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Ventura, Calif. - Community members are invited to join City staff from Community Development for upcoming coffee chats held throughout Ventura. The first event kicks off on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Simone’s Coffee and Tea, located off Kimball Road in Ventura.
Each coffee chat event offers a friendly, informal environment to discuss community concerns, strengthen relationships, and learn about the department’s ongoing activities.
“The Community Development Department works with various city commissions and committees that help guide and advise the City Council regarding growth in the city,” shared Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Community engagement is most-valuable when we can connect in-person so our residents can get to know our staff and learn more about the services and resources available to them.”
Community Development is responsible for planning and zoning, building and safety, permit services, code enforcement, housing, and redevelopment for the City of Ventura. The department works to ensure that new construction and additions to existing structures meet State laws and local regulations that have been established for public safety, zoning, and development.
“Community Development is a vital part of contributing to the City’s overall quality of life. This hard-working, 45-member department has leaned into streamlining the development process, transitioned permit services online, and adapted quickly to keep business moving forward,” shared Interim City Manager Akbar Alikhan. “We hope residents will take advantage of this dedicated time to connect with us and ask questions in a relaxed, one-on-one environment.”
The Community Development Department has contributed to many important City Council goals and initiatives in the last several years. This includes an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to build more affordable units, launching the General Plan Update process, improving the historic preservation process as well as creating an expanded Permit Services Division and a new Housing Services Division.
For more information or to attend an upcoming coffee chat, visit our website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CommunityDevelopment.
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