Midsize, large cabin jets
8,000 ft
(long-term)
Scheduled passenger service, cargo, major MRO recruitment, aerospace 
manufacturing
Heavy corporate, limited cargo 
& passenger
Business Attraction
Corporate aviation, 
aerospace suppliers, and 
defense manufacturers
Job Creation
High-quality employment 
from MRO, manufacturing, 
and aviation services
Tax Base Growth
Fuel sales, hangar demand, 
and new commercial 
investment
Regional Edge
Strengthens Buckeye’s 
position versus competing 
Southwest markets
15
10,000
(Aspirational)
Full cargo operations, large-aircraft MRO, aerospace testing, military 
aviation support, international charter capability
Heavy wide-body cargo & 
passenger
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Strategic Recommendation & Call to Action
16
• Airport expansion is essential to Buckeye’s future competitiveness
• Stakeholders and community members are aligned with the valuable nature of the airport
• A phased development approach prioritizing infrastructure investment should begin now 
• Focus runway efforts on a 7,300-foot runway to ignite interest and attract companies and investors
• Generate a lead attraction strategy that brings in partners who can leverage the existing expansion while 
prepare for the 7,300-foot runway 
• BXK should remain a long-term economic development priority
• BXK awareness must continue to be promoted by state and federal elected officials
• Buckeye Municipal Airport will become a major West Valley aviation and business asset
“Communities that invest in strategic infrastructure before demand arrives are the 
communities that capture future growth.”
Buckeye Municipal Airport — 
Where Opportunity Lands
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Next Steps
Develop a Marketing Strategy
•
Create marketing assets targeted to 
industry and business attraction
•
Including but not limited to
•
Updating the website
•
Brochures
•
Targeted messaging
•
Etc.
Lead Generation
•
Usage of marketing strategy, outreach 
campaign, and lead generation services 
to engage directly with qualified users 
within identified aviation industries
17
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

AIRPORT STRATEGIC 
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (ASIP)
18
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Purpose
Plan focuses on required utilities to support the adopted Airport Master 
Plan (AMP) and the Airport Long Range Concept (ALRC) as well as 
corresponding funding strategies and long-term financial planning.
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ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Infrastructure Assessment
• Reviewed historical documents
• Adopted Airport Master Plan
• City's Integrated Water Master Plan
• Groundwater Withdrawal Agreement (Stotz Farms)
• Comprehensive MAG 208 Study
• Review of utility as-builts
• Coordination efforts
• Airport
• Water
• IT
• APS
• Southwest Gas
20
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Identified Challenges | Existing Utilities
21
1. Water
•
Well Site 1 – Airport domestic supply
•
Well Site 2 – Hopeville domestic supply and airport fire supply
•
Limited fire flow capacities
•
Limited supply
2. Wastewater
•
Aging septic system at capacity
•
Land use reduction with expansion
3. Electrical
•
APS has service capacity for AMP short-term hangar 
development
4. Telecommunication
•
No fiber service
5. Gas
•
No gas service
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Identified Opportunities | Short-Term
22
1. Water
• Optimize existing Well Site 2, increasing volume and 
treatment
• Install on-airport fire tank
2. Wastewater
• Install onsite package treatment plant, in lieu of 
additional septic systems and depending on need
3. Electrical
• Coordinate with APS for future expansion
4. Telecommunications
• Connect to fiber line along Palo Verde Road
5. Gas
•
Explore service extensions when needed
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Next Steps
Phase I – August/September 2026
•
Coordinate with Water Dept on short-term 
solutions for water and wastewater 
infrastructure
•
Coordinate connection with fiber owner 
through IT
•
Prepare GIS layers of on-airport utilities
•
Prepare utility improvement costs and 
timeline to meet needs of Airport Master 
Plan
•
Program existing Airport CIP utilities funding 
for design/construction of recommended 
short-term utilities infrastructure
Phase II – December 2026
•
Provide utilities needs analysis of Airport 
Long-Range Concept
•
Evaluate funding opportunities
•
Evaluate airport self-sufficiency
•
Recommendations on both short term 
and long-term solutions can be 
considered for future CIP planning effort.
23
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

AIRPORT LONG-RANGE CONCEPT (ALRC)
24
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Purpose
• Establish a long-range development vision beyond the Airport Master 
Plan horizon.
• Evaluate previously identified airfield, airspace, property, and capital 
improvement concepts.
• Validate development alternatives and identify a preferred long-range 
concept.
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Deliverables
•
Conduct a technical evaluation & Analysis, which includes:
• Review historical planning data and validate prior development alternatives.
• Screen previously developed alternatives and advance two valid development 
concepts for detailed evaluation.
• Prepare noise contours and Part 77 airspace analyses.
• Develop a comparative evaluation matrix for the recommended development 
options
•
Recommended Airport Long-Range Concept
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Technical Evaluation and Analysis Inputs
Airport Master Plan
•
Focuses on next 20 years
•
Required to conform to 
FAA standards
•
More conservative 
operational forecast
•
Wind analysis
•
Detailed step-by-step 
alternatives analysis
Long Range Airport 
Development Plan
•
Focuses on timeline 
beyond 20 years
•
Not bound by FAA forecast 
standards
•
Forecast presents high-
growth scenario
•
Runway layout analysis: 
•
03-21
•
17-35
•
10-28
Airspace Analysis
•
Examines interaction with 
other airports (GYR & LUF)
•
Runway Alignments
•
03-21
•
17-35
•
10-28
27
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Airport Master Plan Results
• Runway 17-35 wind coverage fell short of 
FAA criteria for recommending a crosswind 
runway
• Five alternatives analyzed resulting in 
recommendation of Runway 17-35 phased 
extensions to 7,300' x 100'
• Adjust landside development to support 
revised runway layout
• Council adopted April 2026
28
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Long Range Airport Development Plan Results
• Runway 3-21 alignment unfeasible due to Luke AFB impacts
• Runway 10-28 alignment added based on Airspace Analysis
• Utilizing operational forecast from Long-Range Airport 
Development Plan
• Preserves ample space to accommodate wide range of 
aeronautical activities
• General aviation, corporate, air carrier, air cargo, 
military
• Runways approx. 10,500 feet in length to accommodate 
large cargo and military aircraft
• Two runways are necessary to accommodate 
demand/capacity
29
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Airspace Analysis Results
• Examines interaction with other airports 
(GYR & LUF) and airspaces
• Runway Alignments
• 3-21 alignment unfeasible
• 17-35 best alignment
• Procedures already built around it
• 10-28 is next best alignment
• Further deconfliction of airspace 
and approaches
30
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Preliminary Recommended Alignments
17-35 Runway with parallel option
10-28 Runway with parallel option
31
*To be modified to have 2, 10,500' runways
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Preliminary Matrix Evaluation
32
Criteria
17-35 Alignment
10,500’
17-35 Alignment 
8,000’ *
10-28 Alignment
10,500’
10-28 Alignment 
8,000’ *
Aviation Related Design Criteria
Land Use
Part 77 Imaginary Surfaces
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Noise
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Capital Improvement Costs
Economics
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Runway Capacity
Land Acquisition
Transportation
FAA Funding Eligibility
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
*Based on ongoing Golden Shovel report
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Stakeholder Engagement
33
Phase I – June
• Hosted 4 preliminary key stakeholder 
meetings
• Results
•
Two opposed to Runway 10-28 
alternative due to impacts to existing 
CMPs
•
One had concerns with Runway 10-28 
alternative impact on existing use, but 
generally supported either alterative
•
One generally supported either 
alternative
Phase II – July - October
• Host an additional 20+ stakeholder 
meetings
• Present at 2 City Council Meetings
• Hold a public meeting
• Online stakeholder survey
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Next Steps
Analysis (July)
•
Complete noise contour 
lines for both options 
(underway)
•
Develop Part 77 imaginary 
and approach surfaces 
(underway)
•
Refine and complete the 
development impact matrix
Engagement (July)
•
Host an additional 20+ 
stakeholder meetings
•
Hold a public meeting
•
Online stakeholder survey
Outcomes (Sept/Oct)
•
Two City Council 
Presentations
•
Recommended Airport 
Long-Range Concept
•
Final Summary Report and 
Executive Brochure
34
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

AIRPORT SPECIFIC AREA PLAN (ASAP)
35
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Purpose
The ASAP will establish a cohesive vision for the area surrounding the 
Airport, with land use designations and design guidelines to protect the 
Airport and support the growth of a regional employment and retail hub. 
36
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Milestones
Council Kick-off Workshop 
 
 
 
 
April 21, 2026
Planning & Zoning Commission Kick-off Workshop 
May 12, 2026
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Kick-off 
 
May 19, 2026
Final Existing Conditions Report 
 
 
 
June 26, 2026
Initial Stakeholder Outreach 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2026
Additional Stakeholder Meetings 
 
 
 
July 2026
37
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Study Area
38
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Existing Airport 
Activity Center
39
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

40
Proposed Airport 
Activity Center
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

41
Proposed Airport 
Activity Center
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

42
Annexations within 
ASAP Study Area
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Next Steps
Community Engagement
•
Additional stakeholder engagement 
throughout summer and fall
•
Community Open Houses: 
•
Summer and fall 
•
Mobile Immersion Lab near 
adoption hearings
City Council
•
Next Council Workshop: early fall
•
Council Meeting for consideration of 
adoption: Q1 2027
43
ASIP
ALRC
AMLG
ASAP

Key Milestones
44

QUESTIONS
45