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Subcommittee hears partnerships, events and accelerator plans as staff touts filming and business support gains
Summary
Staff described partnerships with the chamber and Visit Ventura, 18 film days generating an estimated $12.1M impact, plans for a three-year startup accelerator, and several signature events including Jackalope and potential Dart Federation competitions.
Staff outlined multiple economic-development initiatives intended to boost visitation, business attraction and small-business support. Carrie (economic-development staff) summarized partnership activity with the chamber and Visit Ventura, noting 53 ribbon cuttings in the prior year and several signature events slated for 2025 (Jackalope May 1—3, Bike the Coast moving to Ventura, and discussions with the World Dart Federation).
On film and production, staff said Ventura hosted 18 film days in 2025 and estimated a $12.1 million local economic impact from those shoots, with crews staying locally and using city locations for sets. "Based on the 18 film days we had in 2025, we've had about 12.1 million impact to our local economy," Carrie said.
Staff described work to stand up an accelerator program with Ventura Startup (a GBA beta model). The city provided initial seed sponsorship (~$49,000) and staff is assembling a three-year plan and additional regional partners, including the county, before returning to council with a formal recommendation.
Members also discussed outreach for major events (Olympics/FIFA) and regional coordination to capture ancillary visitation via a task force and the state's RAMP program for vendor opportunities. Staff noted efforts to promote local hotels and to use asset inventories (aquatic center, harbor, skate facilities) to attract training and events.
Staff said they are increasing presence at ICSC trade shows to pursue retail and developer leads and are coordinating with Ventura County lodging partners on trade-show presence and trade outreach.
Next steps include returning a detailed accelerator funding plan, sharing filming-permit improvements, and continuing event coordination with Visit Ventura and regional partners.
