MAYOR'S MESSAGE Taking a Closer Look at Progress at OTH Even if you haven’t flown recently, there’s a lot happening at the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) that’s worth paying attention to. I wasn’t able to attend the recent ribbon cutting, but Councilors Kilmer, Niebergall, and Cribbins, along with City Manager Nichole Rutherford, were there to help celebrate two visible improvements: the updated concourse and the opening of the Coastal Landing Café. Councilor Kilmer also serves as the Public Information Officer for the Coos County Airport District, bringing a unique dual perspective to both the City and the Airport’s work. Both are great additions—but they’re really just the most visible pieces of a much larger effort underway at the airport. As Mayor and Vice-Chair of the Coos County Airport District Board of Commissioners, I’ve had the opportunity to see how intentional this work has been. Under the leadership of Executive Director Rodger Craddock, the focus has been on both improving the day-to-day passenger experience and positioning the airport for long-term growth. Let’s start with what travelers will notice right away. The concourse is now enclosed and climate-controlled, a significant upgrade that makes waiting for a flight more comfortable year-round. The addition of the South Coast photography wall gives the space a strong sense of place—it’s not just an airport, it’s an introduction to our region. And then there’s the café. For the first time in over a decade, travelers—and even locals—have a place to grab a bite inside the terminal. Coastal Landing Café, operated by Jon and Kathy McUne of Monkey Business in Charleston, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a small addition with a big impact, helping make the airport feel more welcoming and complete. But what’s happening behind the scenes is just as important. Air service remains a top priority. OTH continues to offer daily United Express flights to San Francisco, along with seasonal service to Denver. At the same time, the Airport District is actively working to expand routes, with a particular focus on securing a northbound connection to Portland and exploring service to Phoenix. Those conversations with airlines are ongoing, and they’re critical to improving regional connectivity. There’s also significant investment in infrastructure. A new $3.4 million cargo facility is coming online, with a portion leased to FedEx—an important step in strengthening the airport’s role in regional logistics. Recent runway safety improvements and adjustments to navigational aids ensure the airport can continue to serve modern aircraft safely and efficiently. Looking ahead, several projects are in motion that could reshape the airport’s footprint. Plans for a hotel near the terminal are in progress, making travel more convenient for visitors and business travelers. A potential expansion of the terminal ramp area is being pursued to support future growth. And on the non-airside portion of the property, work is underway to prepare a business park for light industrial development—creating opportunities for jobs and economic diversification. There’s even collaboration happening beyond aviation. The Airport District is partnering with the Coos Bay–North Bend Rotary on revitalizing Airport Heights Park, a long-standing community space that many families know well. Taken together, these efforts tell a clear story: the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is not standing still. It’s evolving—thoughtfully and strategically—to better serve our community. Airports like OTH are more than just places to catch a flight. They are economic engines, gateways for visitors, and a reflection of the communities they serve. The work happening there today is helping ensure that Coos Bay and the South Coast stay connected, competitive, and welcoming. I appreciate the leadership, partnerships, and long-term vision that are driving this progress, and I look forward to seeing what comes next. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post