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EDC updates board on regional economic work and film commission; board receives report
Summary
The Economic Development Collaborative briefed the board on its public‑private work, regional initiatives and the Ventura County Film Commission's activities; staff and the board acknowledged film permit declines tied to strikes and stressed continued coordination to grow local jobs and workforce capacity.
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) of Ventura County presented an annual update to the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 14, describing its role as a public‑private nonprofit that runs business support programs, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), alternative lending, workforce training, broadband facilitation and the Ventura County Film Commission.
EDC leaders summarized several ongoing regional initiatives: Fathom Works (a federal‑sector collaboration to attract Department of Defense‑related research and R&D), the California Jobs First Central Coast regional projects (with EDC as fiscal agent for six counties), and the regional broadband consortium. EDC emphasized its small‑business services (noting high service volumes under the SBDC umbrella), alternative lending capacity and recent activity on childcare workforce supports.
On film: the EDC noted annual film permit and economic impact reporting, explained the 30‑mile zone concept used in the film industry (which affects overtime, per diem and project economics) and said statewide labor strikes and recent wildfire activity depressed film activity in 2023–24; staff and board members said they expect recovery and stressed the economic value when productions locate in county communities.
Action: the board voted unanimously to receive and file the presentation. EDC leaders said they will continue to coordinate with cities, the port and workforce partners to advance projects that increase jobs and local business opportunities.
