The Oxnard City Council on Oct. 21 approved the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association’s annual work plan and budget for fiscal year 2025–26, a management plan for the property‑based improvement district that funds downtown cleaning, security, marketing and place‑making.

Abel Ramirez Magaña, executive director of the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association, told the council the district formed under the California Streets and Highways Code and currently includes 213 property owners (the City of Oxnard is the largest property owner). He described the district as 32 city blocks that range from Plaza Park through Heritage Square to the transit center area and said the district’s management plan outlines services and a multi‑committee governance structure.

Ramirez Magaña said the district’s program budget closely follows the management district plan: about 57.4% of funds are allocated to “civil sidewalks” (cleaning and security), 14.6% to district identity and place‑making and the remainder to organizational and administrative functions. He described day‑to‑day services that include a seven‑day‑a‑week foot sweeping crew, pressure washing, and security patrols; the district also budgets for volunteer recruitment, grant seeking, and technical assistance for event organizers.

He told the council his organization has worked with Visit Oxnard on joint programs, manages a downtown visitor space and a film coordination website (filmoxnard.com), and that the district is a semifinalist for a state cultural district designation with a site visit planned Nov. 5.

Council members asked about the cost pressure from transiency and the district’s work with faith‑based groups and service providers. Council Member Starr praised property owners’ continued financial support for the district, saying the lodging and business community’s willingness to fund a program indicated perceived value. Council Member Perillo asked about outreach to faith‑based groups and whether some had resisted participation; Ramirez Magaña said outreach has focused on two downtown churches and that the district plans to convene a pastoral luncheon to broaden engagement.

Council Member Starr moved to approve the annual work plan and budget; Council Member Perillo seconded. The clerk recorded a 6–0 vote in favor.

Ending: The council authorized the district to proceed with its FY 2025–26 program and budget, which emphasizes clean‑and‑safe services and place‑making; the district will begin the new fiscal year Dec. 1.