City manager signs lease with Executive Hangers for Lincoln airport expansion

In a pivotal Regular City Council Meeting held on March 12, 2025, in Lincoln, Placer County, discussions centered around a significant airport ground lease agreement with Executive Hangers of Lincoln LLC, a veteran-owned company. This agreement marks a crucial step in revitalizing the city’s airport operations and enhancing its economic viability.

The city manager presented the lease agreement, which is part of a broader initiative to expand the airport's hangar portfolio. This initiative follows a request for proposals (RFP) issued in the fall of 2023, aimed at constructing, operating, and managing privately owned aircraft hangars. The council's focus on the airport stems from a desire to create a sustainable business model, moving away from the city’s previous approach of constructing hangars, which has proven to be financially unwise.

The new project, led by Executive Hangers of Lincoln, will introduce 48 new T-hangars and 20 larger box hangars to the airport. This expansion is expected to increase the hangar capacity by approximately 30%, a significant boost considering that no new hangars have been built at the airport in over three decades. The last construction effort by the city occurred in 2012, highlighting the long-standing need for modernization and growth in airport facilities.

The council emphasized the importance of this project not only for enhancing airport operations but also for driving fuel sales, which are critical to the airport's revenue. By increasing the number of tenants and aircraft at the airport, the city aims to create a more vibrant aviation community, ultimately benefiting local businesses and the economy.

The meeting also highlighted the collaborative efforts of various city departments and stakeholders in navigating the complex permitting process required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local conservation programs. This teamwork has been essential in keeping project costs manageable and ensuring timely progress.

As the city moves forward with this groundbreaking initiative, the council anticipates that the successful implementation of the lease agreement will set a precedent for future developments at the airport, fostering growth and enhancing Lincoln's position as a key player in regional aviation. The next steps will involve finalizing the lease terms and commencing construction, with the community eagerly awaiting the positive impacts of this long-overdue expansion.