What?

The Downtown Ventura Partners Community Enrichment Fund is raising money to support improvements that residents and businesses have been asking for, including more shade and greenery, better seating, public art, and community events.

These community-supported projects complement the larger improvements already being led by the City of Ventura. You can find updates from the City here.

Why?

In September 2025, the Ventura City Council voted to keep Main Street car-free. Downtown businesses and residents now want to see meaningful progress along Main Street. When residents, businesses, community organizations, and the City work toward shared goals, we can achieve better results more quickly.

Small changes can have a big impact. A recent collaboration involving DVO, BellRinger, and other downtown businesses doubled the number of picnic tables downtown. Families and visitors use them every day. It is one example of how practical, community-supported improvements can make Downtown Main Street more welcoming and enjoyable.

Who?

The City of Ventura is the legal authority and long-term steward of Main Street Moves. The City is responsible for the street closure, the Vision Plan, and the environmental review. It has also committed more than $3 million toward near-term improvements, including bollards, planters, accessibility upgrades, and street furniture. In addition, the City oversees the new parklet permitting program, which provides a pathway for businesses to transition from temporary parklets to permanent structures.

Downtown Ventura Partners manages the Property and Business Improvement District under its contract with the City. DVP’s operating budget is funded by property-owner assessments and contracts, with 70% dedicated to clean and safe services, 20% to economic enhancements such as events and business recruitment, and 10% to advocacy and administration.

DVP also raises charitable funds through the Downtown Ventura Partners Community Enrichment Fund, its nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The Community Enrichment Fund supports projects and programs that strengthen Downtown Ventura and enhance the experience of residents, businesses, and visitors.

How?

Your donation goes directly to the Downtown Ventura Partners Community Enrichment Fund, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of Downtown Ventura Partners. The Community Enrichment Fund is responsible for all accounting, legal, reporting, and fiduciary requirements associated with the campaign.

Funds raised through this campaign will support projects consistent with the campaign’s stated purpose and the Community Enrichment Fund’s charitable mission. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The DVP Community Enrichment Fund’s federal tax identification number is 39-2479060.

Our mission

The Downtown Ventura Partners Community Enrichment Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the heart of our city through strategic investments in safety, cleanliness, culture, and community development. In close partnership with Downtown Ventura Partners, we raise and allocate resources to support initiatives that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and economically thriving community. Our work includes funding public art, infrastructure improvements, cultural programming, and community services—along with activations and experiences that bring our streets to life. We are committed to making Ventura’s downtown, promenade, and Front Street areas exciting, welcoming, and enriching for both residents and visitors.

You can verify the DVP Community Enrichment Fund’s nonprofit status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search using EIN 39-2479060.

Together we're building a Main Street that belongs to everyone.