|
Ventura, Calif. - On May 25, Mayor Joe Schroeder delivered the 2023 State of the City Address, with participation from over 400 Ventura residents, businesses, and community partners. The address was delivered at two presentations and outlined several noteworthy updates that reflect the City’s commitment to progress and innovation.
Topics highlighted during the address included: an overview of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and Council goals, the X Games, the $173 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for VenturaWaterPure, the completion of the classification and compensation study, travel-related spending and local tax revenue, and successfully securing over $66 million in grant funding for various Citywide projects.
“As I reflect on surpassing the 150-day mark in my two-year term as mayor, I am filled with inspiration seeing the City’s remarkable progress and achievements, a testament to the collective dedication of our staff and community partners,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “We recognize the journey is ongoing, and together we will continue championing positive change, tackling challenges, and embracing the opportunities that await us. Let us continue to propel our City forward, guided by a shared vision of a thriving and inclusive community.”
During the address, updates were shared about recent City investments aimed at creating positive change for individuals facing homelessness and working to increase the availability of affordable housing in the past year. Notable initiatives encompassed expanding affordable housing by adding 250 new units and allocating over $1.5 million to combat homelessness through case management programs, housing navigation services, and emergency shelters. Furthermore, through a collaborative effort between the City, County of Ventura, and Mercy House, assistance was extended to 116 individuals, resulting in 15 successfully securing permanent housing.
The mayor also shared information about the City’s strategy for addressing vital infrastructure enhancements, focusing on roads, sidewalks, and public areas damaged by recent winter storms. Notable locations that experienced significant damage include the Buenaventura Golf Course and the Ventura Pier, with plans underway for the pier to be reopened by year-end. Furthermore, the mayor acknowledged the commendable efforts of City staff and took the opportunity to showcase upcoming projects and noteworthy achievements from various City Departments. This included highlighting the contributions of departments such as Community Development, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Ventura Water, Police, and Fire.
The final section of the address included a look to the future, with several significant projects underway or coming soon. One of these projects is the Midtown to Westside Interconnect on Telegraph Road, which will span between Hill and Mills, with construction scheduled to commence in the summer of 2023. Another notable endeavor is the Ocean Outfall at Marina Park, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2023.
In addition, the Surfer’s Point Phase II project is planned for the year 2024. Furthermore, the City is actively working on the multi-year General Plan Update.
To watch the 2023 State of the City address, visit the City of Ventura’s YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/CityofVentura.
For presentation materials for the 2023 State of the City address, visit the City’s website at CityofVentura.ca.gov/SOTC. A recording of the 2022 and 2021 events, including the presentation slides, are also available on the website.
# # #
| 
