6.17.26: Housing & Homelessness Subcommittee

The City of Ventura Housing & Homelessness Subcommittee met on June 17, 2026, to discuss several key issues related to homelessness and housing policy. The meeting included public comments from nonprofit representatives about ongoing housing and food support programs for vulnerable populations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed ordinance to implement Housing Element Program 19, which aims to bring the city's municipal code into compliance with recent state laws regarding emergency shelters, supportive housing, transitional housing, low-barrier navigation centers, and group care facilities. The ordinance would amend zoning codes to facilitate these housing types, designate the downtown area as a by-right emergency shelter zone, and streamline approval processes. Committee members discussed the balance between state mandates and local policy choices, concerns about concentrating shelters in downtown, and the need for multiple shelter locations. The subcommittee also received an update on a $4 million state grant application for encampment resolution funding to support outreach, hygiene services, and safe parking programs for vehicular encampments. Additionally, a presentation from Mercy House Arch Shelter highlighted shelter usage, outcomes, and challenges in moving clients to permanent housing. The subcommittee approved motions to advance the ordinance with recommendations to consider additional emergency shelter locations and planned future discussions on encampment management in the Ventura River bottom area.