15 years ago, both Sacramento County and city officials nixed a proposal to phase out Executive Airport. It was THE airport serving civilian passengers until Sacramento International was opened in 1967. Today Executive handles general aviation, including private jets, medical flights, TV traffic helicopters and more – with about 45,000 passengers coming and going. 30 businesses call it home. 

City planners may float its closure during public forums starting in June … as they prepare to update the city’s general plan through 2030. 

The city’s population is growing, and the airport lies near a light rail station. Also, the land is worth more than $200 million today...but it’s leased to the county for $1 a year. Part of the 540-acre site could become office space, creating a jobs center that South Sacramento lacks. 5,000 homes or more could easily go there. 

But the county wants to keep it. A county spokesman says Executive plays a key role in the overall airport system, which is a county responsibility. Some needs couldn’t easily be served by Mather or Sacramento International airports…and business owners at Executive will certainly protest. 

A final decision will occur many months into the future.