Meet Matt
Matt LaVere was raised in both Ventura and Ojai. He attended Loma Vista Elementary School, Mira Monte Elementary School, Matilija Junior High School and Villanova Preparatory School. Following graduation from Villanova, Matt attended Pepperdine University where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honors and distinction in 2000. Matt earned his law degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law.
After serving 2 years on Ventura’s Parks & Recreation commission, Matt was elected to the Ventura City Council in November 2016. He was appointed to the role of Mayor by his colleagues in December 2018.
As Mayor, Matt has made strengthening the local economy, supporting public safety and combatting homelessness his top priorities. Beyond his duties as Mayor, Matt also serves on the Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee and the Homeless & Affordable Housing subcommittee. Matt also represents the City on the Board of the Association of Water Agencies (AWA) and the Board of the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21). Matt further acts as the City’s liaison to the Casitas Municipal Water District Board and the Ventura Manufactured-Home Residents Council (VMRC).
Matt also enjoys his role as an Executive Board Member of the Ventura College Foundation, which serves to support the thousands of students attending Ventura College through scholarships and programs.
Matt resides in Ventura with his wife Alicia and daughters Lucia (6) and Lorenza (2).