Panel Urges Action to Reduce Red Tape

A Ventura County economic development panel is calling on business leaders and local governments to work together to cut red tape and streamline regulations.

In a 37-page report that will be presented to the county supervisors Tuesday, the Ventura County Council on Economic Vitality is also recommending that cities and the county adopt simpler procedures for obtaining permits.

The council, which includes 35 government, ranchers and business leaders, was formed by the Board of Supervisors last year to examine how local jurisdictions and businesses could work together to weather the recession.

In addition to calling for changes in the permitting process, the group is also recommending that government officials encourage the construction of more affordable housing and recruit new businesses to the area.

Supervisor Maggie Kildee, who proposed that the supervisors form the group, praised the panel’s findings and was hopeful that some of the suggestions could be implemented.

“I think it is a big step ahead of where we were,” she said. “We have not solved all of the economic problems of the county, but we have made some real inroads. There is a lot more work to be done.”