Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff outline strategic plan progress and propose small business liaison program
Summary
City staff updated the subcommittee on progress toward a five‑year economic development plan (40 actions this year), rising vacancy trends, possible facade improvement incentives, and introduced a Small Business Liaison program with a digital hub and a 3–4 month development timeline.
City economic development staff reported on year two of the five‑year strategic plan, saying the program includes 40 actions for the current year intended to support Carlsbad businesses and better track projects and customer service.
Staff noted rising vacancy rates across retail, industrial and office sectors and described market dynamics — higher rents, rising wages and hybrid work patterns — that are affecting local retail and office usage. As part of suggested next steps, staff proposed exploring a facade improvement program to incentivize storefront upgrades and reinvigorate aging retail properties.
Rachel Maltz, senior program manager in economic development, introduced the proposed Small Business Liaison (SBL) program. Maltz said the SBL would provide a single point of contact for business owners seeking help with city processes, a comprehensive digital resource hub, workshops, and coordination with departments such as planning, code enforcement and business licensing. She said development of the hub and initial program elements is expected to take roughly three to four months.
Maltz cited business‑license data indicating many Carlsbad businesses are small (staff discussed percentages of businesses below 10 employees) and argued the liaison will improve navigation of municipal processes and access to resources. Staff asked the subcommittee whether to explore a facade improvement program and promised to return with implementation options, cost caps, and an update on the prior program's structure.
Members asked about reusing industrial space for commercial uses; staff cautioned that rezoning could limit long‑term industrial capacity but said some industrial parcels already allow mixed uses. No formal action was taken; members requested staff return with additional details on both the SBL program and facade improvement options.
