The Ventura City Council has approved a $527.4 million operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, including a balanced $153.8 million General Fund that supports core city services such as police, fire, parks and recreation, public works and administration.
The budget maintains funding for essential services while continuing investments in infrastructure, housing and homelessness programs, environmental sustainability and economic development. It also includes a new Cultural Arts Manager Pilot Program designed to support arts, culture, tourism and community engagement.
Measure O, the voter-approved sales tax now entering its 10th year, remains a major source of funding for city projects and services. The FY27 Measure O budget totals $25.7 million and will support street maintenance, sidewalk repairs, beach maintenance, storm drain improvements and development of a new storm drain master plan.
Major capital projects funded in the budget include continued work on the State Water Interconnect, upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment facility through the Membrane Bioreactor Project, planning and design for future replacement of the tennis courts at Camino Real Park, and construction of new facilities at Olivas Links Golf Course.
“This balanced budget reflects our commitment to maintaining essential services while making strategic investments in Ventura’s future,” Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios said in a statement.
City Manager Bill Ayub said the spending plan balances current service needs with long-term investments in infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, and community programs.
Earlier this year, Ventura received budget awards from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and the Government Finance Officers Association, marking the 12th consecutive year the city has earned both honors. For more information, visit the city’s Financial Transparency webpage www.cityofventura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.
