Ventura · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City employee labor contracts
Several city employees and union leaders warned that rising healthcare costs and lagging wages are pushing workers out of Ventura. Firefighters, survey staff, housing staff, and water workers urged the council to offer a fair contract during ongoing negotiations.
City workforce vacancies and retention
The city's vacancy rate averaged 5.6% in 2025, but SEIU 721 flagged eight classifications above the 20% vacancy threshold, four-month average fill times, and 99 separations since 2023 — with contract negotiations coming this year.
Potential half-cent sales tax ballot measure
A second survey shows 51-60% likely support for a general sales tax, just above the 50% needed. Streets and roads topped resident priorities, fueling debate over whether the tax should be general or earmarked.