AOPA honors local advocates in Colorado
Save Boulder Airport accepts Advocacy Partnership Award
A grassroots effort organized by supporters of an embattled Colorado airport earned members of that group a special honor from AOPA.
AOPA recognizes the essential efforts of local volunteers who help protect our freedom to fly with Advocacy Partnership Awards, presented by regional managers to distinguished collaborators who help address the challenges facing airports and user communities. Award recipients demonstrate meaningful impact through effective advocacy efforts at the airport, state, or regional level.
Save Boulder Airport, led by President Jan Burton, played a pivotal role in the successful grassroots campaign to defeat two anti-airport ballot initiatives—“Repurpose Our Runways” and “Runways to Neighborhoods”—which threatened the continued operation of the local airport. This effort was one of two advocacy successes in Colorado’s Front Range AOPA highlighted in September 2024.
The organization was formed in response to a 2024 petition circulated by the “Airport Neighborhood Campaign,” which aimed to place the two anti-airport initiatives on the November 2024 municipal ballot. Save Boulder Airport quickly mobilized and established a 501(c)(4) nonprofit to raise funds and retain a public relations firm to assist with community outreach. These efforts focused on educating residents about the economic, environmental, and civic value of their local airport.
In July 2024, the landscape shifted significantly when the city sued the FAA, seeking release from the city’s federal grant obligations tied to previous Airport Improvement Program funding. The legal case is ongoing, and the FAA has sought to dismiss it.
Presenting the award, AOPA Northwest Mountain Regional Manager Brad Schuster underscored the importance of collaborative grassroots airport and aviation advocacy:
“Protecting our freedom to fly requires the entire aviation ecosystem to engage. Organizations like Save Boulder Airport play a crucial role in safeguarding general aviation by promoting supportive initiatives and defeating efforts that would undermine aeronautical activity and airport access,” Schuster said. “State and local advocacy groups bring invaluable insights into community dynamics and local leadership relationships that help shape successful advocacy strategies.”
AOPA’s advocacy work is strengthened by the local knowledge and expertise of groups like Save Boulder Airport. AOPA encourages aviation supporters nationwide to get involved with local and state airport advocacy.
If something at your airport is of concern, consider reaching out to your AOPA regional manager or Airport Support Network volunteer. If your airport does not have an ASN volunteer, consider joining our ranks to engage with, promote, and protect your airport today at aopa.org/asn.
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