GSA Webinar Series: Building Space-Ready Communities

Building Space-Ready Communities: Planning, Partnerships, and the Future Space Economy How can spaceports and their surrounding communities work together to create opportunities for growth, innovation, and economic development? In this Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) webinar, Mead & Hunt leads a discussion with experts from spaceport operations, aviation planning, engineering, and local government to explore how collaborative planning and strong community partnerships can support the expanding commercial space economy. From compatible land use and infrastructure planning to public engagement and economic development, panelists share practical insights and real-world examples of how spaceports and communities can prepare for the future together. Featured Speakers: Miranda Thompson, Planning Department Manager for Aviation Services, Mead & Hunt (Moderator) Lisa Harmon, Mead & Hunt Dr. David Smith, CEO, Mojave Air and Space Port Matt Friedman, Chief, Office of Aviation Planning, Caltrans Division of Aeronautics Derek, National Practice Leader for Ground Support Equipment Engineering, BRPH Craig Murphy, Director, Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department Topics include: Spaceport and community land use compatibility Building partnerships between spaceports and local governments Community engagement and public education Infrastructure planning and future development Lessons learned from Mojave Air and Space Port and Kern County Creating a shared vision for regional economic growth Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and introduction 04:49 Building space-ready communities: Webinar overview 18:33 Land use compatibility and long-term planning 26:19 Building relationships and reducing future risks 27:00 Mojave Air and Space Port: Working with local government 33:00 Understanding spaceport operations and community impacts 36:00 Kern County: Coordinating aviation safety and wind energy 40:00 Educating communities about emerging technologies 44:00 Communicating spaceport projects clearly 48:00 Community outreach and economic development partnerships 54:00 Engaging a broader range of community stakeholders 59:00 Helping aerospace businesses navigate permitting 1:02:00 Creating a shared vision for the space economy 1:03:00 Turning community concerns into actionable planning 1:06:00 Connecting spaceport master plans with community plans 1:09:00 Maintaining dialogue and responding to public input 1:10:00 Final takeaways and closing remarks Discover how early planning, transparent communication, and strong partnerships can help communities become space-ready. Learn more about the Global Spaceport Alliance: https://www.globalspaceportalliance.com/ #Spaceports #SpaceEconomy #CommunityPlanning #AviationPlanning #GlobalSpaceportAlliance Music - Space Odyssey SBA-300418554 from StoryBlocks Simon Jomphe Lepine