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1. What are the current needs facing the City of Ventura?

Ventura is 150 years old — the oldest city in the county — and our aging infrastructure is showing wear and tear. The City has conducted a community needs assessment and identified key infrastructure, maintenance and resident programs that require additional funding.

2. How is the City planning to address these critical services and infrastructure needs?

The City Council has placed a revenue measure on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 general municipal election. If adopted by the voters, the measure would increase the sales tax rate by one-half percent within the city limits. The measure would make local funding available to address vital City programs and services, such as:
- Protect local beaches, rivers and coastal waters from pollution and debris
- Upgrade and repair storm drains to protect local water quality
- Repair streets and sidewalks and fix potholes
- Maintain fire and police emergency response and keep all existing fire stations open
- Increase intervention programs to address homelessness
- Make necessary seismic repairs and upgrades to bridges and overpasses
- Improve services for seniors, veterans and our youth
- Provide additional local resources for the City police department to keep Ventura neighborhoods safe

3. Could additional local resources address homelessness and help other residents?

The City has the second highest number of homeless people in Ventura County. Additional resources are needed to help individuals, veterans and families transition away from or stay off the streets and to ensure our parks and public areas are safe for everyone.

The measure would make local funds available to support proven intervention programs that help veterans, addicts and those with mental health issues obtain the services and treatment they need. The measure would also help to fund additional police patrols to help keep our beaches and public areas clean and safe.

Ventura’s existing senior resources and services are not keeping up with the growing population. Programs for this population help maintain their health and well-being, allowing them to age in place safely. At the other end of the age spectrum, City-funded after-school and summer recreational programs protect our children and teens and keep them safe and supervised.

4. When would the local measure be on the ballot?

The City Council has placed the revenue measure for the November 8, 2016 general municipal election.

5. How could a local funding measure help the City continue to protect the health and safety of its residents?

Maintaining fire, police and paramedic emergency response is vital to protecting the residents of Ventura. Nearly 85% of all calls to the Ventura City Fire Department’s communications center require emergency medical attention. Keeping all 6 of the City’s fire stations open is important to maintaining quick response times.

A local funding measure would make additional resources available for public safety services. For instance, one of our local fire stations currently relies on temporary funding to remain open.