Carlsbad, CA
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The City of Carlsbad operates on a July to June fiscal year. The city budget has three main sections, the Operating Budget, which covers the day to day work of the city, like providing police and fire services, libraries, parks and recreation, and other core services; the plan for investing in digital infrastructure; and the Capital Improvement Program, which covers major construction projects.
- Watch a video about the city budget process.
- Or read a handout about understanding the city budget.
- Learn about the city's 5-Year Strategic Plan
Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget
The Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget was adopted by the City Council at its June 13, 2023, meeting. It covers the time period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget in Brief summary
June 13, 2023 meeting materials
View the action agenda
View the staff report
Watch the meeting
Read the news release
Public input
The public is encouraged to share their priorities with the City Council throughout the year. This can be done in writing or by speaking during the public comment portion of the City Council agenda. The annual budget is reviewed and approved during a series of meetings each spring. You can sign up to be notified of City Council meetings and get agendas and staff reports via email.
Surplus invested for financial health
On Tuesday, the City Council approved investing unspent money from last year’s budget to reduce future pension payments, replenish self-insurance funds, and pay for public safety equipment, additional school crossing guards, trails maintenance, art programs and other one-time costs not included in t
09/28/2023
FY 2023-24 Budget Adopted
At its meeting on June 13, the Carlsbad City Council adopted a balanced budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, which spans from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
06/14/2023 9:32 AM
Budget workshop 6/1
Carlsbad community members interested in knowing more about the city’s budget and what is proposed for the fiscal year that starts July 1 have two upcoming opportunities:
05/18/2023
Review draft city budget
The City of Carlsbad’s proposed budget for next fiscal year invests in the City Council’s highest priorities, sets money aside for future infrastructure needs and grows the city’s cash reserves, while
05/18/2023
Securing Carlsbad's long term financial health
We shared an update on our long-term projected revenues and expenses with the City Council.
04/12/2023 6:31 PM
City budget receives award of excellence
The City of Carlsbad has received the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers for its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget.
03/06/2023
Carlsbad wins national award for budget presentation
The City of Carlsbad has once again been honored with a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, recognizing the city’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of governmental budgeting.
12/21/2022
City financial update presented
The City of Carlsbad’s main sources of income are up an average of 10% for the first quarter of the fiscal year, thanks to a continuing economic rebound following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. However, city finance staff caution that high inflation, upcoming pension costs and the possibility
11/16/2022
Balanced budget approved
The City of Carlsbad will continue to invest in community priorities like public safety, protecting the environment and maintaining the Carlsbad’s excellent quality of life, thanks to a balanced budget adopted by the City Council June 14.
06/16/2022
Balanced budget presented
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the public got its first look at a balanced city budget that maintains all core city services and continues more than a dozen new programs aimed at improving public safety, maintaining an excellent quality of life and protecting the environment.
05/25/2022
Carlsbad economy strong, some warning signs ahead
Carlsbad’s economy is continuing its strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with taxes from hotel room night stays and retail sales far exceeding projections. However, the war in Ukraine, inflation and a gradual lessening of pent-up demand from COVID-19 lockdowns mean ongoing vigilance is neede
05/17/2022 6:38 PM
City budget receives award of excellence
The City of Carlsbad has received the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) for its Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget.
03/17/2022
Carlsbad wins national award for budget presentation
The City of Carlsbad has once again been honored with a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, recognizing the city’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of governmental budgeting.
12/22/2021
Carlsbad economy on the rebound
Most parts of the City of Carlsbad’s economy saw healthy gains in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Combined with spending less than anticipated, the city is on track to end the 2021-22 fiscal year June 30 with a budget surplus, according to a financial update delivered to the City Council on Tu
11/03/2021
Improving economy, careful spending net $15+ million surplus
Thanks to a stronger than anticipated economic rebound and careful spending, the City of Carlsbad ended the 2020-21 fiscal year with a more than $15 million surplus.
10/07/2021 1:32 PM