DATE:
August 27, 2025
06
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
GILLESPIE FIELD - NEW 50-YEAR AVIATION LEASE WITH MITRE AVIATION, L.P. AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 2)
Body
OVERVIEW
The proposed action is the approval of a new 50-year aviation lease with Mitre Aviation, L.P. (Mitre) at Gillespie Field Airport (Gillespie Field) that benefits the leaseholder while also promoting the self-sufficiency of Gillespie Field and enhancing the economic viability of the County Airport system.
The County of San Diego (County) operates Gillespie Field, a general aviation airport in the City of El Cajon. Gillespie Field is a 757-acre publicly owned facility that serves the aviation needs of the City of El Cajon and surrounding cities. The airport is one of seven airports owned by the County of San Diego and operated by the Department of Public Works (DPW) using funding from the Airport's self-sustaining maintenance and operations fund (Airport Enterprise Fund/AEF), at no cost to the General Fund. Gillespie Field is the oldest and largest of the seven airports and includes runways, a control tower, and a terminal, as well as many airport-related businesses.
Gillespie Field and its two airport industrial parks generate an estimated $403 million in direct economic impact and support 3,164 jobs in the City of El Cajon. These activities generate an estimated $919 million in direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts and support 6,250 jobs throughout San Diego County. The airport is home to flight schools, repair and maintenance shops, aircraft storage, aircraft sales and rental services, fuel providers, and instrument and avionics shops. The airport also functions as an essential emergency response resource for CalFire, Mercy Air, and Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA). Additionally, the airport supports public utility delivery through the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) leasehold on the property.
There are 19 aviation leaseholds...
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