Camarillo Airport will host the first session of a new public engagement program called "Airport Connect" on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The Ventura County Department of Airports announced the program Oct. 2. The first session starts at 6 p.m. at the department's offices at 555 Airport Way, Suite B, in Camarillo.

Unlike the formal monthly meetings of the Aviation Advisory Commission and the airport authorities for Camarillo and Oxnard, Airport Connect gatherings will not operate under the Brown Act, the state law that governs public-body meetings. The department said the format is meant to allow open, back-and-forth conversation between staff and attendees on any topic related to Camarillo or Oxnard airports.

Why now

Two things drove the decision.

First, the advisory commission and both airport authorities cancel their monthly meetings when chairs determine there are no agenda items. Members of all three bodies suggested the department hold an open meeting instead, the announcement said. Some stakeholders had expressed frustration over the cancellations.

Second, the department committed to new public engagement as part of the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Studies for both airports. One deliverable from those studies, based on public feedback, was creating regular opportunities for residents and staff to stay connected.

Tax revenue context

As we reported Oct. 5, Camarillo Airport generated more than $9.6 million in airplane personal property tax revenue in 2025. That money went to the county, the City of Camarillo and Camarillo public schools, with each receiving more than $3.2 million, according to Department of Airports Director Keith Freitas in a July 2026 interview with Ventura County.

Freitas said in that interview that the department's team "understands how critical it is that all stakeholders, including members of the community, are kept up to date about all things airport related."

The county owns and operates Camarillo Airport. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors holds final decision-making authority on all airport matters, according to the City of Camarillo.

What's next

The department said it will announce future Airport Connect sessions through email blasts, its website and its Instagram and Facebook accounts. No regular schedule has been set. Sessions will be held when the advisory commission or airport authority meetings are canceled.

The Oct. 13 session begins at 6 p.m. at 555 Airport Way, Suite B, Camarillo.