The verdict is in: Relocating Naples Airport is not financially feasible without significant monetary commitments from the City of Naples, Collier County or other sources. Therefore, according to Naples Airport Authority commissioners, the door to relocating the airport is now closed.
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"We believe that the airport needs to be run from the independent body which is elected for this purpose and they have fiduciary duty," said Branimir Brankov, president of Responsible Government Naples.
Brankov explained that their newly formed coalition, RGN, focuses on a broad range of issues with a central focus on government accountability.
RGN President Branimir Brankov said the group wants to work with the city — not against it — to preserve jobs, support the local economy, and also address resident concerns.
Sean Nash, a pilot and business aviation consultant, said there are already ideas on the table, including improving flight paths and continuing to comply with the airport’s recommended quiet hours, which he says already has over 90% compliance.
"Aircraft are getting more efficient and quieter every day with technological advancements," Nash said. "So, there's solutions to be had that we want to collaborate with, and as aviation professionals, we can lend our expertise in that way."
So far, the Responsible Government Naples petition has gained nearly 200 signatures. The group's goal is to present it to the city council and help steer the conversation toward positive solutions for the airport and residents.
A coalition of business and community leaders has launched Responsible Government Naples, a nonprofit aimed at promoting accountability, transparency and responsible use of public resources in city government. The group will focus on civic education, public engagement and watchdog efforts to encourage fair, community-driven decision-making.
The organization formed amid concerns about recent actions by some elected officials, including efforts to allocate taxpayer dollars toward studies and plans to close, relocate or limit Naples Airport despite strong public support for keeping it in place.
Responsible Government Naples plans to spotlight issues affecting residents and advocate for decisions that reflect the broader community’s interests.
Responsible Government Naples aims to educate, engage, and support transparency in local government
A broad coalition of business and community leaders today announced the launch of Responsible Government Naples, a new non-profit organization committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and smart stewardship of public resources in the City of Naples.
The group’s goal is simple: to help ensure that Naples continues to thrive by advocating for responsible governance that works for all residents—not just a privileged few. Through civic education, public engagement, and watchdog efforts, Responsible Government Naples will shine a light on areas where our city government can improve, while offering constructive ideas to support good decision-making and safeguard the city’s long-term success.
“We love Naples and believe in the values that make our community special—fairness, fiscal responsibility, and a shared commitment to keeping this city a world-class place to live and do business,” said Branimir Brankov, President, Responsible Government Naples. “This is about ensuring those values remain at the heart of our local government.”
Recent actions by some elected officials have raised concerns, particularly around the use of taxpayer resources, interference with independent boards, and a pattern of decision-making that appears disconnected from the will of the broader community.
In one example, a 2025 poll of Naples and Collier County voters shows strong support for Naples Executive Airport and a clear preference for it to remain in its current location. Nearly 4 in 5 agreed that the airport is important to the community, and 75 percent of voters believe the airport is important for the local economy.
However, a small faction of elected officials in Naples are attempting to allocate millions of taxpayer dollars toward studies and plans to close, relocate, or limit the airport, in spite of the strong support the airport has rightfully earned from the community.
This is just one example of an issue for which Responsible Government Naples will serve as a platform to elevate these concerns respectfully, with the aim of preserving the quality of life that residents, retirees, workers, and business owners all value.
The organization plans to highlight and support appropriate, community-driven uses of public funds and attention—encouraging a balanced, forward-thinking approach that benefits the entire city.
“We’re here to help guide progress, not stand in the way of it,” Brankov continued. “We believe Naples deserves leaders who listen, and we know residents are ready to work toward solutions together.”
To learn more, join the coalition, or stay informed about local governance, visit ResponsibleGovernmentNaples.com and follow the organization on social media (Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn).
About Responsible Government Naples
Responsible Government Naples is a 501(c)(4) non-profit civic organization formed to educate, inform, and activate Naples residents. The organization supports greater transparency, fairness, and responsible leadership in local government, and speaks on behalf of the many residents who want to see Naples thrive through balanced growth, strong ethics, and community-focused policies. Learn more at ResponsibleGovernmentNaples.com.
Naples Airport staff are studying the feasibility of moving the airport to another location after hundreds of complaints.
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