VenturaPOP

Venturans for People Oriented Places

Main Street Updates

The updated Vision Plan was presented to City Council on March 24, 2026, and was formally received and filed. The City is now working with its consultant, RRM Design Group, to incorporate Council feedback and finalize the plan.

The Planning Commission approved a Coastal Development Permit to allow the installation of crash-rated bollards and planters to define the Main Street Moves closure area and accommodate the future construction of parklets.

RRM Design Group holds a visioning session at City Hall, revealing more beautification details and collecting input from the public regarding prioritization of concerns

In a 6-1 vote, city council once again commits to a pedestrian-friendly car-free Main Street

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

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

Early April – The city puts up signs downtown signaling intention to reinforce the permanence of the closure through the Pedestrian Mall Law

3/6 – All car related signs and most parking meters have been removed from Main Street

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)

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