A new report says Sonoma County’s bustling airport isn’t getting the resources it needs.
The Press Democrat reports the county’s civil grand jury concludes that despite significant growth, the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport is being under-resourced and lacks strategic planning from county leadership. The jury recommends the airport, currently a county division, become its own independent agency to better manage its rapid expansion and infrastructure needs.
Concerns include deteriorating runways, inadequate staffing, and missed opportunities. Airport Manager Jon Stout disputes some findings, citing past funding concerns for separation.
However, county supervisors acknowledge the “challenges of dealing with success” at the airport, which saw passenger traffic nearly triple since 2015. While the grand jury’s recommendations aren’t mandatory, county officials must respond within 60 days.