Although the interaction between the local communities and Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) is very positive, the activities or actions of one entity can inadvertently impact the other and result in conflicts. As communities develop and expand in response to growth and market demands, land use decisions can push urban development closer to military installations and operation areas. The resulting land use conflicts, often referred to as encroachment, can have negative impacts on community safety, economic development, and sustainment of military activities and readiness.
 

 
A Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is a collaborative planning effort between active military installations, surrounding counties and cities, and other affected agencies. The JLUS process is funded by a grant from the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA).
 

 
The goal of the Fairchild JLUS is to protect the viability of current and future missions at the Fairchild AFB while at the same time accommodating growth, sustaining the economic health of the region, and protecting public health and safety. To help meet this goal, three primary objectives were identified.

• Understanding. Convene community and Fairchild AFB representatives to study the issues in an open forum, taking into consideration both community and military viewpoints and needs. This includes public outreach and input.

• Collaboration. Encourage cooperative land use and resource planning between the military and surrounding communities so that future community growth and development are compatible with the operational mission of Fairchild AFB while at the same time seeking ways to reduce operational impacts on adjacent lands.

• Actions. Provide a set of tools, activities, and procedures from which local jurisdictions, agencies, and Fairchild AFB can select, and then use to implement the recommendations developed during the JLUS process. The actions proposed include both operational measures to mitigate installation impacts and local government and agency approaches to reduce impacts on Fairchild AFB operations. These tools will help decision makers prioritize compatibility issues and budget projects within their jurisdictions accordingly.

The Fairchild JLUS addresses all lands near Fairchild AFB with a current or potential future impact on military operations at the base, and lands upon which military operations at the base have an actual or potential impact.