Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — On June 14, 2024, the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) hosted Mayor John C. Zaragoza for the annual State of the City address. Over 200 attendees gathered to hear the Mayor’s updates on Oxnard’s positive and balanced budget, which includes a $35 million surplus; significant investments in improving Oxnard’s streets; and the City’s plan to help businesses grow and thrive in Oxnard.
“I’d like to thank the West Ventura County Business Alliance for the opportunity to share with the business community the great progress we’re seeing throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor Zaragoza. “Despite the economic challenges that many cities are facing, Oxnard has its first budget surplus in more than two decades. It’s a testament to the hard work of our City Council, staff, and community members who continue to support our City’s leadership.”
Mayor Zaragaoza’s presentation highlighted the City’s improved finances, with the City Council planning to allocate $20 million of the surplus funds to pay down long-term debt when it adopts its budget on June 18, 2024. He also discussed the enhancements made by the City’s Community Development Department to online services for permitting, inspection, and plan checks.
The Mayor celebrated the business community by highlighting three unique manufacturing businesses in Oxnard. He premiered a video featuring his interactions with employees and statements from CEOs about their need for skilled workers as they expand their operations. Mayor Zaragoza emphasized the City’s dedication to working with WVCBA, Oxnard College, Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., community partners, and local companies to help Oxnard residents get the skills they need to work at these great local businesses.
The State of the City is hosted annually by the WVCBA and made possible by Title Sponsors Buenger Commercial Real Estate, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Southern California Edison, and The Collection Riverpark; Major Sponsors AMR – Gold Coast, New Indy Containerboard, Oxnard College Foundation, and The Port of Hueneme; and Supporting Sponsors Dignity Health – St. John’s Hospitals, Montecito Bank & Trust, Museum of Ventura County, UCLA Health, and Ventura County Credit Union.
ABOUT THE WEST VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is the Chamber of Commerce serving the cities of Camarillo and Oxnard in California. In March 2021, the membership of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce voted to unite with the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and form the WVCBA. The WVCBA is the voice for the interest of business with the government, promotes economic development, works to improve the regional economy, and protects the interests of the two communities. Learn more at wcvba.org