Main Street Moves has been extended to July 2024.
In May of 2020, city staff, in partnership with the Downtown Ventura Partners, presented a proposal to City Council to allow for a temporary, 30-day closure of five blocks of historic downtown Main Street to vehicular traffic to allow for outdoor dining and shopping in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot project was a resounding success and provided a financial lifeline to many Ventura businesses.
Through a series of Council actions, Main Street Moves has been extended to July 2024. During this two-year period, various studies will be completed to determine the feasibility of a permanent, 24/7 street closure (Pedestrian Mall). Periodic updates to the community and Council will be forthcoming as studies are completed.
October 16, 2023 – City Council provided staff direction for the next steps with Main Street Moves, including continuing with the full closure while the environmental studies are complete, finalizing the parklet design guidelines, and creating a mechanism to transition the program liability from the Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) to the City. Staff Report (PDF)
June 26, 2023 – City Council waives a second reading and adopts the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Buenaventura, amending Chapter 16.350 of the Municipal Code to provide regulations prohibiting the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and other vehicles within Main Street Moves, and adding limitations on the use of any such vehicle on public rights-of-way and within shopping centers. Staff Report (PDF)
