Ventura Adopts Balanced Budget – Mayor Delivers State of the City Address

Ventura Mayor Delivers

State of the City Address

Mayor Sofia Rubalcava delivered her virtual State of the City address, themed “A Time Like No Other,” on June 24, 2021.

Hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor shared updates on what’s happening at the City, what lies ahead as Ventura recovers from the pandemic, and answered questions.

Haga clic aquí para obtener unPDF del comunicado

City Adopts $303.3 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Ventura City Council adopted a balanced $303.3 million operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 at its Budget Hearing on June 21, 2021.

The FY 21-22 budget allows for technology investments, homeless services, public safety enhancements, upgrades to the fire department’s alerting system, investments in downtown Ventura for Main Street Moves, support for an economic development strategy, and additional staffing support for business technology innovation, community development, and human resources.

For additional information about the City of Ventura’s budget or financial documents, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.

Enjoy a “Safe and Sane”

Fourth of July

This year marks America’s 245th birthday. In celebrating the Fourth of July, please explore safer ways to enjoy the holiday, such as finding an outdoor activity, taking a trip to the beach, or hosting a BBQ.

With dry brush surrounding Ventura’s hillsides, fireworks pose a great danger to our community. As a reminder, it is illegal to possess, store, sell, use, or handle fireworks in the City of Ventura.

Learn More About Firework Safety

Learn More About Ventura Water and Wastewater Rates Here

Ventura Water Billing Updates

The City of Ventura continually invests in water and wastewater systems to maintain safe and reliable services. In May 2021, City Council approved five-year water and wastewater rate increases needed to operate and maintain vital infrastructure and invest in forward-looking projects that:

Repair and replace aging infrastructure
Meet regulatory, environmental, and legal requirements
Improve water quality
Secure water supply

Beginning July 1, 2021, new water and wastewater rates will be implemented. The average Ventura household (utilizing 9 HCF) will see an average monthly increase of $7.76 increase on an annual basis over 5 years.

Additionally, Ventura Water is proud to announce its transition from bi-monthly to monthly billing. Moving forward, customers will receive a Ventura Water bill each month. This improvement will enhance transparency for our customers, allowing for better budgeting and water management.

General Plan Update:

Housing Meeting on June 29

Join the next General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting on Tuesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. to learn more about housing policies in the City of Ventura.

In case you missed it, be sure to watch our special educational forum on the General Plan’s housing element, featuring guest speaker Veronica Tam of Veronica Tam + Associates.

Click here to watch (en Español).

Register for the Meeting

Styrofoam Ban

Starting July 1, 2021, food and beverage containers made with expanded polystyrene (EPS) will no longer be allowed in the City of Ventura.

Commonly known as Styrofoam, EPS food containers are a prevalent form of litter found in our storm drains, creeks, rivers, and beaches. The City Council adopted the ban in November 2020.

A one-year hardship exemption is available for local businesses. Click here for an exemption application form.