Wondering how to get involved in the City of Ventura’s General Plan? Here is a guide for how to participate in the process and help shape the future of Ventura.
Q: What is a General Plan?
A: The General Plan is often referred to as the “blueprint” for shaping a community’s quality of life for the next 20 to 30 years. It describes a shared vision and identifies long-term strategies to guide decision making. In 2020, the City of Ventura launched the first of many public engagement activities to update the General Plan themed “Our Vision. Our Future.”
Q: Why is it important to update the General Plan now?
A: Cities are not static. They are constantly changing and evolving to meet community needs. The General Plan seeks to build a framework for maintaining Ventura’s unique charm and character, while creating opportunities to enhance the community’s quality of life. In California, every city and county is required to have an updated “General Plan” to guide growth and changes in land use.
Q: What topics are included in the General Plan?
A: The General Plan is a long-range policy document that defines everything that makes our community special. It covers arts, parks, affordable housing, transportation, economic development, climate change and environmental sustainability, public safety, and more.
Q: Who should get involved and how long does it take to update the General Plan?
A: In short, everyone! The General Plan applies to anyone who lives, works, shops, or spends time in our city. It is important to gather a diverse range of input. Because community feedback is significant in the update process, preparing an updated General Plan can take up to three years to complete from start to finish.
Q: How do I find out more information?
A: Visit www.planventura.com, also available in Spanish, for the latest updates on community meetings, workshops, online surveys, and to join the project email list. The public is also invited to attend upcoming workshops or join the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meetings. For additional questions, send an email at [email protected]
Q: When are General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meetings?
A: The GPAC is a City Council-appointed advisory body composed of residents, business owners, educators, students, and other members of the community to guide the development of the
General Plan. GPAC meetings are hosted virtually on the third Tuesday of every month and open to everyone in the community!
Q: How can I participate in the workshops?
A: Workshops are a great opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the General Plan Update. The first virtual meeting will be hosted in English and Spanish on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 6:00 pm. Be sure to follow www.planventura.com/workshops for meeting registration details and agendas.
