Downtown Plan
Downtown Plan
Celebrating AuthenticityOver the next ten years, Ventura will emphasize our history, culture and unique character to sustain the downtown as our city's authentic heart – the pre eminent arena for civic and artistic life and a preferred locaton for retail and office commerce.
Final Draft
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Specific Plan Goals
1. Ventura's Unique Character
Preserve Ventura's special sense of place by insisting on high standards of architecture, urban design and landscaping so that new development complements the eclectic architecture and historic richness of our Downtown.
2. California's New Art City
Weave art and culture into the fabric of everyday life in Downtown through the growth and expansion of cultural institutions and by nurturing creative and artistic expression in the public realm.
3. Animating the Public Realm
Maintain and enhance public features such as parks, streetscapes and open spaces. Provide access to our natural areas, including the hillsides and Ventura River and re-connect Downtown to the ocean. Encourage development and events that activate the public realm.
4. Economic Vitality
Establish Downtown as a preferred place to work as well as live or visit. Ensure the future economic stability of Downtown by providing an active daytime workforce in offices and studios and by promoting successful retailing, tourism and the provision of high-wage, high value jobs.
5. Housing Renaissance
Provide high quality, urban housing for a diverse range of income levels. Encourage efficient utilization of Downtown's limited land resources by promoting infill development.
6. Mobility in Transportation
Create an integrated transportation system that effectively serves the Downtown area, making Downtown a place where people prefer to walk, bike or ride public transit rather than drive a car.
7. "Park Once" Management Strategy
Efficiently manage supply and demand for Downtown parking to accommodate visitor, commuter and resident parking needs.
8. Sustainable Infrastructure
Safeguard public health, safety and prosperity by providing and maintaining facilities that enable the community to live in balance with natural systems. Continue to ensure public services keep pace with new development in Downtown.