Community & Belonging Division
Community & Belonging Division – County Executive Office
Community & Belonging Division
The Community & Belonging Division supports County staff in building connection, trust, and shared purpose in their work. We partner with agencies and departments to strengthen practices that help employees deliver services that are responsive, accessible, and grounded in community needs.
Our work advances the County of Ventura’s mission to provide high-quality public service that improves quality of life and supports a safe, healthy, and vibrant community. Through learning opportunities and strategic support, we equip the workforce with practical tools and skills to serve residents effectively and consistently.
Guiding Approach
Guided by the County’s mission, values, and Strategic Plan, we identify shared goals, use data to understand barriers, and collaborate across departments to develop practical solutions. This approach helps ensure County programs and services remain effective, inclusive, and aligned with Countywide priorities.
Community & Belonging Division
The Community & Belonging Division is dedicated to advancing efforts that nurture a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We collaborate with County agencies and departments to strengthen practices that promote fairness, belonging, and respectful engagement across Ventura County government. Our focus includes identifying and addressing barriers that limit full participation and access to services, with the goal of improving outcomes for all residents.
Our work supports the County of Ventura’s mission—to provide superior public service and support so that all residents have the opportunity to improve their quality of life while enjoying the benefits of a safe, healthy, and vibrant community. Through learning opportunities and strategic guidance, we equip the County’s workforce with tools and best practices that foster inclusive service delivery—reinforcing the County’s commitment to equitable treatment and respect for all community members.
This commitment is reflected in the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ 2020 resolution recognizing racism as a public health concern. That resolution builds on the County’s longstanding efforts to advance fairness and inclusion across all areas of governance. While we lead with a focus on racial equity, our approach also addresses other essential areas of inclusion, such as ability, gender identity, and more—ensuring that County programs meet the needs of all community members.
Leadership Groups
Community & Belonging Council
Aligned with the 2024 – 2027 County Strategic Plan, the Community & Belonging (C&B) Council is building momentum to strengthen inclusive workforce practices at all levels of the organization. The C&B Council meets monthly and provides recommendations to County leadership on programs and initiatives, while also serving as a link between all County of Ventura Agencies and the community.
Community & Belonging Leadership Accountability Team
Formed in 2021, the C&B LAT sets overall direction and oversight for the C&B Division and C&B Council. This team consists of County leaders who serve as sponsors of agency and countywide efforts to strengthen alignment between day-to-day work and the County’s mission. values and strategic plan.
Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group (PSREAG)
Formed in 2021, PSREAG fosters communication and identifies public concerns related to policing. The committee membership is comprised of community group representatives and law enforcement representatives.
Healthcare Equity Advisory Council (HEAC)
Formed in 2021, HEAC brings together representatives of county agencies and the community to enhance Community & Belonging within our healthcare services.
Momentum Milestone
2015: The Board adopted a Health in All Policies framework to ensure County leaders and decision makers have the tools they need to view all decisions through a health equity lens when developing policies that impact population health outcomes.
2017-2020: Developed and implemented a mandatory employee cultural competency training and Mentorship Program
2018: Created a DEI Library on the County’s Intranet as a staff resource
2020: Hosted public and employee forums regarding race and law enforcement
2020: Adopted a Board Resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis
2020: Transitioned the DEI Task Force to an ongoing DEI Council in which all agencies and departments are represented
2020: Recruited & hired a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer
2021: Launched Talking Together in Challenging Times racial equity dialogues for county staff to begin normalizing conversations about race in the workplace
2021: Formalized a Diversity Calendar of Events and Celebrations for the County of Ventura
2021: Expansion of the DEI Office Staffing
2022: Launched the Healthcare Equity Advisory Council and the Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group
2022: Launch of the DEI Learning Series for Staff Members
2023: Launched the new Youth Equity Initiative and added two new positions focused on building capacity and connecting youth serving organizations, and centering youth voices in decision making spaces
Contact Information
Community and Belonging Division
800 South Victoria #1940
Hall of Administration 4th Floor
Ventura, CA 93009
[email protected]
