Council directs staff to work with Chamber, revise outreach plan for general‑plan economic survey

Councilors directed staff on Oct. 8 to work with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and incorporate council feedback on the economic diversification questions in the General Plan update survey. Staff and the consultant described the draft survey as a mix of quantitative and open‑ended questions intended to solicit resident and business input.

Council member Whitman, who had pulled the item, said she wanted stronger questions that ask respondents about balancing a tourist economy with small‑town resident quality of life. Staff suggested forming a subcommittee or a short Zoom meeting between councilors and the consultant to refine questions, and recommended using Ojai Day (where a QR code or computer access can boost responses) as a promotional opportunity. The consultant noted that adding questions mid‑survey can distort data, so councilors discussed whether to delay launch a few weeks to allow Chamber review.

Council directed staff to work with the Chamber, to incorporate council feedback, and to return with a promotion/implementation plan; council also instructed staff to prioritize a complete survey instrument rather than adding questions piecemeal. The motion passed by roll call with one abstention.

Ending: Staff will coordinate with the Chamber, convene a small subcommittee or Zoom meeting to refine questions, and return with a promotion plan and final survey timeline.