The Pitkin County Board of Commissioners appointed over 116 community members to serve on four airport advisory committees and issue-specific focus groups. Advisory group members will get to work immediately on critical key issues that affect the future of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, the first joint meeting is set for February 21, 2019.
“We were fortunate to have such a tremendous community response for the Airport’s community advisory groups,” said Airport Director John Kinney. “We have a lot to cover over the next year and forming these groups was a critical first step in determining the community vision for the airport’s future.”
The four advisory groups will be charged with distinct focuses, all with the purpose of facilitating a two-way flow of communication between the community and Pitkin County. Today’s resolution from the Board of County Commissioners appointed over 70 volunteers to the following groups:
Airport Vision Committee will serve as the overarching project advisory committee focused on holistic project development.
Community Character Working Group will evaluate and provide input on priority issues related to community values, neighborhood character, and quality of life.
Airport Experience Working Group will evaluate and provide input on how the overall airport experience integrates with the regional community.
Technical Working Group will evaluate and distill complex technical topics into readily understandable concepts for community-wide discussion.
Committee and focus group participants represent a cross-section of the community from those who have participated in airport master planning processes in the past, to up valley and down valley residents who may not have been as outspoken on community issues over the years, but who are expected to bring their passion for the airport’s future and overall community vision to the process. The list of Community Advisory Board members appointed by the BOCC can be found by clicking here. It will also be posted on www.asevision.com.
“What we’re trying to understand from these volunteer community groups has to do with community values,” said Pitkin County Manager, Jon Peacock. “Someone’s experience or profession doesn’t necessarily give them a ‘leg up’ on the working groups. I believe the Board has done a good job of creating a level playing field and we will be mindful of maintaining that in our facilitation of these groups going forward,” Peacock said.
In addition to the four advisory groups, specific focus groups will be formed that will play a critical role in refining concepts, translating complex topics and sharing information community-wide throughout the ASE Vision effort.
“The outpouring of interest from all corners of the County is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to the future of Pitkin County. It's our priority to be as inclusive as possible during this process," said Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Greg Poschman.
About the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Advisory Groups
Throughout 2019, Pitkin County will lead a public process that includes numerous opportunities for community engagement to help establish a vision for the future of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. This vision will define airport improvements for the next 30 years and involve extensive coordination and collaboration with the community and other airport stakeholders to ensure that the airport continues to:
Meet the community’s air service needs;
Reflect the community’s identity, values, and sustainability goals;
Integrate with alternative modes of transportation;
Adapt to changes in the aviation industry; and
Provide safe, efficient, accessible, reliable and environmentally-responsible airport services and facilities.
These are volunteer positions, with a time commitment beginning in early 2019. Each advisory group will convene at key milestones throughout the year-long visioning process.
Recommendations made by the Airport Vision Committee, based on input from the working groups and overarching community, will inform the County’s decision-making. Throughout this process, Pitkin County is committed to ensuring that the airport’s future is reflective of the collective community character and values.
ABOUT ASE VISION
ASE Vision is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport’s public visioning process and community dialogue that will take a holistic look at an overall vision for the airport. The end vision will determine what specific projects and elements best represent the community’s values.
Phone (Call or Text): 970-309-2156
Project Website: www.ASEvision.com
Project Email: info@ASEvision.com