We feel strongly that iteration and gradual improvements are the keys to success for a car-free Main Street, so we want to start keeping the receipts. Check back here for a running list of changes, commitments, and developments downtown.
October 2025
- RRM Design Group holds a visioning session at City Hall, revealing more beautification details and collecting input from the public regarding prioritization of concerns
September 2025
- In a 6-1 vote, city council once again commits to a pedestrian-friendly car-free Main Street
June 2025
- City begins a Summer Concert Series as part of Local Thursdays, hosting free live outdoor music on the Main Street Stage
- The “Summer Stomp” event begins, put on by Ventucky Stompers, offering free line dancing events at California and Main for 4 consecutive Wednesdays
- City begins “Local Thursdays” promotion, with several businesses taking part, offering deals and discounts to encourage weekday downtown commerce
- A temporary mobile bathroom facility is installed downtown, near the center of the pedestrian area, for public use; this is separate from the Portland Loo (more permanent structure) to be added near the parking structure at a later date
- City staff releases a budget proposal containing two million dollars for bollards and two hundred thousand dollars for art
May 2025
- Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO), via funds from a VenturaPOP fundraiser, add several painted picnic benches and umbrellas throughout the Main Street Moves area
- New signage added aiding foot traffic flow to the botanical gardens
April 2025
- Early April – The city puts up signs downtown signaling intention to reinforce the permanence of the closure through the Pedestrian Mall Law
March 2025
- 3/6 – All car related signs and most parking meters have been removed from Main Street
February 2025
- 2/14 – The city holds a “ribbon cutting” ceremony where community members celebrate the permanency of Main Street Moves by painting over a small portion of double-yellow lines on the road
- 2/11 – City council approves a $500,000 investment towards the betterment of Main Street Moves; a future ad hoc committee will decide how best to use those funds (link, item 8)
January 2025
- 1/28 – Council votes, 5-2, to make Main Street Moves permanent via the vehicular code, as the street has been deemed unnecessary for use by cars (link, item 12)
- 1/28 – Council approves the installation of a Portland Loo, to be placed near the existing parking structure
VenturaPOP 