To: The City Council of Kissimmee, Florida

Subject: Creation of a Kissimmee Airport Advisory Board

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and stakeholders of Kissimmee, Florida, respectfully petition the City Council to establish an Airport Advisory Board to oversee, advise, and support the operations and development of Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM). This board would provide valuable insights from community members and ensure that the airport’s growth and operational impact align with the city's best interests and those of its residents.

Reasons for Creating the Kissimmee Airport Advisory Board:

1.        Community Representation: The Kissimmee Gateway Airport is a vital part of the city’s transportation infrastructure and a key driver of local economic growth. Establishing an advisory board will give residents and local businesses a formal voice in the airport’s development and operations. It ensures that the concerns and needs of the community, such as noise abatement, environmental sustainability, and future airport expansion, are taken into account. With expert advice from aviation professionals, residents, and business leaders, the board could provide recommendations to improve operational safety and airport efficiency. This would help mitigate risks while ensuring the airport remains a well-functioning asset to the city.

2.        Economic Growth and Development: Kissimmee Gateway Airport plays an essential role in promoting tourism and economic activity in the area.  An airport advisory board could actively attract more investment, tourism, and aviation-related businesses. The board could help explore new opportunities for airport expansion, increased tourism, and business development, making Kissimmee a hub for economic activity.

3.        Transparency and Accountability: An airport advisory board would promote transparency by facilitating open communication between airport authorities and the public. The board would review airport plans, budgets, and developments, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and have the opportunity to provide input. This increased level of accountability will lead to decisions that better reflect the interests of the Kissimmee community.

4.        Environmental and Noise Impact Mitigation: As the airport grows, there are valid concerns about the environmental impact and noise pollution. An advisory board can serve as a liaison between the community and the airport, working to develop and implement policies that minimize noise and environmental damage. They could explore options such as restricted flight times, eco-friendly airport technologies, and alternative fuel use to make the airport more sustainable.

5.        Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness: An advisory board can contribute to improved public safety measures by working with airport management, emergency services, and city officials to enhance emergency response protocols. It can also support efforts to improve airport security, air traffic control, and disaster preparedness to ensure that Kissimmee residents are protected in case of emergencies.

6.        Tourism and Cultural Promotion: With Kissimmee’s proximity to popular tourist attractions like Walt Disney World and other Central Florida destinations, the airport serves as an important entry point for visitors. The advisory board could work with local tourism boards and the business community to improve services and amenities, making Kissimmee Gateway Airport a more attractive and efficient gateway for tourists.

7.        Aviation Education and Workforce Development: Kissimmee Gateway Airport is home to various aviation schools and training centers. An advisory board could collaborate with these institutions to support aviation education, workforce development programs, and internships. These efforts would ensure the local workforce benefits from the growing aviation industry, helping the community to create new job opportunities and build careers in aviation.

8.        Strategic Planning for Future Growth: As air travel and the aviation industry continue to expand, the advisory board can assist in developing a long-term vision for the airport. The board could work with airport management, city officials, and industry experts to ensure that any future development is sustainable, beneficial to the community, and in line with the city’s overall strategic goals.

9.        Conflict Resolution:  With an advisory board in place, conflicts between the airport and the local community could be resolved more efficiently. The board would serve as a mediator and platform for airing concerns before they escalate into larger issues, fostering better communication between the airport management and the public.

10.     Better Infrastructure Planning:  The advisory board would provide critical input on infrastructure development related to the airport, such as traffic management, public transportation connections, and road improvements. This would help ensure that the airport integrates smoothly with Kissimmee’s broader urban development plans.

Conclusion: We believe the creation of an Airport Advisory Board is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term success, growth, and sustainability of Kissimmee Gateway Airport. By establishing this board, we can strengthen community involvement, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents while positioning Kissimmee as a key player in the aviation and tourism sectors.

We call on the City Council to take immediate action to establish this board to ensure that Kissimmee Gateway Airport serves both the needs of our local community and the broader goals of our city’s economic and social development.