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Ventura, Calif. - The City of Ventura kicked off its new fiscal year this month with a balanced operating and capital budget of $637.3 million for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (FY26). Spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the adopted budget reflects the City's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, long-term planning, and delivery of high-quality public services.
The General Fund, the City's largest operating fund, is balanced at $157.3 million and is primarily supported by local property and sales taxes. It funds daily operations for most departments, including police, fire, parks and recreation, public works, and administrative services.
The City continues to prioritize environmental stewardship through major infrastructure projects, including the Olivas Park Drive Extension and key water and wastewater initiatives such as the State Water Project Interconnection, the Advanced Water Purification Facility, and the Membrane Bioreactor and UV Disinfection system. Public safety also remains a central focus, with ongoing funding for Fire Station 7.
As part of its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the City is investing in permanent supportive housing through projects such as the Valentine Road Apartments and the upcoming Pasteur Drive Apartments, which will offer more than 30 units for individuals currently living in the Santa Clara River bottom. Additional funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) has been allocated to the National Health Foundation and Turning Point Foundation to expand access to local support services.
"This budget reflects our continued and thoughtful investment in Ventura," said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez Palacios. "It supports the essential services our community relies on, such as safe neighborhoods, clean parks, and maintained roads, while advancing strategic priorities that strengthen our local economy. From expanded business outreach and capital improvements to more than doubling our Cultural Grant Funding to 200,000 dollars, we are investing in economic vitality, quality of life, and a strong future for our community."
Revenue sources include $125.6 million from taxes, $142.6 million from service charges, $71.1 million from intergovernmental sources, and $112.8 million from other revenue streams.
Now in its ninth year, the voter-approved Measure O sales tax contributes $28.2 million in FY26, with more than half dedicated to street maintenance and essential city services. This year, Measure O funding will also support new sidewalk repairs, continued improvements for pedestrian safety, the expansion of Ventura's tree planting program, and public access broadcasting.
Since its inception in 2016, Measure O has generated more than $127 million, supporting over 65 community projects that improve neighborhoods, infrastructure, and public safety.
"This year's budget is a reflection of thoughtful planning, community input, and fiscal discipline," said City Manager Bill Ayub. "I want to commend our dedicated Finance team for their hard work and expertise in crafting a budget that invests in what matters most to our residents like safe streets, clean neighborhoods, and responsive emergency services, while positioning Ventura to meet future challenges and opportunities."
The City's commitment to financial excellence was further recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association, marking the twelfth consecutive year receiving the highest honor in public budgeting.
A draft version of the FY26 budget was presented to the City Council on April 22, followed by a public workshop on May 27 to gather community feedback. The Ventura City Council unanimously adopted the FY26 budget at its public hearing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
For more information or to view the adopted budget, visit https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/FinancialTransparency.
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