Paso Robles is ready to make history. Not just for its world-class wines, but as a rising force in California’s aerospace future. Celebrated for bold reds and a spirit of innovation, Paso is now channeling that same energy into a remarkable new initiative. At the city’s municipal airport, local leaders are pursuing FAA spaceport licensing that would empower horizontal aerospace launches, unmanned aircraft testing, and payload research.
If approved, Paso would join a select group of just 14 federally licensed spaceports in the United States. Unlike vertical rocket launch facilities, the focus here is on drone systems and reusable vehicles that fit naturally within the region’s infrastructure and landscape.
Backed by a combination of public leadership and private investment, the effort blends agricultural heritage with forward-thinking growth. With strong ties to Cal Poly and a commitment to future-ready development, Paso Robles is becoming an even more extraordinary place to live, work, and thrive. The opportunity extends beyond aerospace, positioning Paso as a hub for research, tech, and talent with lasting benefits for local industries.
What Exactly Is a Spaceport?
A spaceport is a federally licensed site for launching, testing, and landing aerospace vehicles. Paso’s vision centers on horizontal launches, including drone systems and other advanced aircraft. These types of launches don’t require vertical infrastructure or large-scale facilities, making them ideal for regions with existing infrastructure and open skies.
Paul Sloan, Economic Development Manager for the City of Paso Robles, explains, “This isn’t just about launches. It’s about building an innovation ecosystem that supports long-term growth and opportunity.”
For Paso, it’s also about economic diversification, future-proofing the local economy and creating a regional advantage that supports quality of life and entrepreneurship in equal measure.
Why Paso Robles?
It started with Cal Poly, which saw untapped potential in Paso’s location, airport, and proximity to both research and open airspace. The city already features a 6,000-foot runway and an underutilized municipal airport with room to grow. Paso Robles has long been known for its balance of natural beauty, agricultural productivity, and business-friendly leadership—making it an ideal candidate for emerging tech partnerships.
According to the Cal Poly Digital Transformation Hub, the goal is to bridge university research with real-world aerospace applications while retaining top talent in the region.
Today, Paso is about halfway through the FAA’s rigorous spaceport licensing process. In the meantime, the city has joined forces with regional economic advisors, aviation experts, and educational partners to develop land use frameworks, tenant strategies, and public-private opportunities. These early efforts reflect a clear opportunity for collaboration and investment—especially for companies ready to scale or expand into an innovation-forward setting.
Cal Poly’s involvement helps ensure that the project will be grounded in research, education, and workforce training, bringing long-term value to the broader Central Coast and offering students a meaningful pathway to high-growth careers close to home.
What the FAA License Will Unlock
Once licensed, Paso Robles will be eligible for:
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Federal infrastructure and R&D funding
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Long-term lease opportunities with aerospace firms
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Expanded job creation in advanced engineering and technology sectors
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Workforce development in partnership with Cal Poly and regional institutions
This license creates a launchpad for economic transformation. It sets the stage for collaborative R&D, attracts scalable tenants, and allows Paso Robles to compete nationally for aerospace investment.
Other communities like Mojave, California, and Midland, Texas, have used spaceport designation to diversify their economies and attract high-paying tech and aviation jobs. Paso Robles isn’t just prepared to follow a similar path. With quality of life, workforce potential, and infrastructure already in place, it’s ready to lead.
Spotlight Listing: 5175 Airport Road
Positioned within Paso Robles’ designated Technology Corridor, 5175 Airport Road (link to listing) offers 9.88± acres of fully entitled potential just steps from the municipal airport. Zoned for light industrial use, the site is ideally suited for aerospace-aligned businesses such as drone assembly, payload research, advanced manufacturing, or even wine-related logistics.
The infrastructure is in place to support high-performance operations, with AT&T fiber offering 1 Gig service and scalable capacity up to 100 Gigs. Proximity to Route 46 provides convenient access to regional transportation networks. The site also benefits from its location within the City’s targeted growth zone, making it a potential beneficiary of future investment incentives and public-private infrastructure upgrades.
As one of the few development-ready parcels in this emerging space, 5175 Airport Road presents an ideal match for companies seeking a first-mover advantage. Whether you’re an investor eyeing long-term appreciation or a business looking for a strategic launch site, this property delivers on possibility.
Paso’s Evolving Landscape
The spaceport project represents more than a new industry. It signals a broader economic shift that adds resilience to the region. Paso Robles will always be celebrated for its wine, and now it's thoughtfully expanding that legacy with a foundation rooted in innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
Local leaders are working to:
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Expand infrastructure and road access near the airport
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Secure anchor aerospace tenants
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Align land use policies to support long-term growth
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Offer incentives to attract commercial investment
These priorities give businesses and landowners the chance to help shape Paso’s next chapter, all while benefiting from the region’s strong identity, engaged leadership, and pioneering spirit.
What to Watch in 2025
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FAA licensing is in progress with approval anticipated by 2026
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Infrastructure upgrades are under review for future expansion
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Cal Poly continues to lead workforce development and R&D
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Properties within the Technology Corridor are receiving increased investor interest
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Additional public-private partnerships may emerge as anchor tenants sign on
Explore What’s Next
Paso Robles is in a rare position, prepared to evolve without losing the qualities that make it exceptional. If you're thinking about your next commercial investment, exploring land use opportunities, or simply curious, now is the time.
5175 Airport Road represents more than a development site. It’s a front-row seat to Paso’s next chapter—entitled, connected, and primed for possibility. Whether you're seeking a competitive edge or planning for long-term growth, Paso Robles reflects what's next.
