Ventura LAFCo adopts 2026 legislative policies; bylaw and calendar changes deferred for lack of votes

Ventura LAFCo voted to adopt its legislative policies for 2026, incorporating recommended language to encourage water conservation, recycled water use and wildfire risk considerations. At the same meeting the commission delayed proposed bylaw amendments and an amended meeting calendar because the bylaw change required six votes and fewer commissioners were present.

Staff recommended the commission adopt the LAFCo legislative policies that largely mirror prior California LAFCo guidance, augmented by amendments the commission requested in the prior year. Those amendments, which the legislative committee and the LAFCo board endorsed, add policy support for water conservation and recycled water and ask for consideration of wildfire risk in legislative positions. With no public comment, commissioners moved and the commission adopted the resolution establishing the 2026 legislative policies.

Immediately following, staff presented proposed amendments to the commissioners’ handbook to allow the commission to switch its traditional "dark" month from August to July and to update the office address. A commissioner observed that the bylaw change requires six affirmative votes to take effect but only five commissioners were present at the meeting, creating a procedural barrier. The commission therefore continued the bylaw amendment to the next meeting; because the amended calendar depended on the bylaw change, the meeting calendar item was continued as well.

The commission expects to consider the bylaw amendments and the amended meeting calendar at its next regular meeting when a sufficient number of commissioners are present. In the meantime, the adopted 2026 legislative policies will guide the commission’s advocacy and position‑setting for the year.