40. Community Need The City of Springfield is facing challenges in workforce development as an increasingly large percentage of the population moves beyond working age and as newer technologies replace those that residents are currently trained for. By developing a comprehensive plan for future advanced air mobility/AAM services, the City will be able to improve opportunities for it's citizens in this emerging field and increase access to modern manufacturing processes. This job creation will allow greater training for residents as well as increasing the population with residents trained in the modern manufacturing processes. According to the Ohio AAM Section 8.8 Workforce Considerations, "The AAM market is projected to be in the tens of billions of dollars by 2045. The 2021 AAM economic impact report for the State of Ohio forecasted a growth of more than 15,000 jobs by 2045 related to AAM in the state. To fully capitalize on that opportunity, additional workforce training will be needed. Job growth in existing sectors is expected to include package delivery and personal mobility services. New jobs will be created around manufacturing, data analysis, supply chain, and new services tied to AAM such as UAS traffic management systems, remote pilots, and new skills for mechanics."

Per the US Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, the Census tracts adjacent to the Springfield Airport are disadvantaged communities which are in the 90th Percentile for Diabetes Risk, 99th Percentile for Heart Disease Risk, and the 97th Percentile for Life Expectancy, in addition to multiple Low Income and Workforce Development concerns (US CEJST Explore the map - Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool (geoplatform.gov)). As the City seeks to improve health and economic conditions for these residents, properly planning for the implementation of newer, cleaner industries, such as AAM, will significantly improve the odds of successful realization of these goals.

The Ohio AAM Framework (AAM+Planning+Framework.pdf (ohio.gov), Page 16) discusses how this type of industry can benefit a community: “Electrification eliminates exhaust and results in cleaner and more efficient travel than jet or propeller driven internal combustion engine vehicles. Just like with electric ground vehicles, simply converting to an electric propulsion system results in significant energy savings.” The dual goals of improved air quality and workforce development are beneficial reasons for the City pursuing this project. However, coordination with the US Air Force, ODOT, the Dayton Development Coalition and eVTOL manufacturers will also further US Defense and regional economic development goals through the successful completion of the Ohio AAM Infrastructure Plan.

The Plan will test and validate the existing FAA draft vertiport development standards, providing key information and data for FAA and other partners.