Keep Chino Rural
Chino Valley’s Identity Crisis: The Battle Over Perkins Ranch Airfield
CHINO VALLEY, AZ — The sprawling, quiet landscapes of Chino Valley are currently the site of a fierce political and legal showdown. Following a landmark 5-2 vote by the Town Council on February 24, 2026, the approval of the Perkins Ranch Airfield has ignited a firestorm of opposition led by the Keep Chino Rural PAC.
What was once a debate over land use has transformed into a fundamental battle over the town’s future: will it remain an agricultural sanctuary, or will it become a high-traffic training hub for the aviation industry?
The Project: A Training Ground for the Skies
The Perkins Ranch Airfield is a collaborative project between the long-standing Perkins ranching family and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Designed to alleviate the extreme flight-training congestion at Prescott Regional Airport, the plan includes:
A 5,000-foot paved runway.
Pilot training facilities specifically for “touch-and-go” maneuvers.
Phased expansion that may eventually include a dedicated fire station and specialized infrastructure.
The Opposition: Keep Chino Rural PAC 
The Keep Chino Rural PAC has emerged as the primary watchdog and mobilizer for residents who feel betrayed by the council’s decision. Led by several community advocates, the PAC argues that the airfield represents “industrial encroachment” on land protected by the town’s 2040 General Plan.
The Road Ahead
For the residents of Chino Valley, the stakes are higher than just a runway. It is about whether the “Rural” in “Keep Chino Rural” remains a lived reality or becomes a relic of the past.
“We aren’t just fighting an airport; we are fighting for the soul of our town.” — Excerpt from Keep Chino Rural community forum.
Chino Valley is at a crossroads. With increasing development pressures, proposals for new infrastructure, and debates about growth, the community is facing critical choices about the town’s future. Keep Chino Rural is a local initiative dedicated to preserving the town’s open spaces, agricultural lands, and rural character while encouraging thoughtful, sustainable growth.
Residents value their quiet neighborhoods, wide open landscapes, and agricultural heritage. Recent proposals, including a pilot training airfield and large-scale development projects, have sparked community discussions about noise, traffic, environmental impact, and how growth may affect the town’s character. Keeping Chino rural means actively participating in these conversations, attending council meetings, and advocating for land use policies that protect open spaces and quality of life.
The town’s 2040 General Plan provides a framework for managing growth, but its effectiveness depends on public engagement. Community members play a vital role in monitoring zoning proposals, supporting responsible development, and preserving water resources like the Big Chino aquifer. Advocacy groups and local residents collaborate to ensure that Chino Valley remains a town where rural life is valued and protected for future generations.
Key initiatives include promoting small-scale, environmentally friendly businesses, protecting agricultural lands from over development, and preserving scenic landscapes that define the town. Residents also focus on educational outreach, civic engagement, and encouraging transparent decision-making in town government. By staying informed and involved, the community ensures that development aligns with local values and sustainable practices.
Through this website, we provide up-to-date information on current issues, development proposals, and community-led efforts to Keep Chino Rural. Explore how you can participate, stay informed, and help protect the rural character of Chino Valley while fostering a sustainable future for residents and businesses alike.