Lake Havasu City Shifts from Airport Advisory Board to Open Community Conversations

The Lake Havasu City Airport Advisory Board, dormant for nearly two years, may undergo significant changes. The city council recently voted to repeal the code established in 2011 that formalized the board’s structure, which has existed since the late 1980s.

The last meeting addressing airport business took place on April 20, 2022. Since then, a lack of agenda items has resulted in multiple cancellations. With primary regulation falling under the Federal Aviation Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation, city-level decisions are limited.

At a council meeting on September 24, Airport Manager Robert Kane introduced the idea of more informal meetings to engage the community. These forums, with two already held in May and August, aim to foster communication between airport users and stakeholders.

Mayor Cal Sheehy explained that the new format allows city staff to converse freely with users and industry experts. Recommendations can then be relayed to the city council, thereby streamlining the decision-making process.

Documentation supports this new approach, stating that ongoing forums and airport manager updates will provide stakeholders with opportunities to voice their concerns and collaborate on airport challenges.

Vice Mayor Cameron Moses and Councilmember David Lane noted that airport users prefer the less formal setup. Lane remarked, “People want their opinions heard, but in an agendized meeting, it’s hard to have a two-way conversation.”

Council member Jim Dolan, who has served as a liaison to the board, expressed frustration that aviation experts have been underutilized. He emphasized the need for greater involvement from knowledgeable community members.

An ordinance to repeal the existing advisory board structure is set for discussion at a future council meeting. In the meantime, the city’s community engagement officer, Jerri Bracamonte, announced plans to distribute information about upcoming community outreach meetings to all airport tenants.

Residents are encouraged to reach out with their concerns via email or phone during regular office hours. The next community outreach meeting is anticipated to take place in November.