Contract federal lobbyists and county delegation staff updated the legislative subcommittee on several federal proposals and funding opportunities that could affect Carlsbad’s infrastructure and environmental work.

David Wetmore and Laura Morgan Kessler of Carpe and Clay described a bipartisan FEMA overhaul bill that aims to speed public assistance reimbursements to local governments by creating shot clocks for grants, a universal application form, and a public dashboard to track claims and reimbursements. Lobbyists said the bill passed out of committee with bipartisan support and is intended to make disaster aid more usable for smaller jurisdictions that cannot cash‑flow lengthy reimbursements.

Wetmore also discussed continued federal attention to the Tijuana River watershed and a bicameral effort that would streamline and expand funding and coordination for cross‑border cleanup projects. He told the subcommittee the San Diego delegation previously secured significant federal funding for the region and that the new bill would aim to expedite projects and allow broader partnerships and donations to support work on both sides of the border.

Lobbyists flagged a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a National Railroad Partnership program that could be relevant to trenching and other rail corridor improvements in Carlsbad; staff said they were coordinating with SANDAG and NCTD on possible proposals under existing memoranda of understanding. Lobbyists also described a recently introduced bipartisan bill — dubbed the “Unleash Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep Housing Act” (referred to in the briefing as the Unblocked Act) — that would allow greater use of CDBG funds for affordable housing construction; the bill had been introduced and had bipartisan cosponsors but had not moved when the House recessed.

On e‑bike safety, lobbyists said Congressman Josh Gottheimer has proposed a national e‑bike safety program at the Department of Transportation and is collecting examples of local pilot programs; council members noted Carlsbad’s existing Safe Ride to School program and discussed local approaches to enforcement and education.

No local action or formal votes were taken. City staff said they will continue coordinating with regional partners on rail NOFO opportunities and monitor federal bills and FEMA reform progress.