After a competitive, open recruitment process, the city of Ventura has hired Meredith Hart as its new economic development manager.

“As a Ventura native, I’m looking forward to working with local businesses, commercial real estate brokers, and people investing in the region to build an environment for economic sustainability and growth,” said Hart. “Ventura is a great place to live, work, and do business.

“I’m excited to step into this role and help support new, growing, and legacy businesses thrive in our community.”

As economic development manager, Hart will oversee economic sustainability and growth, including business retention and attraction, expanding workforce development and educational partnerships, and increasing job opportunities.

With some 10 years of public and private sector experience, Hart has a background in strategic planning, project management, and effective collaboration working with Ventura’s business community. She has served as the interim economic development manager since October, and previously served as the city’s safe & clean manager, where she worked with businesses and community groups to address homelessness and housing needs within the city.

During her time as the safe & clean manager, she developed successful policies and programs with the Ventura City Council in various focuses, including the development and creation of the city’s first year-round shelter, proactive outreach team, river bottom trash removal program, and recently, supporting the Main Street Moves program.   

Prior to joining the city, Hart worked at Downtown Ventura Partners, where she served as the deputy director. In that role, she focused on fostering a vibrant commercial district through business engagement and created retention, expansion, and attraction programs for restaurants and retailers.

She also hosted a business development conference for downtown businesses and enhanced safety measures by implementing the Downtown Ambassador Programs.

For more information about the city’s Economic Development Programs, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ed.