The City of Carlsbad put a new plan in place to help the city’s economy thrive long into the future. At its Jan. 10 meeting, the City Council approved the Economic Development Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will guide the city’s economic development activities for the next five years. The plan outlines a strategic approach to provide resources, support and opportunities for the diverse businesses that support Carlsbad’s community and contribute to the city’s unique character.

The plan includes four main economic development goals and actions to achieve each goal:

• Support small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs
• Develop workforce and attract talent
• Grow and support key industries
• Encourage placemaking and engagement

City staff developed the plan with public input from Carlsbad residents, businesses, workers and organizations. The plan was also informed by extensive market research, an evaluation of the city’s current economic development efforts and an analysis of the pandemic’s lingering impacts.

The plan considers current economic uncertainty and provides strategies to adapt to changing factors while keeping the city’s economic development efforts focused. It includes both current economic development efforts and new activities that will be phased in over several years.

Next steps

Staff will continue to execute economic development programs that support Carlsbad businesses and the overall economy. Staff will also begin to evaluate, revise and update the strategic actions (tactics) associated with the plan and make any necessary budgetary recommendations during the annual budget process beginning with fiscal year 2023-24.

More information

• Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Any questions can be emailed to business@carlsbadca.gov.