This webinar will provide airport consultants with a focused overview of the key funding mechanisms shaping the future of airport development. After a short introduction to the topics, attendees will gain practical insights into alternate federal programs—such as those offered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture—along with local funding sources, bonds, and private equity/debt. The session will cover how to navigate eligibility requirements, align project scopes with FAA guidelines, and support clients in maximizing available funding, as well as explore the structure and strategic use of airport and municipal bonds to support long-term capital planning goals.

The program will also introduce the fundamentals of private funding and finance, including when P3 models are appropriate, how to structure agreements that balance public and private interests, and how to guide clients through risk allocation and stakeholder engagement. A panel discussion will follow the introductory overview, featuring real-world examples and case studies that illustrate how these funding tools can be integrated into project delivery strategies to enhance the value consultants provide to their airport clients.

PRESENTERS

• Elliott Black, Director of Finance, Lansing Airport
• Sharon Sarmiento, Senior Vice President, Unison Consulting                     
• Louis Wolinetz, Vice President, WSP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this ACC webinar, participants will be able to:
• Understand core airport funding mechanisms including alternate federal programs (Commerce, Agriculture), local funding options, bonds, and private equity/debt.
• Learn how to evaluate funding eligibility and align project scopes with FAA guidelines to support clients in accessing available resources.
• Gain foundational knowledge of airport and municipal bonds and how they support long-term capital planning.
• Develop a basic understanding of private financing and P3 models, including when they are appropriate and how to structure balanced agreements.
• Build the ability to guide clients through risk allocation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic funding decisions.
• Analyze real-world case studies illustrating how multiple funding tools can be integrated into project delivery strategies.