1. As we begin the new year, what are the Public Works Agency’s top priorities for 2026?
With the Agency’s mission in mind, we’ll continue to focus on delivering efficient, responsive and cost-effective public works services in 2026. Despite challenges of increasing costs associated with materials, State and Federal regulation, insurance, utilities, and labor, the Agency must be resourceful, operate lean, and stretch every dollar. Public Works will continue to be a strong advocate for reasonable solutions to meet all regulatory requirements, we will be a voice against unreasonable rate increases, while providing clear timely input on proposed legislative changes that will impact our County, available funding and project delivery. We’ll continue to apply for grants and low interest loans for infrastructure, such as the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project, backup generators and treatment systems for water and recycled water supply, levee refurbishment, road resurfacing, and enhanced roadway safety features; all critical projects for our community.
Our success will come from the ingenuity of our staff…people who constantly look for cost-effective solutions, innovate in the field, and who manage public funds with the greatest care.
2. A new county ordinance goes into effect this January prohibiting overnight parking near Ag lands. How will Public Works support this change?
This was clearly an important issue for many in the agriculture industry, and to those concerned about transportation safety, like Public Works. The Board of Supervisors leadership to effect change resulted in several County Agencies working together to create an effective solution. Public Works will continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Agriculture, and the CEO’s office to advise people of the overnight parking prohibition, guide residents to resources to find permanent housing, and enforce the new ordinance. Public Works is more directly involved with erecting 743 No Parking signs at the first four sets of locations along agricultural lands, as well as managing an innovative program that allows agricultural property owner to volunteer to erect additional signs in designated locations that are not yet funded, as a way to expedite the full range of the program.
3. Winter storms are common this time of year. What should residents know about how Public Works prepares for winter weather?
Our preparation is all year-long. The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) prepares for rainy, winter weather through proactive maintenance efforts like debris removal from basins and channels, storm drain debris cleaning, real-time weather monitoring using rain and waterflow sensors deployed Countywide, and hydrology modeling to forecast downstream impacts. We also prepare the Agency for emergencies through exercises that create a disaster scenario without notice and require Public Works field and office teams to think through and communicate actions. It’s also important for the Agency to share storm preparedness information with our community through social media feeds, community events, and on our web pages.
4. The Adopt-A-Cabinet program is a new initiative your agency is working on. Can you tell us more about it and how the public can get involved?
VCPWA is considering an Adopt-a-Cabinet Program to turn plain traffic utility boxes along the side of our county roads into colorful public art, enhancing community spaces, deterring graffiti, and celebrating local culture. We’ve been asking the community to tell us what they think about this initiative. So far, feedback has been supportive.
5. What message would you like to share with Ventura County residents as we kick off 2026?
Everyone I speak to in the Agency understands how special Ventura County and its residents and businesses are. We want to continue to build relationships with people by proactively engaging on Public Works programs and projects. We strive to enhance the quality of lives through the service we provide.
