Leadership On The Issues

Safe Neighborhoods & Public Safety

Supervisor Jeff Gorell has prioritized public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure improvements across District 2:

Wildfire Recovery: Led efforts following the Mountain Fire to waive rebuilding fees, freeze insurance cancellations, and open a Community Resource Center. Helped raise recovery funds and worked with the Long-Term Recovery Group to support families. Advocated for and helped launch a $20,000 state mortgage relief grant for local victims

Disaster Preparedness: Secured over $1.2 million in grant funding to support fire mitigation efforts throughout District 2. Supported the creation of new Firewise Communities to help neighborhoods harden their homes, lower wildfire risk, and reduce insurance costs. Continues to partner with fire and law enforcement agencies to strengthen emergency planning and community outreach. He also supported the relocation of the Ventura County Fire Headquarters to Newbury Park. 

Crime Prevention: Backed the installation of grant-funded License Plate Reader cameras throughout District 2 and continues to advocate for tools that support local law enforcement and community safety.

Transportation & Safety Improvements: As a member of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, advanced key projects including:

  • Freeway upgrades along the 101 corridor in Camarillo
  • Roadway improvements on Balcom Canyon
  • New bike lanes and sidewalks in Santa Rosa Valley
  • Safety enhancements with Caltrans near Neptune’s Net on the PCH
  • Expansion of Freeway Service Patrol for quicker roadside assistance

Family Justice Center: Successfully advocated for an East County Family Justice Center to support families in crisis—Thousand Oaks has been selected as the future site, bringing critical services closer to those who need them most.

Addressing Homelessness: Supervisor Jeff Gorell is tackling homelessness with care and accountability—securing $2.9 million in new funding, supporting behavioral health services and increasing veterans’ access to support. Under his leadership, the County hired its first Director of Homelessness to better coordinate services and deliver lasting results. There was a 15.6% decrease in homelessness in 2025 in Ventura County. 

Economic Growth & Fiscal Responsibility 

Gold Team Ventura County is a dynamic initiative launched by Supervisor Jeff Gorell, uniting elected officials, business leaders, labor representatives and utility providers to drive economic growth and job creation in our region. By fostering strategic collaborations and engaging directly with industry leaders, Jeff is helping to position Ventura County as the premier destination for innovative industries and high-quality employment opportunities.

Supervisor Jeff Gorell is advancing Ventura County’s biotech sector by leading strategic international partnerships and supporting innovation at home. He led a biotech CEO delegation to India—including representatives from Amgen—at no taxpayer expense, strengthening global ties and attracting investment. He is actively working to establish a Ventura County biotech incubator to drive scientific advancement and create high-quality local jobs.

Supervisor Jeff Gorell remains committed to fiscal responsibility and protecting vital services for Ventura County residents. He supported and helped pass a balanced 2025–26 county budget with no layoffs or drastic service cuts—prioritizing stability at a time when many regions are facing steep reductions. In a continued effort to lead by example, he also voted against a salary increase for Supervisors and personally declined the raise.

 

 

Protecting the Environment 

Supervisor Jeff Gorell is committed to protecting Ventura County’s natural beauty, open space, and air quality for future generations. As a board member of both the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, he has played a key role in advancing conservation, public access, and environmental sustainability across the region.

Through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Jeff has supported the conservation of over 75,000 acres of wilderness and urban parkland and is actively working to add another 15,000 acres for future protection. He has helped improve access to the outdoors by enhancing over 114 public recreational facilities and expanding opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. He has also helped secure over $1.2 million in strategic wildfire mitigation grants and supports community safety through fire prevention and resilience programs.

On the Air Pollution Control District Board, Jeff has championed programs that protect our coastline and marine life—such as the nationally recognized Blue Skies & Blue Whales program, which has reduced more than 200,000 metric tons of emissions and 5,900+ tons of nitrogen oxides by encouraging vessel speed reduction to prevent harmful whale strikes and reduce underwater noise. He has also advanced county-wide clean air initiatives, including HVAC upgrades, EV infrastructure, green equipment exchanges for farmers, and transit improvements.

Jeff’s environmental leadership extends to beautification efforts with several community cleanups hosted throughout the District, park and trail enhancements, and consistent advocacy for sustainability, clean air, and coastal protection throughout District 2.

“It is an honor to serve you as Ventura County Supervisor for the Second District. I am committed to preserving the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Ventura County, and making your county government more functional, accountable and transparent. My priorities are as follows – to ensure safe neighborhoods; attract new middle-class jobs to the County; address the monumental challenge of homelessness; and preserve our open spaces and environment. ” -Jeff