The Paso Robles City Council voted unanimously on March 4 to move forward with the next phase of its Spaceport and Technology Corridor initiative by directing staff to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for completing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Spaceport License application process.
The initiative is intended to position Paso Robles within California’s expanding aerospace economy, aiming to create new jobs and workforce pathways. The city retained RS&H, an aerospace infrastructure consulting firm, to independently review progress on the FAA license application. According to the review, materials prepared so far provide a strong foundation for advancing the project and outline remaining steps needed for completion.
“Paso Robles has always been a community built on innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mayor John Hamon. “Pursuing an FAA horizontal spaceport license positions our city to participate in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. This initiative has the potential to attract high-tech investment, create skilled career opportunities, and inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders right here in our community.”
Support for the project comes from a coalition that includes Congressman Jimmy Panetta, State Senator John Laird, State Assemblymember Dawn Addis, County Supervisor Heather Moreno, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, regional school districts, private aerospace companies, and others. NASA’s Ames Research Center has also expressed interest in future collaboration if a spaceport license is secured.
The long-term economic development plan aims to diversify Paso Robles’ local economy by leveraging existing airport infrastructure and available industrial land. The Paso Robles Municipal Airport covers about 1,300 acres between Silicon Valley and Vandenberg Space Force Base and continues supporting general aviation while offering significant development potential.
Education and workforce development are central features of the initiative. The city is working with local schools as well as Cuesta College and Cal Poly to develop career pathways in aerospace fields. A remote section of the airport has been renovated into a propulsion test site where companies and students conduct rocket and jet engine testing.
City staff expect to release the RFP soon and will return to council with recommendations after reviewing proposals.
