6.11.2026 Economic Development Subcommittee

The City of Ventura Economic Development Subcommittee met on June 15, 2026, to discuss several key topics related to economic development and procurement. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the waterfront project property, including outreach objectives, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the need for preliminary studies such as geotechnical and environmental assessments before public engagement. The subcommittee emphasized the importance of defining clear project parameters and outcomes to guide future development and public input. Additionally, the meeting covered the city's application for Opportunity Zone 2.0 funding, highlighting relevant redevelopment projects and the competitive nature of the grant process. Updates were provided on economic development initiatives including business retention, tourism and hospitality growth, small business support programs, and efforts to streamline city permitting processes. The subcommittee also discussed resource allocation, including the addition of a new full-time economic development team member, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses through data-driven strategies and partnerships. No formal votes on contracts or budget allocations were recorded, but the discussion indicated active planning for future procurement and development activities related to the waterfront property and economic development projects.