PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
REQUEST TO APPROVE THE 2026 WITHAM FIELD STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
The Witham Field Strategic Business Plan provides a framework for guiding the Airport’s near and intermediate-term decisions while supporting the long-term vision established through the adopted 2023 Airport Master Plan Update. Witham Field enters this strategic planning period from a position of strength and operates without ad valorem support to maintain a diversified revenue base that supports its operations and capital improvement program.
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DEPARTMENT: Airport
PREPARED BY: Name: Andrew McBean
Title: Airport Director
REQUESTED BY:
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The 2026 Strategic Business Plan updates the 2010 Airport Business Plan using the Florida General Aviation Business Plan Guidebook published by the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aviation Office.
While the Airport Master Plan defines the long-term vision for the Airport’s physical development and identified future facility needs, the Strategic Business Plan focuses on translating those recommendations into actionable business steps. The Strategic Business Plan is a bridge between thoughtful planning and achievable execution, ensuring that the County’s vision for the Airport is advanced in a practical, flexible, and financially responsible manner.
The Strategic Business Plan establishes six goals to guide Airport and County decision-making:
1. Maintain Financial Sustainability and Resilience
Maintain the Airport’s financially self-sustaining position while strengthening its ability to respond to changing economic and funding conditions.
2. Strategically Accommodate Future Aviation Demand and Operational Needs
Advance projects that address documented demand while maintaining flexibility for future needs.
3. Optimize Revenue Generation
Maximize existing revenue sources and pursue opportunities to diversify and increase Airport revenues.
4. Facilitate Private Investment and Tenant Development
Position Airport property to leverage appropriate aviation and aviation-related investment and respond effectively to market opportunities.
5. Preserve and Enhance the Airport as a Regional Asset
Strengthen Witham Field’s role as an aviation, economic, and community asset within Martin County and the Treasure Coast.
6. Protect Long-Term Community Compatibility
Preserve strategic land and infrastructure opportunities while continuing to address community concerns.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board approve and adopt the 2026 Witham Field Strategic Business Plan.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide further guidance to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other: