Ventura · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
District-based appointments and advisory board overhaul
Starting January 2027, each council member would nominate one member to each city board, replacing the public ARC interview process. The council also backed a new environmental standing committee and renamed bodies as commissions.
FY 2027 city budget
The five-year outlook shows a projected deficit around FY 2029 tied to the SAFER grant match for 13 firefighter positions, and just $167,000 of FY 2027 general fund is unallocated without cutting services.
Proposed 1% sales tax measure for November 2026 ballot
The council fell one vote short of putting a 1% sales tax — roughly $36 million a year — on the November ballot. Supporters said streets, parks, and fire staffing need the money; opponents said the city must show budget discipline and an economic development plan first.
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.
Public art funding from water ratepayer funds
The council moved to permanently end the 2% public art set-aside from water and sewer capital projects, citing rate affordability and Prop 218 legal risk — about $2.8 million would otherwise come from the Ventura Water Pure project. Arts supporters urged the council to keep the 30-year-old program alive for other projects.