Carlsbad staff update commission on Green Business program, SB 1383 implementation and Earth Month events

City staff updated the commission on outreach events and programs designed to promote sustainability among businesses and residents.

Kylie Martin, of the Climate Action Plan Division, described the Carlsbad Green Business Program, launched in 2019, which offers tailored assistance and up to $250 in rebates to qualifying businesses. Martin said the city has certified about 70 businesses to date, including city facilities, and that certified businesses are publicly recognized; a city council proclamation is scheduled for April 28, 2026, and the Chamber's Green Business Expo is set for April 15.

Avicite Jones, senior program manager in Sustainable Materials Management, and Molly Reeves, senior environmental specialist, described programs to help businesses comply with Senate Bill 1383 (state organics diversion law). Jones said the city's "Bins for Business" grant program has assisted about 145 businesses and distributed roughly 860 sorting bins and more than 900 compliant signs to reduce enforcement problems through outreach and free equipment. Reeves described the Eco Eats pilot, which helps small and mid-sized food businesses implement food-waste prevention practices.

Staff encouraged commissioners to promote programs and events and to share outreach materials. Commissioners asked for more proactive social-media promotion of Earth Month events and for clearer advance notice of legislative items that affect the commission's purview. No votes or formal actions were taken.