Oregon Department of Aviation Adopts 2025 Strategic Plan to Strengthen and Modernize Oregon’s Aviation System

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has officially adopted its 2025 Strategic Plan, marking a major step forward in strengthening, modernizing, and futureproofing Oregon’s aviation system.

Developed through a robust, statewide engagement process, the Strategic Plan sets a clear course for how ODAV will enhance safety, resilience, sustainability, and innovation across Oregon’s 96 public-use airports—while continuing to connect communities, support emergency response, and drive economic growth.

“This plan is about positioning Oregon’s aviation system for what’s next,” said Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “It reflects the voices of our aviation community and our shared commitment to building a system that is resilient, sustainable, and ready to meet future demands.”

The 2025 Strategic Plan establishes five ambitious, action-oriented goals, including:

  • Securing long-term, stable funding to support and expand Oregon’s aviation system
  • Investing in airport infrastructure, resiliency, and sustainability statewide
  • Modernizing policies and planning tools to align with FAA guidance and emerging technologies
  • Expanding communications and outreach to better engage aviation partners and communities
  • Advancing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to support innovation, education, and economic opportunity

Oregon’s aviation system plays a vital role in wildfire response, disaster preparedness, regional connectivity, and economic development. With this Strategic Plan, ODAV is committing to measurable progress, accountability, and collaboration to ensure aviation continues to serve Oregonians today—and for decades to come.

The plan was shaped through workshops, perspective-gathering sessions, and collaboration with airport managers, aviation organizations, industry partners, and state agencies across Oregon.

The 2025 Strategic Plan will serve as a guiding framework for agency decision-making, investment priorities, and stakeholder engagement moving forward.

The full Strategic Plan is available on the Oregon Department of Aviation website HERE.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.