REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Marissa Sur, Assistant City Manager
Subject:
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Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Letter of Intent between City of Huntington Beach and Archer Aviation, Inc. Regarding Participation in the Federal Integration Pilot Program (iPP) for eVTOL
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Statement of Issue:
Archer Aviation, Inc. (Archer) reached out to the City to explore a public-private partnership to pursue participation in the Federal Integration Pilot Program (iPP) for eVTOL. An executed Letter of Intent is required in order for the City to partner with Archer on this project.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Letter of Intent between the City of Huntington Beach and Archer Aviation, Inc. Regarding Participation in the Federal Integration Pilot Program (iPP) for eVTOL.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Archer Aviation (Archer) has reached out to the City of Huntington Beach to explore a public-private partnership to pursue participation in the iPP. At the November 4, 2025, City Council meeting, representatives from Archer provided a study session regarding this program and the anticipated benefits to the City. If the City Council is interested in pursuing this partnership, the City must enter into an agreement with Archer (Letter of Intent) outlining the purpose, collaboration, exclusivity, non-binding commitment and term of the agreement.
Should the Council agree to execute this Letter of Intent, the City and Archer will work to identify sites, engage stakeholders and develop application materials required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
Attachment(s):
1. Letter of Intent