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Ojai preservation commission outlines FY26–27 priorities: HRRs, training, theater plaque and Mills Act support
Summary
The commission recommended requesting two historic resource reports, enhanced education funding, a National Register plaque for the historic theater and a possible seed fund or assistance for property owners pursuing Mills Act agreements; commissioners asked staff to return cost estimates at the May meeting.
The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission on April 9 discussed its FY26–27 budget priorities and new recognition and owner-assistance proposals intended to advance preservation and civic stewardship.
Commissioners emphasized three near-term budget priorities: two Historic Resource Reports (HRRs) to study priority sites (including the Arcade Plaza), increased funding for preservation education and training, and a National Register plaque to celebrate the theater’s designation. Commissioner Craig Walker summarized the rationale: "I think the events of the last year show us that there's a need for a couple of HRRs," and commissioners agreed the desk and field work will help clarify eligibility and guide future policy.
Mills Act and owner support: several commissioners proposed establishing seed funds or programmatic assistance to help property owners cover the cost of Mills Act documentation and the initial historic-resource work that most owners find prohibitively expensive. Commissioners noted Mills Act agreements reduce property tax revenues slightly for local government but can be a critical incentive for preservation; they asked staff to estimate costs and policy implications before any formal proposal is made to council.
City Beautiful award proposal: commissioners also drafted a new civic award to recognize contributions that further Edward Drummond Libby’s ‘city beautiful’ principles. The ad hoc recommended refining nomination and selection mechanics (possible multi-commission panel), then returning the proposal for final approval after the commission settles logistics at its May meeting.
Next steps: staff was asked to compile cost estimates for two HRRs, education/training needs, a plaque (example plaque costs discussed in the $2,000–$7,000 range), and to research grant-writing support or vendors that could produce applications or seed funding. The commission will place a detailed budget item on the May agenda and, if needed, present the request to the city’s budget review process.
