Q3 2025 McMinnville Business Leader Forum: Elevating Aviation, Aerospace, and Innovation - Airport Master Plan

Aug 8, 2025

Elevating Aviation, Aerospace, and Innovation: McMinnville’s Airport Master Plan Takes Flight

At the recent Q3 2025 Quarterly Business Leader Forum, McMinnville’s aviation future took center stage with a dynamic panel discussion on the McMinnville Airport Master Plan and its far-reaching economic potential. Co-hosted by MEDP, the McMinnville Chamber, and sponsored by First Federal and Chemeketa Community College, the event brought together leaders in aviation, economic development, and government to explore the airport’s next chapter.

Unlocking Economic Opportunity Through Aviation

Panelists emphasized the critical role the airport plays in McMinnville’s economy, not just as a transportation hub, but as a catalyst for manufacturing, tourism, innovation, and industrial development.

Panel Lineup included:

Geoff Hunsaker, City of McMinnville

Mark Fowle, McMinnville Airport Commission

Willy Williamson, McMinnville Airport Manager

Mark Zimmerman, Phenix Solutions

Grayson Barrows, Precision LLC

Arthur Chaput, Business Oregon

Willy Williamson and Geoff Hunsaker, from the City of McMinnville, outlined how the master plan addresses the FAA’s requirements for future growth, focusing on infrastructure improvements, safety, and compatible development. Hunsaker noted the airport’s self-sustaining financial model, which leans heavily on leases, federal grants, and fees rather than local tax dollars.

The group also discussed the upcoming Airport Economic Plan, a city-led effort launching next year to complement the master plan with strategies to attract investment and align land use and infrastructure for long-term economic growth.

Innovation on the Horizon

Beyond physical upgrades, the forum addressed cutting-edge opportunities on the horizon—from electric aircraft and air taxis to expanded testing corridors for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A key strategic project includes connecting the airport directly to the FAA-designated UAS test range at Northwest UAV, a move seen as vital for unlocking McMinnville’s potential as a West Coast aerospace innovation hub.

Leaders are also actively exploring infrastructure improvements, such as expanded ramp space, new terminal facilities, hangar development, and electric charging infrastructure, to attract high-tech manufacturers and aviation and aerospace-related services.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement

Public-private partnerships emerged as a critical piece of the development puzzle. From partnering with private developers for hangars and terminal facilities to state-level strategies supporting aerospace business development, collaboration will be essential.

Eric Corning, President of the Oregon International Air Show, attended the forum and discussed how events like air shows can raise awareness and celebrate the airport’s role in regional economic growth.

Community involvement remains key. Forum attendees were encouraged to participate in upcoming events, including the Aug. 13 MEDP/PNAA summer social and tour at Northwest UAV’s Innovation Campus, a Helicopter Fly-In at Jerry Trimble Helicopters on August 23 and a public survey on the adjacent McMinnville Landing - Innovation Campus and its relation to airport development with request to submit by Aug. 15.

What’s Next?

A coordinated action plan is already in motion. Key next steps include:

Finalizing the Airport Master Plan (Airport Commission)

Launching the Airport Economic Plan (City of McMinnville and MEDP)

Pursuing funding for the airport-UAS corridor and electric aircraft infrastructure

Exploring public-private partnerships for terminal and hangar development

Expanding water and power infrastructure

Engaging community leaders through VIP and educational tours

Connecting airport development with regional workforce initiatives

As one panelist put it, “Airports are more than runways. They are gateways to innovation and opportunity.” McMinnville is poised to ensure its airport remains exactly that—an engine of economic growth for decades to come.

View the Q3 2025 Business Leader Forum Slide Deck here.

View the Zoom Recording, here.

For Reference:

McMinnville Draft Airport Master Plan
McMinnville Landing (Innovation Campus)
1. Project Overview
2. Preferred Scenario Diagram
3. Online Open House & Survey – Please provide your input by Aug. 15!
Three Mile Lane / Highway 18 Area Plan (ODOT)
1. Three Mile Lane Area Plan

Upcoming Aviation & Aerospace Related Events:

Aug. 13

PNAA / MEDP: Oregon AeroConnect Summer Social and NWUAV Campus Tour, including Northwest UAV, Northwest Rapid Mfg., RP Advanced Mobile Systems, and Phenix Solutions

Aug. 23

McMinnville Municipal Airport Helicopter Fly-In and Open House, hosted by Jerry Trimble Helicopters, Contact: Alison@jerrytrimblehelicopters.com

Sept. 26-28

Oregon International Air Show – McMinnville, Oregon will be held in McMinnville this September 26-28, 2025.

For other events and award nomination forms, visit: MEDP’s Event Calendar

McMinnville Quarterly Business Leader Forums

📍 Chemeketa Community College - McMinnville Campus
⏰ 8:00 am - 9:30 am

📅 Feb 13 - Business Attraction / Industrial & Commercial Development

📅 May 8 - Access to Capital: Expert Panel and Resource Fair

📅 August 7 - Elevating Aviation, Aerospace, and Innovation in McMinnville

📅 November 13 - Save the Date

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts and fellow business leaders. RSVP today!