We, the undersigned business owners and residents of Ventura, call on the City Council to immediately reopen Main Street to vehicle traffic. Since the closure, we have witnessed a significant decline in customer traffic, leading to the closure of several longstanding businesses. Without a steady stream of visitors, these businesses could not survive, and more will follow suit.

The current model has created an imbalance between weekend activity and weekday viability. While events and peak periods may bring foot traffic, many businesses rely on consistent daily customers to remain sustainable. Retail storefronts in particular depend on visibility and ease of access—factors that have been significantly reduced without vehicle traffic. The loss of pass-by customers, combined with increased difficulty for parking, pickups, and quick visits, has created barriers that disproportionately impact Main Street businesses compared to offices and service firms included in broader downtown counts. What is worse, the upcoming paid parking proposal will deter even more impulse visits which we cannot afford to lose. The closure originated as a pandemic-era measure. Many business owners adapted under the assumption it was temporary. Extending it indefinitely changes the risk profile and viability for businesses that were never designed for a pedestrian-only model.

We have brought this issue to the City Council in recent meetings, and the evidence is clear: weekday traffic has plummeted, and iconic businesses like Passport Habits, Snapper Jack's, The Refill Shoppe and Latitudes Gallery (just to name a few) have disappeared. Main Street was a hallmark of downtown Ventura; it offered a vibrant community space where locals and tourists alike gathered. As residents and community members, we would hate to witness the demise of so many businesses and our beautiful downtown.

We propose that the council take action by restoring Main Street’s traffic flow, ensuring that businesses can thrive once more. We cannot afford further losses. By reopening Main Street, we ensure a future for Ventura as a hub for commerce, culture, and community.