Encinitas council narrows Business Commission’s broad 11‑point work plan, approves edited priorities 3–2

The City Council approved an edited version of the Small Business Commission’s draft fiscal‑year 2026–27 work plan after lengthy public comment and debate. Vice Chair Jeff Shade presented an 11‑item draft that included a SWOT analysis, permitting review, economic development functions review, district work plans (Lucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff), outdoor dining, vacancy tax exploration, tourism/TOT options and a possible signature event. “We have 11 listed goals and projects,” Shade told council, adding that the commission expected several items to be tabled based on council input.

Councillors and members of the commission debated scope, vocabulary and priorities. Several council members urged changing the draft’s phrasing from directives to advisory language — for example replacing the word “ensure” with “assess and recommend” when the commission’s work would be brought to council for action. Deputy Mayor O’Hara moved a substitute motion that combined items 1 and 8 (SWOT and input on the city economic strategic plan), refocused item 4 on opportunities along the El Camino Real corridor (removing a reference to the city’s specific plan), removed the vacancy‑tax exploration in favor of temporary/pop‑up permitting tools, elevated outdoor dining to high priority, and eliminated the signature event item. The substitute motion passed 3–2.

Commission vice chair Shade thanked council for feedback and urged staff and commissioners to collaborate with business districts and merchant associations. Council members said they wanted the commission to remain ambitious but also to return achievable, measurable deliverables to council and staff. The council directed staff to record the agreed‑upon verbiage changes and return future reports that reflect the revised priorities.