The Oxnard Harbor District is an independent special district (business enterprise) a political subdivision of the State of California which owns and operates the commercial Port of Hueneme. The District was created in 1937 under authority of an act of the legislature of the State of California which provides for the formation of Harbor Districts.

The Oxnard Harbor District's policies are set by a five-member Board of Harbor Commissioners elected at large from the District. The day-to-day business operations of the Harbor District are administered by an Executive Director and professional staff.

The Harbor District is empowered to acquire, construct, own, operate, control or develop any and all harbor works or facilities necessary to the efficient undertaking of its mission. The District prepares and controls its own budget, administers and controls its fiscal activities, and is responsible for all Port construction and operations.

The Harbor District's political boundaries are comprised of the Greater City of Oxnard area (population 181,000) and the City of Port Hueneme (population 22,000). Each Harbor Commissioner is popularly elected by the citizens of the Oxnard Harbor District for a four-year term. Their terms are staggered to maintain continuity.

The Oxnard Harbor District receives no taxes for its operation and operates entirely on Port business generated funds. In fact, in addition to paying fees for harbor development permits, the Harbor District pays significant amounts to the City of Port Hueneme through special agreements to provide for City services necessary to support Port activities. On an annual basis, the Port publishes an audited financial statement for the prior fiscal year and adopts a budget including a debt schedule and capital plan for the current fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).

In all, over $7 billion in cargo value moves through the Port of Hueneme each year. The Port of Hueneme is one of the Nation’s busiest banana importing ports and included in the nation’s top ten automobile importing ports. Top trading partners include: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Korea.

Port related activity generates over $650 million into Ventura County’s economy each year, at no cost to the taxpayer. Additionally 4,500 jobs in Ventura County are directly or indirectly related to the Port of Hueneme's activities.