Economic Summit - Community Action Plan

Ventura’s Economic Summit “Community Action Plan” Announced at Ventura City Council Meeting Monday, August 3

On Monday, August 3, Ventura City staff, together with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and other partner organizations, presented a Community Action Plan – the 90-day follow up to Ventura’s Economic Summit. The plan was unveiled during the 6 p.m. Council meeting Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street.

The Community Action Plan began with more than 125 community members -- including art activists, business owners, Chamber members, community leaders, developers, economic experts and “everyday citizens” – who joined efforts at the May 2nd Economic Summit in identifying opportunities and obstacles to improve Ventura’s economic future. City Manager Rick Cole noted, “This Summit marked a departure from the polarization over ‘growth’ that has often divided our community. It showed a consensus around a compelling set of shared ideas to promote sustainable economic development.”

Summit attendees actively participated in one of five concurrent breakout sessions and identified 54 action items to refocus Ventura’s Economic Development strategy. The action items were further fine-tuned by Summit working groups who met in June and July preparing their Community Action Plan recommendations to Council regarding;

Zoe Taylor, President of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, says “the Economic Summit was not a single event, but the beginning of a process for change that relies on all City departments and partner organizations, like the Chamber, DVO and VCB, and others, working together on behalf of Ventura’s fiscal future – truly a Community Action Plan.”

Participant Resources from May 2 Economic Summit

Event Information

Action Item Progress

4.10 - Fee Comparison
5.2 - Flow Charts: Historic Demolition; Planning Permit

About the May 2 Economic Summit

On May 2, 2009 the City of Ventura and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce hosted an Economic Summit where a diverse crowd of more than 125 citizens gathered to chart a new course for growth and prosperity.

A wide range of local business owners and community leaders discussed the next steps towards a vibrant and sustainable economy for Ventura's future.

Summit attendees participated in one of five concurrent breakout sessions:

Improving the City's Bottom Line and Fiscal Health
Fostering Smart Growth
Greening Ventura's Economy
Retaining/Expanding Jobs and Businesses
Enhancing our Business Climate

Each breakout session identified and itemized action items, which were presented to City Council that afternoon. Immediately following the breakout sessions, City Council heard reports from each of the breakouts and directed staff to proceed with some of the recommended 90-day and 1-year action items. Those 54 action items were categorized as part of the Aug. 3 Community Action Plan.

Search