Carlsbad officials outline legislative priorities, seek funding for coastal projects
Loading...
Summary
Councilmember Melanie Burkholder and Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jason Haber briefed the Beach Preservation Commission on the city's legislative platform, partnership strategy and funding priorities, including pursuit of grants for coastal projects such as the Terramar Area Improvements Project.
Councilmember Melanie Burkholder and the city's intergovernmental affairs staff told the Carlsbad Beach Preservation Commission on June 4 that the city is actively using its legislative platform and external partners to pursue state and federal funding for coastal restoration and local infrastructure projects.
"We take our legislative platform with us and we talk about what projects on there can be of help," Councilmember Melanie Burkholder said, describing trips to Washington and Sacramento to meet with agencies and congressional staff.
The presentation, given by Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jason Haber, summarized how the city's legislative subcommittee (two council members appointed every two years) vets priorities, tracks bills, and coordinates testimony and letters of support or opposition. Haber said the council relies on partners such as the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities, state and federal lobbyists and local agencies to identify opportunities and support the city's positions.
Haber highlighted coastal platform priorities that are directly relevant to the commission: funding for urban waterfront restoration and sand replenishment; improved coastal access and public infrastructure; and support for aquatic research and aquaculture. He described the two-year California legislative session process and noted the June 15 state budget milestone that affects many funding decisions.
The briefing included examples of recent city-sponsored bills and advocacy wins, from clarifying lifeguards' authority at some pools to employment protections for harassment victims. Officials also outlined the city's current projects that are priorities for state and federal funds.
One specific request discussed was the Terramar Area Improvements Project, described by staff as an estimated $20 million corridor and bluff-access project that would reduce vehicle lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard, add pedestrian and bicycle improvements, formalize bluff access points with fencing and restored vegetation, and create a parking lot and crosswalk for the Terramar neighborhood. Staff said the city has requested $15 million from the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program for that project.
Commissioners pressed staff about permitting and sequencing. Staff said portions of the Terramar project are contingent on permitting and associated transportation decisions (for example, a roundabout at Cannon Road), although some project work could proceed on parallel tracks with Local Coastal Program (LCP) updates.
Commissioners also raised frustration about long timelines for regional sand replenishment. Haber said neighboring cities have pursued long, multi-year permitting processes and that recent projects benefited from federal support and coordination with the U.S. Army Corps and local members of Congress. He said the city will invite State Parks and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to the legislative subcommittee's July meeting to discuss beach management strategies and opportunities for dredging and sand placement.
The commission took no formal action on policy during the briefing. The April 2 meeting minutes were approved earlier in the session with one abstention for the absent commissioner.
What's next: the legislative subcommittee meets monthly and will continue outreach to state and federal partners; staff said they will track grant opportunities and report back on traction for specific funding requests such as the Terramar project.
