Ventura County lacked a unified strategy for its arts, culture, and creative economy—a fragmented landscape spanning multiple cities with distinct assets, policies, and priorities. Without coordinated investment or shared vision, the region struggled to leverage its creative sector as a meaningful economic driver. Cultural organizations operated in silos, funding mechanisms remained inconsistent, and opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration went unrealized. County leadership recognized the need for a comprehensive strategic framework that could align stakeholders, establish sustainable funding pathways, and position the creative economy as essential infrastructure for regional prosperity and community identity.

CVL Economics led the development of Ventura County's inaugural Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Strategic Plan through a rigorous, participatory process. The engagement began with a Creative and Cultural Landscape Assessment examining existing conditions, policies, and creative assets across jurisdictions. Countywide stakeholder engagement—including surveys, focus groups, and collaborative workshops—ensured diverse perspectives shaped strategic priorities. The team developed five core objectives spanning ecosystem sustainability to equitable placemaking, culminating in the establishment of Ventura Creates, a public-private partnership model for coordinated investment. The final framework identified sustained funding mechanisms and delivered implementation roadmaps with clear accountability metrics.