City of Ventura invites public review of Draft Prohousing Designation Application

The City of Ventura is inviting community members to review and comment on its draft application for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation Program. The public comment period will be open from July 8 through August 8, 2026, providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to review the application and share feedback before it is considered by the City Council and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). 

The Prohousing Designation Program is a voluntary State program that recognizes local governments that have implemented policies to support housing opportunities and reduce barriers to housing development. Receiving the designation may improve the City’s competitiveness for certain State grant funding programs that support local priorities such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, parks, and other community improvements. 

“The City is committed to providing a transparent process and meaningful opportunities for public participation,” said Community Development Director Rachel Dimond. “We encourage community members to learn more about the Prohousing Designation Program, review the draft application, and share their feedback before the application is finalized.” 

The draft application summarizes Ventura’s existing housing-related policies, programs, and actions that align with the State’s Prohousing Designation criteria. Many of these come from the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element. The application does not propose new development projects, amend existing zoning or land use regulations, or establish new housing requirements. 

To help the community better understand the program and the City’s application, Ventura will host a Prohousing Designation Community Workshop on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Second Floor. The workshop will provide an overview of the Prohousing Designation Program, explain the draft application, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. 

Additional opportunities for the public to learn about the application include: 

• July 13, 2026: Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee Meeting  
• July 22, 2026: Planning Commission Meeting  
• August 25, 2026: City Council Meeting, where the final application will be presented for consideration prior to submission to HCD.  

Beginning July 8, the draft application, frequently asked questions, workshop information, and instructions for submitting comments will be available at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ProHousing.   

Comments will be accepted through August 8, 2026, and may be submitted through the online comment form or by email to HousingServices@cityofventura.ca.gov. All comments received during the public review period will be considered before the application is finalized and presented to the City Council. Spanish translation will be available with prior registration; to register or request translation services, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ProHousing.