Ventura names interim Community Development Director, opens permanent search
Maruja Clensay, the city's assistant director since 2024, took over as interim Community Development Director on Aug. 27, succeeding Rachel Dimond.
The City of Ventura has named Maruja Clensay interim Community Development Director, effective Aug. 27, succeeding Rachel Dimond, who left for a new role with the City of Glendale.
Clensay has served as the city's Assistant Community Development Director since August 2024. She takes the helm of a department with 45 full-time employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $16.8 million, according to the city news release dated Aug. 24.
What the department does. The Community Development Department oversees planning and zoning, building and safety, code enforcement, housing, and redevelopment. It is responsible for implementing the city's 2050 General Plan, which the council adopted during Dimond's tenure.
Dimond's tenure. Under Dimond, the department advanced several council priorities: adoption of the 2050 General Plan, launch of Ventura's Online Permitting System and Express Permits, support for the county's largest Project Homekey development at Valentine Apartments, advancement of the Main Street Vision, and launch of the Local Coastal Program Update, according to City Manager Bill Ayub.
The search. The city is recruiting a permanent director. The position is open through Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications are accepted at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Jobs.
Sources
- City of Ventura news release, Aug. 24, 2026 (city news release)Aug 24, 2026
More from Development
Camarillo breaks ground on Arneill Road supportive housing project
The 268 Arneill Road development will create permanent supportive housing for residents experiencing homelessness, with completion expected by October 2027.
Camarillo opens six-unit Barry Street short-term housing community
The city celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a six-unit development that will provide safe, stable accommodations for Camarillo residents experiencing homelessness.
Thousand Oaks Council Approves 240-Unit Downtown Project, Certifies EIR
The council certified the final EIR and introduced an ordinance for a 240-unit residential and hotel project at the Civic Arts Plaza, clearing construction to start in 2027.
Camarillo breaks ground on nine-unit supportive housing at Arneill Road
The city began construction on a permanent supportive housing community for residents experiencing homelessness, with completion expected in October 2027.