Ventura County dissolves Climate Emergency Council while enhancing greenhouse gas reduction efforts

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the county's sustainability initiatives and housing element progress. The meeting began with a report from Heather Allen, a program administrator in the county's sustainability division, who presented findings related to the General Plan Program COS LLL, which focuses on greenhouse gas reduction policies. Allen proposed the dissolution of the Ventura County Climate Emergency Council (CEC), citing that the council had fulfilled its mandate after 31 meetings over four years. The sustainability division plans to enhance community engagement through annual workshops and targeted outreach, aiming to incorporate broader public feedback into climate action efforts.

Supervisors expressed appreciation for the CEC's contributions and supported the shift towards more extensive community involvement in sustainability discussions. They emphasized the importance of maintaining public engagement, particularly concerning greenhouse gas inventories and reduction strategies. Allen assured the board that ongoing outreach would be conducted through various initiatives, including regional greenhouse gas inventories and public reporting on climate action progress.

Following this discussion, the board moved on to the Resource Management Agency's report on the 2024 General Plan Annual Implementation Program. Planning Director Dave Ward highlighted the county's progress in implementing the General Plan, noting a significant increase in completed and initiated programs compared to the previous year. The report included updates on housing production, with 207 building permits issued in 2024, contributing to the county's goal of 1,262 housing units by 2029. Ward emphasized the importance of addressing various income levels in housing development and showcased several notable projects, including the Somis Ranch farmworker housing project and the Finch Subdivision.

The board unanimously approved the staff recommendations regarding the dissolution of the CEC and the annual implementation reports, marking a commitment to continued progress in sustainability and housing initiatives. The meeting concluded with plans for further updates on these topics in the coming months, reinforcing Ventura County's dedication to addressing climate change and housing needs effectively.