Economic Development Opportunities

Economic Development Opportunities through Waterloo Regional Airport in Waterloo, Iowa

Serving the entire Cedar Valley Region and Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area, Waterloo Regional Airport is a vital economic asset to the communities we serve. In addition to creating jobs, providing leasing opportunities, and generating local and state tax revenue, we also play a crucial role in transporting goods and helping people access Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Fayette, Grundy, Floyd, Franklin, Hardin, and Tama Counties. Additionally, Waterloo Regional Airport is a valuable resource to the military and opens access to educational opportunities. Learn more about how your business or organization can get involved in making positive economic impacts through these available opportunities.

The Airport’s Impact on the Economy

A seven-member advisory board provides oversight to all of Waterloo Regional Airport’s operations, including those impacting economic development. The members of this board are appointed by the mayor of Waterloo and receive final approval from the Waterloo City Council. Further, two members of the Waterloo City Council provide oversight to the airport’s advisory board, serving as Liaisons of the City Council. Waterloo Regional Airport’s annual operating budget is approximately $1.15 million, encompassing payroll, accounting for taxes, and more. We are happy to announce that the airport is financially self-sufficient and fully funds daily operations through tenant charges and fees. Separate from the annual operating budget, Waterloo Regional Airport has a five-year, nearly $10 million Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) in place to enable the aggressive and continued reconstruction of priority airfield pavement areas. The ACIP budget is funded through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and passenger facility charges (PFCs). This setup enables the City of Waterloo and Waterloo Regional Airport to match the federal funds received. Access the full economic impact report.

Economic Development Opportunities

Sitting on roughly 2,600 acres, including a 40,000+ sq-ft passenger terminal building, Waterloo Regional Airport is a non-hub primary commercial service airport. We offer twice-daily American Airlines service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and handle approximately 20,000 aircraft operations annually. Operations facilitate a range of economic development opportunities for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area, Cedar Valley Region, and the state of Iowa, including the following and more:

Advertising

Access opportunities for in-terminal signage and more, and learn how your brand can be seen by thousands of travelers each year.

Project Bids and Specifications

To contribute to the development of Waterloo Regional Airport and the betterment of local and state economies, speak with a representative about project bidding and requirements for the process.

Commercial Leasing

From restaurant and lounge space to car rental concession opportunities, businesses are encouraged to speak with the Airport Staff about how Waterloo Regional Airport can help their organizations grow.

Hangar Rentals

Own or operate a private aircraft? Waterloo Regional Airport is home to spacious hangar storage rentals and plans to construct even more in the coming years.

Inquire about Economic Development Opportunities

To learn more about the airport’s economic impact or the economic development opportunities we can offer your business or organization, contact Waterloo Regional Airport today. The Airport Staff is ready to answer your questions and assist you in achieving your goals. Call us between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday at 319-291-4483.

Scroll to Top