RECOMMENDATION:
Pass a motion approving calendar year 2025 membership fees for Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) in an amount not to exceed $182,582.00 for the Houston Airport System.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
Airports Council International (ACI) is the trade association of airport owners and operators worldwide. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ACI has 646 members operating over 1,960 airports in 176 countries. ACI is comprised of five geographical regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America-Caribbean, and North America. The North America region, which includes Canada and the United States, is represented by ACI-NA, based in Washington, D.C.
Membership in ACI-NA provides the department with 1) a means of keeping current on the latest techniques of the many functional aspects of airport management; 2) advocacy on legislative issues before the Congress and world forums; 3) a way to exchange information with other airports facing similar situations; 4) a single airport voice in dealing with the federal government; 5) representation in the bilateral negotiating process for international air routes; and 6) training and certification opportunities by a world leader in airport management and operations education. Additionally, ACI-NA was instrumental in securing millions of federal COVID-19 relief funds and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds for the Houston Airport System.
ACI-NA calendar year 2025 base dues, a function of passenger and cargo activity, are $151,082.00. International air service dues, based on enplaned international passengers, are $9,000.00. A legislative assessment of $15,000.00 and a policy assessment of $7,500.00, both discounted rates, are also included, bringing total dues for 2025 to $182,582.00.
Support of ACI-NA provides member airports with constant communication concerning our position in various legislative and regulatory processes and international civil aviation organizations, such as security issues impacting our airports, and enables our airports to make their voices heard at critical points along the way. Benefits from membership and participation in this organization far outweigh the cost of dues and serve the best interest of the Houston Airport System in meeting the current airport needs of the community, customers, and users.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item was included in the FY2025 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
Director’s Signature:
___________________
Jim Szczesniak
Houston Airport System
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Estimated Spending Authority
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DEPARTMENT
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FY2025
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OUT YEARS
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TOTAL
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Houston Airport System
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$182,582.00
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$0.00
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$182,582.00
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