After contested RFP and public testimony, board awards John Wayne Airport parking contract to Ace Parking

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on April 23 voted to award the John Wayne Airport parking‑management and shuttle services contract to Ace Parking, accepting the airport director’s staff recommendation after extensive public comment and internal debate.

Representatives for competing bidders — including LAZ, the incumbent — and union and community stakeholders addressed the board. Ace Parking executives highlighted reservation systems, data analytics and an EV shuttle plan; LAZ representatives and other speakers described their long operational history at the airport and urged continuity. Teamsters Local 911 submitted letters supporting both companies in different respects.

Several supervisors and the chair expressed concern about the evaluation process, saying one outlier scorer gave a result that skewed panel scoring. "When you're winning, shut up," the chair said during remarks criticizing aggressive vendor outreach; other supervisors called for greater transparency in future RFP processes. Supervisor McAfee said she was initially inclined to support staff but ultimately voted with the majority after follow‑up discussions with staff and airport leadership.

Supervisor Foley moved the staff recommendation, citing thorough vetting and the proposal’s lower budgetary impact and operational features; another supervisor abstained, and the final tally was reported in the meeting as 4 to 1 in favor. Board members asked airport staff to hold the vendor to commitments on service, EV implementation and not returning for additional funding.

Why it matters: The contract governs a major revenue and customer‑service function at John Wayne Airport and includes transition and EV‑vehicle plans. Board debate focused on procurement process integrity and the need to hold the winning bidder accountable to promises made at the podium.