Courtesy photo.
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VENTURA — Following an extensive recruitment process, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Maruja Clensay as its new Community Development Director. Clensay, who has served as Assistant Community Development Director since August 2024, brings extensive experience in land use planning, development, and public administration across both the public and private sectors.
In her new role, Clensay will lead a team of 45 employees and oversee the City’s Community Development Department, which includes Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Housing Services, and Planning. She will guide efforts to support responsible development, streamline processes, and advance the City’s long-term planning and development goals.
“Maruja has demonstrated strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a deep commitment to public service,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “Her service with the City dates back nearly a decade, and her strong ties to the Ventura community, combined with her commitment to transparency and customer service, make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Community Development Department. We look forward to her continued leadership in this important role.”
Before joining the City as Assistant Community Development Director, Clensay served as Chief of Staff to Ventura County District 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere, where she advised on land use planning, zoning, public works, and development matters while overseeing office operations and constituent services.
Her professional background also includes nearly a decade as a project manager for a Santa Barbara-based land use entitlement firm, where she managed housing, institutional, and commercial development projects. Earlier in her career, Clensay served as a Senior Planner for the City of Ventura, managing complex development proposals and supporting the City’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Thomas Fire.
“As a proud Ventura resident, I’m thrilled to serve as the City’s next Community Development Director,” said Clensay. “The Community Development Department serves as both the first step in transforming a vision into a development proposal and the final step when that vision becomes reality. That breadth of responsibility is one of the aspects I value most about Community Development, and I’m honored and thankful for the opportunity to lead this incredible department of esteemed professionals committed to public service.”
Clensay holds a Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies. A graduate of St. Bonaventure High School and longtime Ventura resident, she brings both professional expertise and a personal commitment to the community she serves.
For more information about the City’s Community Development Department, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CD