Organizational Description

The Friends of Vandenberg was formed in February 2004 by 10 Central Coast citizens who expressed a desire to enhance the economy of the Central Coast by encouraging    additional missions and activity be brought to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). The organization has attempted to bring to the attention of various government and civil entities the economic value that VAFB brings to the community. The organization has also sought to provide positive feedback to VAFB by having the local city and county governments pass resolutions recognizing Vandenberg as a valuable neighbor.

The Friends of Vandenberg has been organized as a Special committee under the Lompoc Chamber and Visitors Bureau and as such is a 501.c6.

Mission Statement

• To sustain, enhance and expand the Vandenberg Air Force Base economic engine by protecting the existing assets and seeking new or realigned operations, capabilities and support missions.

Vision Statement

• The Friends of Vandenberg will seek to educate and energize Central Coast communities and its citizens to provide the coordination and leadership to enhance a positive environment to help government and private decision makers understand the capabilities, assets and economic power of Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Values Statement

• Well paying jobs, requiring higher education and training, offer opportunities for local citizens to have better employment opportunities.
• More high paying jobs enhance the local economy

Goals

• Advocate the use of Vandenberg facilities to absorb commercial and new or realigned government programs
• Generate community awareness and support for Vandenberg AFB as a national asset.
• Document and articulate the far-reaching effects of Vandenberg as an economic force on the Central Coast. Support efforts to keep existing programs and missions.
• Promote community and Vandenberg resources and assets to state and federal government.

Strategy

1. Assess best way to grow Vandenberg

1.      BRAC Process

a)      DOD Evaluation Criteria

1.      Infrastructure of receiving community

a.       Generate base and community infrastructure data base

                                                                                                                                       i.      collect info from Central Coast communities

1.      Housing

2.      Transportation

3.      Communication

4.      Medical

5.      Education

                                                                                                                                     ii.      Use data to generate a Central Coast brochure and CD

                                                                                                                                    iii.      Communicate information to State and Federal representatives, Vandenberg AFB and the BRAC Commission

2.      New Government Programs

a)      Homeland Security

1.      Assess opportunities

b)      Act as catalyst between potential opportunities and VAFB

1.      Collect information on developing programs from contractors, media, NASA, NRO AF, Army and Navy

2.      Analyze potential realignment candidates

2. BRAC Commission

1.      Identify candidate(s) to nominate

a)      Lobby for friendly membership on BRAC Commission          

1.      Congress members

2.      Governor’s BRAC Commission

3.      Governor

2.      Prepare and brief BRAC Commission about infrastructure information on both VAFB and central coast

3. Inform stakeholders about status

1.      Keep county,  chambers, EDA and  elected officials informed on status

a)      Brief BOS and County EDA

b)      Santa Maria Valley EDA

c)      Chambers

d)      Mayors and Councils