If you’ve walked through Downtown Ventura lately, you know Main Street feels different — lively, walkable, and full of energy. What started as a temporary pandemic experiment in 2020 has now become a defining feature of our city.
After years of public debate, the Ventura City Council voted 6–1 in September 2025 to keep Main Street permanently closed to cars and open to pedestrians. With that decision made, the city has released its Main Street Moves Vision Plan Handbook, a detailed roadmap for what the next decade of downtown improvements could look like.
From Temporary Fix to Permanent Feature
The original street closure, known as Main Street Moves, was launched during COVID-19 to help local businesses survive by expanding outdoor dining and retail space. The result surprised everyone: downtown became more vibrant and family-friendly than ever.
Fast forward to today, and the Vision Plan sets out a long-term design strategy for the six blocks between Mission Park and Fir Street, along with sections of California Street. The goal is to make Main Street not just a place to eat and shop, but a true community gathering space that celebrates Ventura’s coastal character and walkable charm.
What’s in the Vision Plan
The city partnered with RRM Design Group to host community workshops, surveys, and stakeholder meetings. The result is a flexible, people-centered blueprint with seven guiding principles:
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Support a vibrant downtown business district
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Make Main Street welcoming for all ages
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Keep the street flexible and adaptable for future needs
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Create safe and attractive gateways at key intersections
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Offer diverse seating and gathering areas
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Integrate public art, culture, and local identity
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Prioritize accessibility and safety
The Heart of Downtown: California & Main
One of the most exciting concepts is the transformation of the California Street and Main Street intersection, what the plan calls the “heart of Downtown Ventura.”
Design ideas include:
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A performance stage framed by a trellis backdrop, perfect for live music and community events
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An interactive bubbler water feature for kids during the day and a colorful light show at night
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A new gateway arch welcoming visitors from Santa Clara Street
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Artistic paving and Spanish-inspired mosaics that tie into Ventura’s coastal and cultural heritage
This intersection will act as the city’s “living room,” a place to gather, perform, and celebrate year-round.
Short and Long Term Improvements
The Vision Plan outlines two phases of improvements:
Phase 1: Quick, High-Impact Enhancements
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Movable planters, umbrellas, and seating areas
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String lighting and hanging flower baskets
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Temporary public parklets where businesses opt out of their own
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Painted intersections and artistic crosswalks
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New public restrooms and dog-friendly amenities
Phase 2: Permanent Upgrades
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Decorative paving and expanded sidewalks
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Shade trees, trellises, and in-ground planters
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Improved lighting and accessibility
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Permanent restrooms and upgraded performance stage
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Sculptural art pieces, solar-powered seating, and wayfinding signs
Many of these improvements will roll out gradually as the city secures grants and partnerships with the Downtown Ventura Partners and other organizations.
What the Community Is Saying
A recent city questionnaire gathered over 580 public responses, revealing a mix of enthusiasm and concern. Residents love the pedestrian atmosphere and outdoor dining but want better parking, accessibility, and restrooms. Business and property owners echoed those points while calling for clear timelines, funding transparency, and economic studies on the closure’s impact.
Despite differing opinions, most agree on one thing: Downtown Ventura should remain a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for locals and visitors alike.
What’s Next for Main Street Moves
With the Vision Plan now in public review, city staff will move into the next phase: prioritizing projects, securing funding, and beginning visible improvements along Main Street and California Street.
Upcoming efforts will focus on:
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Installing new bollards, planters, and lighting
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Finalizing parklet and signage guidelines
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Identifying grant opportunities for long-term upgrades
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Continuing community outreach and design refinements
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official website and social channels as the Main Street transformation moves forward.
A New Chapter for Downtown Ventura
Whether you love the pedestrian setup or still prefer the old drive-through days, one thing is clear: Main Street is evolving into something bigger than a shopping street. It is becoming a symbol of Ventura’s identity.
With permanent upgrades on the horizon, the next few years will shape how we experience downtown for decades to come. And as always, the city wants your voice in that process.
If you live, work, or invest in Ventura, now is the time to help shape the future of our Main Street.
