Paso Robles moves forward on FAA Spaceport License

By Paso Robles Press · Mon Mar 09 2026

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council voted unanimously on March 4, to advance the City’s Spaceport and Technology Corridor initiative by directing staff to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) to complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Spaceport License application process.

An independent review by aerospace consulting firm RS&H confirmed that the work completed so far provides a strong foundation for the application and identified next steps to secure the license.

“Paso Robles has always been a community built on innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mayor John Hamon. “Pursuing an FAA horizontal spaceport license positions our city to participate in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. This initiative has the potential to attract high-tech investment, create skilled career opportunities, and inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders right here in our community.” 

The initiative aims to develop aerospace workforce pathways in partnership with local schools, Cuesta College, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The project benefits from support across government, education, and private industry, including NASA’s Ames Research Center, and leverages the 1,300-acre Paso Robles Municipal Airport for aerospace development while maintaining general aviation operations. A dedicated propulsion test site is already supporting research, prototyping, and hands-on learning.

The City plans to release the RFP soon and will return to Council with recommended agreements after proposals are reviewed. A recording of the March 4 session is available on YouTube at youtube.com/live/vjLVdQIfXpE?t=1123s.