Know your Voice, know your Taxes.

Every year, residents of the City of Ventura help generate an estimated $450M–$500M in property taxes. That is nearly half a billion dollars collected from the homes, businesses, apartments, and commercial properties that make up our community. Only about $45M–$50M of that revenue stays with the City of Ventura to help fund police, fire protection, parks, libraries, street maintenance, planning, and other municipal services. The remainder is distributed among public schools, Ventura County, community colleges, and special districts under California’s property tax allocation system. These aren’t just accounting figures. They represent the resources that shape our neighborhoods, classrooms, roads, parks, and public safety.

Understanding the Numbers Is Part of Being an Informed Citizen

The City of Ventura’s annual budget is approximately $365M. The City’s General Fund—the operating budget that pays for everyday city services—is approximately $140M–$150M. Property taxes are one of the largest and most stable sources of revenue for that General Fund, alongside sales taxes, hotel taxes, franchise fees, business licenses, permits, and service charges. Understanding these numbers helps residents understand not only where public money comes from, but also who is responsible for deciding how it is is spent.

Local Decisions Matter

Budgets are adopted through public meetings by elected officials. Within Ventura, those decisions are made by the seven-member City Council. Public education is overseen locally by the five-member Ventura Unified School District Board of Education. These are non-partisan offices. Political party labels do not appear next to candidates’ names on the ballot. Yet these officials oversee decisions involving hundreds of millions of public dollars and services that affect nearly every resident.

Why This Conversation Matters

California is currently debating who should oversee public education at the state level after lawmakers approved a major restructuring that transfers much of the day-to-day authority of the elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction to a newly created Education Commissioner appointed by the governor. Supporters argue it creates clearer accountability, while critics say it concentrates authority in the executive branch. 

Whatever your opinion of that change, it highlights a broader principle:

Who makes decisions matters.

Whether authority rests with locally elected representatives, independently elected statewide officials, or appointed administrators, those governance structures influence how public funds are managed and how priorities are set. That makes local participation even more important.

Ventura Forward’s Mission

Ventura Forward believes civic education begins with understanding the facts. Where does the money come from? Who receives it? Who votes on spending it? How can residents participate before decisions are made? These questions are not about political parties. They are about public accountability.

Editor’s Note

Ventura Forward encourages civic participation without endorsing political parties or candidates. We believe City Council and school board elections deserve more public attention because they directly influence public safety, education, infrastructure, neighborhood quality of life, and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

We also encourage more qualified residents to consider serving their community. A ballot with more informed and capable candidates gives voters more meaningful choices and strengthens representative government. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, a teacher, a student, a retiree, or a business owner, you’re invested in Ventura’s future. Understanding how public money is collected, allocated, and governed is one of the most important steps toward preserving the community we all share. Know your taxes. Know your numbers. Know your voice.