By Stephen Witt for Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
A $1.9 million study examining the future of Whiteman Airport in Pacoima has been delayed until summer 2026 — and the county quietly extended the consultant’s contract to accommodate the longer timeline, LACP has learned.
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) confirmed the contract extension in a statement to LACP on Friday, saying that “a community open house was held in December” and that “the consultant contract has been extended to include a second community open house this spring.” The agency said the final report is expected “this summer.”
Constance Farrell, Communications Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes Whiteman Airport, echoed the DEO’s timeline in a separate response Friday, adding that the extension was made “to allow for additional engagement.”
“Supervisor Horvath’s priority remains ensuring that as many community stakeholders as possible are engaged,” Farrell wrote. “The Supervisor looks forward to receiving the final report and to considering the options under review for the future of the Whiteman Airport property.”
Farrell said a specific date for the spring open house has not yet been set. She invited LACP to follow up in a couple of weeks if no further information has been shared.
The county has not publicly announced the contract extension or its cost. The original board motion — approved 17 months ago, in October 2024 — authorized an increase in the Trifiletti Consulting contract from $600,000 to $1.9 million, but set no deadline for completion.
LACP has asked the county how much the extension added to the contract cost and what caused the delay. Those questions remain unanswered.
The study, led by Trifiletti Consulting with subcontractors Ricondo & Associates, BAE Urban Economics, and WJ Advisors, is examining three scenarios for the 170-acre airport property: full closure and redevelopment, maintaining the airport with improvements, or a hybrid approach combining aviation use with compatible development.
As of October 2025, the consultants had completed the closure process review, existing conditions analysis, economic trends and real estate market analysis, lease analysis, financial modeling, and a land use compatibility memo. Focus groups were scheduled for November 2025 and a public open house for December 2025 — both of which have since occurred, according to the county.
The delay pushes the final report past the June 2 primary election in which Horvath is seeking a second term on the Board of Supervisors. Challenger Tonia Arey has entered the race.
Whiteman Airport, located in the heart of Pacoima — a community that is 89% Hispanic with a median household income of $74,254 — has drawn mounting pressure from community advocates, elected officials, and local nonprofits who argue the property should be redeveloped to generate jobs and housing.
A 2024 economic study commissioned by ICON CDC, a community development corporation active in the area, estimated that redevelopment could generate $16.4 million in annual revenue and more than 2,400 jobs, compared to the airport’s current output of $1.8 million and 273 jobs.
Among the redevelopment visions gaining traction in the community: Veronica Padilla-Campos, Executive Director of Pacoima Beautiful, has floated the idea of a 5,000-seat soccer stadium on the site — a proposal that reflects the ambition of community leaders who see the 170-acre property as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform one of the San Fernando Valley’s most underserved neighborhoods.
LACP has requested additional information from the Department of Economic Opportunity regarding the cost and duration of the contract extension. This story will be updated when that information is received
