You might have missed it since the master plan process has gone on so long (since late 2021), and so many issues have surfaced about the process itself and specific deficiencies with the mast plan document, to say nothing of condemning private property and moving a state highway!
So, it’s very relevant that 1000 Friend brought their communications staff to the table to create a longer video explaining the central problems with the master plan and the process. It specifically addresses major issues like impacts on the two adjoining cities of Aurora and Wilsonville, the inherent land use incompatibility of the expansion planned, all the problems surrounding condemnation, and what many of the consequences will be.
Here’s a quick summary of the 7 Major Problems with the master plan
Today, Sept. 3, at a State Aviation Board meeting, the schedule for approving the master plan was presented by ODAV, as follows:
Sept-Oct, 2026 – ODAV will publish draft State Agency Coordination Findings of Compatibility
October 1, 2026 – UAO Master Plan Status Update / Review of Board Meeting and Adoption Schedule
November 3, 2026 – Deadline to receive public comments for 12/03/2026 hearing in which a vote on adoption will occur
December 1 and 2, 2026 – Board training, airport site visit, public comments, master plan and SAC Findings review
December 3, 2026 – Public Testimony, Board discussion, and vote on adoption
Of note:
- Contrary to its own published master plan process document, there has been no findings of compatibility work with the two counties and two cities to date, yet “findings of compatibility” are going to be published
- The Dec. 3 Hearing (which is supposed to be in Salem) is only happening locally because the City of Aurora sued the Aviation Board in Circuit Court, and the Aviation Board agreed as part of their settlement of the law suit to a local hearing that concerned citizens could attend and express their opposition and concerns.
We will keep you informed as this process progresses, but keep in mind that comments have to be submitted by November 3 for the December 3 hearing.
Sadly, the reality is that this master plan process and the flawed master plan document share the much the same deficiencies as the 2012 master plan which the Court of Appeals deemed not legally approved and adopted. In other words, the Department of Aviation and the Aviation Board (the oversight body!!) learned little from their fifteen years of legal disputes over expanding the Aurora Airport.
Why? Because crony capitalism and financial incentives continue to be the major drivers, at the expense of complying with the land use system.