Convene
Bring decision-makers, experts, and members into the same room before policy is set.
WHEEL briefings
Stakeholder convenings
Mission & history
Protect Ventura County’s economy and quality of life.
Founded in 2010, CoLAB exists to give local industries a unified, practical voice in policy decisions that shape our communities.
Why we exist
A coalition built for real-world outcomes.
CoLAB formed when local leaders saw regulatory decisions threatening Ventura County’s agriculture, labor, and business communities. Today we remain a full-time watchdog and partner for sensible, locally informed solutions.
15
Years of advocacy
1,000+
Member organizations
28
Industries represented
Mission statement
Unite, inform, and advocate.
We bring together diverse stakeholders to shape policy with credible data, expert insight, and a focus on long-term community resilience.
How we work
Three steps that move policy forward.
Every initiative follows a clear path: convene the right partners, ground the work in research, then advocate for outcomes.
Research
Translate complex regulations into practical guidance grounded in data and expert input.
Issue briefs
Economic impact
Advocate
Represent members through testimony, comment letters, and direct engagement.
Policy testimony
Local oversight
Where we focus
Five issue areas that shape Ventura County.
Each focus area is led by subject matter experts and informed by member priorities.
Water reliability
Infrastructure, groundwater stewardship, and regional supply planning.
Learn moreHousing balance
Farmworker housing solutions and policies aligned with local capacity.
Learn moreEnergy affordability
Reliable energy supply and cost transparency for local industries.
Learn moreEnvironmental stewardship
Science-based policies with clear, workable compliance pathways.
Learn moreLand use
Protection for working lands and responsible growth planning.
Learn more