HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-21; Economic Development Subcommittee; 05; Economic Development Strategic Actions UpdateMeeting Date: July 21, 2026
To: Economic Development Subcommittee
From: Tess Sangster, Economic Development Director
Staff Contact: Tess Sangster, Economic Development Director
Tess.sangster@carlsbadca.gov, 760-607-2923
Subject:
Recommended Action
Receive an informational report on the implementation of current economic development strategic
actions, discuss and provide recommendations.
Executive Summary
The Economic Development Strategic Plan is a roadmap that guides the city’s economic development
activities over a five-year period, which began in 2023. The Economic Development Strategic Actions
Plan is the annual implementation of the tactical steps to achieve the goals and objectives of the
Economic Development Strategic Plan and outlines the tactical actions that are taken to achieve its
goals and objectives. This report provides an update on economic development activities and the
implementation of the approved strategic actions.
Explanation and Analysis
Current Economic Conditions & Outlook
Economic conditions across the United States continue to show resilience in 2026, with steady
consumer spending, ongoing business investment—particularly in technology, artificial intelligence,
and advanced manufacturing—and a stable but cooling labor market. Inflation has eased from prior
highs but remains above target, and the Federal Reserve’s higher interest rate environment
continues to influence borrowing costs, capital access, and expansion decisions. Trade policy
uncertainty and tariff-related pressures continue to challenge supply chains and input costs, while
employers across sectors still report difficulty attracting and retaining skilled talent.
In California, economic performance remains uneven, with strength in innovation-driven sectors
such as technology, life sciences, defense, and advanced manufacturing, offset by continued
pressure in rate-sensitive industries like retail, hospitality, and construction amid persistent
affordability challenges. The San Diego region continues to benefit from its diversified economy—
anchored by life sciences, defense, tourism, and innovation—with relatively low unemployment and
a stabilizing commercial real estate market, though housing affordability remains a key constraint.
Locally, Carlsbad remains well-positioned due to its strong innovation clusters, educated workforce,
and high quality of life, with continued business attraction and expansion activity in life sciences,
technology, advanced manufacturing, and active lifestyle industries. Overall, while growth is
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 1 of 6
expected to be more moderate, Carlsbad, San Diego, California, and the broader U.S. economy
remain resilient with continued opportunities driven by innovation and long-term structural
strengths.
Progress on Current Actions
The following are recent highlights from the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic
Plan and reflect progress toward the approved actions.
Small Business Liaison Program Development
The Small Business Liaison Program continues to demonstrate strong momentum, providing
streamlined support and meaningful connections to resources for Carlsbad’s small business
community. The program has now supported over 300 businesses, marking a key milestone and
reflecting continued demand for personalized assistance. As the program evolves, staff remains
focused on reducing barriers, improving access to city services, and ensuring businesses have the
tools needed to start, operate, and grow successfully.
Small Business Liaison Program Update
The Small Business Liaison Program continues to provide valuable support to Carlsbad businesses
through direct engagement, personalized assistance, and regular Business Office Hours. Staff remain
actively connected to the business community, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate
city processes while connecting them to resources that support business growth and success.
Current areas of assistance continue to center around site selection reports, signage guidance,
financial resource connectivity, marketing support, and business visibility opportunities. Through
ongoing outreach and one-on-one engagement, staff can identify business needs, address
challenges, and connect businesses with relevant partners and resources.
Digital Resource Hub Update
The Digital Resource Hub remains an important resource for Carlsbad businesses, providing access to
market data, business intelligence tools, and local business resources. Staff are currently working
through the renewal process for the platform with the city’s vendor, SizeUp, and maintaining
ongoing coordination to ensure continued access to these services. As part of this partnership, staff
will begin discussions on priorities and implementation planning for the upcoming fiscal year to
maximize the platform’s value and alignment with economic development goals.
Business Office Hours Program Update
The Business Office Hours program launched its pilot phase in July 2025 and has quickly become an
effective tool for increasing access to economic development services and providing personalized
support to Carlsbad’s business community. This report represents the program’s initial performance
update and highlights the value of direct, one-on-one engagement with business owners,
entrepreneurs, and residents exploring new business opportunities.
Since launch, the program has served over 100 businesses and residents, resulting in over 250
individual services and referrals provided. Participants have included existing businesses seeking
assistance with growth and operational needs, as well as over 80 new startup businesses starting a
business in Carlsbad. Common topics of assistance have included business licensing, site selection,
signage requirements, permitting guidance, financing resources, marketing support, and connections
to city departments and partner organizations.
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 2 of 6
The strong response to the pilot program reinforces the importance of accessible, relationship-based
business support. Staff will continue to track participation, service categories, and business outcomes
to better understand community needs and inform future program enhancements.
Building on the success of the pilot, the city will continue its partnership with the Carlsbad Village
Association to offer Business Office Hours on the first Wednesday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00
a.m. These sessions will provide ongoing opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect
directly with city staff, receive individualized assistance, and access resources that support business
success and long-term economic vitality in Carlsbad.
Small Business Workshop Series
The Small Business Workshop Series continues to be offered monthly in partnership with the
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, providing free, in-person educational and networking opportunities
for local businesses. The workshops are designed to equip business owners with practical tools,
expert guidance, and peer connections that help strengthen operations, improve competitiveness,
and support long-term growth.
Over the past year, staff has expanded programming to address emerging business needs. These
sessions provided businesses with an introduction to AI tools and strategies for integrating AI into
day-to-day operations, as well as hands-on training designed to help participants identify practical
applications within their own organizations. Given the strong interest and rapidly evolving nature of
AI technology, this topic will continue to be incorporated into future workshop programming.
The series also recently featured a commercial real estate workshop focused on lease negotiation
strategies, a topic that continues to be of significant interest to businesses looking to expand,
relocate, or establish their first physical storefront. Access to commercial space remains a critical
consideration for many entrepreneurs and growing businesses, and workshops such as these provide
valuable information to help business owners make informed decisions and navigate the leasing
process with confidence.
By continuing to offer relevant, timely, and business-driven content, the workshop series remains an
important component of the city's efforts to support entrepreneurship, business retention, and
economic vitality throughout the Carlsbad community.
Carlsbad Business Walks Program Feasibility Assessment
Staff are evaluating the feasibility of developing a Carlsbad Business Walks Program as a proactive,
citywide business outreach initiative designed to strengthen relationships with local businesses
across key commercial areas. As part of this assessment, staff are exploring the formation of an
internal Economic Development Ambassadors working group to foster cross-departmental
collaboration and support coordinated business engagement efforts. The assessment will evaluate
opportunities to educate ambassadors on local business activity, City resources, and economic
development initiatives; increase awareness among both staff and businesses of available programs
and services; and strengthen internal communication and resource-sharing to better connect
businesses with City support. Findings from this evaluation will help determine the program's
structure, resource needs, operational approach, and potential next steps for implementation.
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 3 of 6
Business Webpage Overhaul
Staff is currently in the final implementation phase of the city’s Business Webpage Overhaul and is
preparing for the updated pages to go live. Developed in collaboration with the Communications
team, the redesigned website aims to create a more intuitive, business-focused user experience that
makes it easier for entrepreneurs, business owners, and site selectors to access information and
resources.
The updated structure will feature a dedicated business landing page that serves as the primary
entry point for economic development services and business support resources. In addition, four
new subpages have been developed to provide targeted information for businesses at various stages
of growth. These pages will include resources and guidance for starting a business, growing and
expanding a business, workforce and talent development opportunities through the city’s Life in
Action campaign, and a data and insights section designed to provide businesses with market
information, demographic data, and other tools to support decision-making.
The overhaul reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to improving access to information, enhancing
the customer experience, and providing businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Once
launched, the updated website will serve as a comprehensive digital resource hub that better
supports business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts throughout Carlsbad.
Site Selector Tool
To better position Carlsbad as a competitive location for businesses looking to expand, relocate, or
invest, staff is advancing development of a Site Selector Tool that will integrate with the city’s
existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping platform. The tool will provide users with
access to available commercial properties and site-specific information through an intuitive, user-
friendly interface, helping businesses more efficiently evaluate opportunities within the city.
The project has progressed significantly, and the city now has a fully executed agreement with GIS
WebTech, a leading provider of economic development mapping and site selection solutions. The
agreement has been reviewed and approved internally, allowing the project to move into the
implementation phase.
Over the coming months, staff will work closely with GIS WebTech, the city’s GIS team, and
Information Technology Department to develop an implementation plan, configure the platform,
and identify the data layers and functionality that will best support business attraction and retention
efforts. Once completed, the Site Selector Tool will be integrated into the city’s website, providing
prospective businesses, commercial brokers, site selectors, and investors with streamlined access to
property and community information.
As part of the city’s broader economic development strategy, the Site Selector Tool will enhance
Carlsbad’s ability to market available sites, respond to business inquiries, and showcase the
community’s strengths as a premier destination for investment and growth.
Top Employer Outreach Initiative
As part of the city’s ongoing business retention and expansion efforts, staff are launching a targeted
outreach initiative focused on Carlsbad’s largest employers across a variety of industry sectors. Using
internal business license and economic data, staff identified key employers based on factors
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 4 of 6
including gross receipts, employee counts, longevity of operations, and overall economic
contribution to the community. This data-driven approach will help ensure outreach efforts are
focused on businesses that play a significant role in Carlsbad’s economic vitality.
Through direct engagement with these employers, staff will seek to better understand their current
operations, future growth plans, workforce needs, and any challenges that may impact their ability
to expand or remain competitive. These conversations will provide an opportunity to strengthen
relationships, connect businesses with available resources, and identify ways the city can support
their continued success. Insights gathered through this outreach effort will help inform economic
development strategies, enhance business retention efforts, and ensure the city remains responsive
to the needs of its major employers while fostering a business-friendly environment that supports
long-term growth and investment.
Council Business Visits Program
Staff are developing a Council Business Visits Program to strengthen engagement between City
Council and Carlsbad's key employers while highlighting the city's major industry clusters. The
program will provide opportunities for Councilmembers to visit local businesses, gain firsthand
insight into industry trends, workforce needs, and operational challenges, and showcase the
innovation and investment occurring throughout the community. These visits will foster ongoing
dialogue between business leaders and city leadership, helping identify opportunities to support
business retention, expansion, and long-term economic growth while reinforcing Carlsbad's
commitment to maintaining a strong business-friendly environment.
Regional Partnerships
Economic Development staff continues to work closely with the Innovate78 partner cities to
strengthen North County’s innovation and startup ecosystem through coordinated regional
initiatives. Staff are currently collaborating with regional partners on the development of a new
agreement focused on expanding support for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation-driven
companies throughout the Innovate78 corridor. This effort is intended to further enhance regional
connectivity, increase access to entrepreneurial resources, and strengthen the region’s position as a
leading destination for innovation and business growth.
In addition, the City of Carlsbad is proud to once again serve as the host community for the opening
day of Startup Week, marking the fifth consecutive year that the city has welcomed entrepreneurs,
founders, investors, and innovation leaders to the community. Scheduled for November 2, 2026, the
event will bring together startups, venture capital firms, business leaders, and ecosystem partners in
Carlsbad Village to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and highlight the region’s entrepreneurial
momentum.
Staff are currently coordinating event logistics and programming with regional partners, with
additional announcements and event details to be released through the Startup Week website in the
coming months. Hosting Startup Week continues to be an important opportunity to showcase
Carlsbad’s innovation economy, attract entrepreneurial talent and investment, and reinforce the
city’s role as a key contributor to North County’s growing startup ecosystem.
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 5 of 6
Industry Gatherings
The Life in Action Industry Gatherings continue to serve as an important platform for connecting
businesses, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners across North County. Building
on the success of previous events, staff has established a schedule for the upcoming fiscal year and is
actively coordinating with industry partners to deliver targeted networking and knowledge-sharing
opportunities that support business growth and regional competitiveness.
The upcoming series will focus on several of Carlsbad’s key industry clusters, including technology,
life sciences, and sports and active lifestyle. Through these gatherings, staff aims to foster stronger
connections among peers, mentors, investors, educational institutions, and support organizations
while highlighting the strengths of North County’s innovation economy.
As the Life in Action campaign continues to evolve, these events will remain a cornerstone of the
city's efforts to strengthen industry engagement, encourage collaboration, and create opportunities
for businesses to learn from one another. By convening stakeholders across sectors, the series
supports the continued growth of Carlsbad's business community while reinforcing the region's
reputation as a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to implement the Economic Development Strategic Plan actions for fiscal year
2026-27 and will keep the subcommittee informed of progress.
Exhibits
None
July 21, 2026 Item #5 Page 6 of 6
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC ACTIONS
UPDATE
Recommendation: Receive an informational report on the
implementation of current economic development strategic actions,
discuss and provide recommendations.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN
•Supports Strategic Plan Goal -Economic Vitality
•Four Key Goals:
o Support Small Businesses, Startups &
Entrepreneurs
o Develop Workforce and Attract Talent
o Grow and Support Key Industries
o Encourage Placemaking and Engagement
•55 Actions were implemented for fiscal year
2025-26
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Actions
•Total Strategic Actions: 63
36
19
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Complete
In Progress
Not Started
Status Amount
St
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
A
c
t
i
o
n
s
Goal 1: Support Small Businesses, Startups & Entrepreneurs
•Create a program to give planning and building staff better insight into operations in key
industries, thereby giving a better understanding of development need.
•Partner with the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) to
create resources for disabled-owned businesses.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Actions
Goal 2: Workforce Development and Talent Attraction
•Partner with K-12, school districts, and higher education institutions to enhance their existing
programs that provide technical and soft skills to entry level employees.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Actions
Goal 3: Supporting Key Industries
•Partner with local universities and colleges to create workforce development opportunities in the
hospitality, tourism, and entertainment sectors.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Actions
Goal 4: Placemaking and Engagement
•Develop and promote “how to” videos for select permitting processes.
•Partner with local businesses to participate in and promote the City’s volunteer program to activate
public spaces and foster a sense of connection.
•Continue to celebrate local artists by enhancing the City’s Public Art Collection.
•Expand the City's parklet program to create additional green space and community gathering
opportunities.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Actions
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Current Economic Trends
•U.S. economy remains resilient with steady consumer
spending, business investment, and continued growth in
technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
•Inflation and higher interest rates continue to impact
costs, capital access, and business expansion decisions.
•Trade uncertainty and tariffs continue to pressure
supply chains and input costs.
•California’s economy remains uneven with strength in
innovation sectors and continued challenges in rate-
sensitive industries.
•Carlsbad remains well positioned with strong industry
clusters, skilled talent, continued business investments
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Direct Business Support – Summary
300+ Businesses
Supported
540+ Total Projects 110+ New
Businesses
2900+ Employees
Supported
7.38 Years Average
Operations
Standardizing Office hours at the Carlsbad City Library & through our partners
Office Hours are available at multiple locations:
Carlsbad City Library - 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011
When: Every Tuesday
Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) - 2695 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
When: First Wednesday of each month – Next session August 5th
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Format: In-person, 30-minute appointments
Both locations offer the same services and appointment structure.
Location: Booking Access Points:
•Carlsbad Library Website: library.carlsbadca.gov/programs/events-calendar
•City of Carlsbad’s Digital Resource Hub: carlsbadca.gov/business/digital-resource-hub/business-office-hours
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Small Business Liaison Office Hours
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Office Hours – Summary
100+ Businesses
Supported
250+ Total Projects 80+ New Businesses
135+ Employees
Supported
2.68 Years Average
Operations
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Office Hours Support – Industry Analysis
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Office Hours Support – Services Provided
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Small Business Workshops
Business education series that provides small businesses
with knowledge and tools to address key challenges and
pursue growth
Goals:
•Support business resilience and growth
•Provide actionable insights
•Address timely and relevant challenges
Direct Business Support – Ongoing Initiatives
Upcoming Workshop Topics:
•Leadership – How to Fill the Leadership GAP:
When You Were Hired for Your Brilliance, But
Then Expected to Lead
In Process of Planning FY 26-27 Workshop Topics
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Small Business Workshops – Upcoming Calendar
2026-2027 Dates
•July 27, 2026
•August 27, 2026
•September 28, 2026
•October 26, 2026
•November 23, 2026
•December 28, 2026
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 PM
*Dates/Times subject to change based on availability
Location: Carlsbad
Chamber of Commerce
5934 Priestly Dr,
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Register: Chamber Events Page
https://web.carlsbad.org/atlas/calendar
•January 25, 2027
•February 22, 2027
•March 22, 2027
•April 26, 2027
•May 24, 2027
•June 28, 2027
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Digital Resource Hub – Businesses & Residents
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Top Employers Outreach Initiative
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Council Business Visit Program
•GOAL: Formalize a strategic Council Business Visits Program
to provide insights to key industry clusters, workforce
development and talent pipelines, and opportunities to
explore ways the city may best support our businesses.
Key Objectives:
•Strengthen relationships between City Council and Carlsbad's key
employers.
•Increase understanding of industry trends, workforce needs, and business
challenges.
•Showcase innovation and investment across Carlsbad's key industry clusters.
•Identify opportunities for the City to better support business growth,
retention, and expansion.
•Foster ongoing dialogue and collaboration between business leaders and
City leadership
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Engagement Ambassador Program
Proactive, citywide outreach program targeting business
parks and Village corridors
Multi-department effort to engage businesses and connect
them to services in real time
Structured approach with data tracking and follow-up to
deliver actionable solutions
Identifies key trends impacting the business community
Ongoing coordination to refine, expand, and strengthen
business support efforts
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Economic Development Ambassadors
•GOAL: Develop a program to conduct coordinated outreach
to various business parks and commerce centers; focusing
on developing an internal Economic Ambassadors Program.
•Key Objectives:
•Build collaboration across City staff through coordinated
working group; Economic Development Ambassadors.
•Educate ambassadors on local business activity, resources,
and economic development initiatives.
•Increase awareness among staff and businesses of
available programs, services, and opportunities.
•Strengthen internal communication and resource-sharing
to better connect businesses with City support.
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Industry Gatherings
•Monthly gatherings attract 50+ regular attendees from key
industries
•Evolved from small discussions to larger forums for trend
analysis, business insights, and industry connections
•Serves as an introduction to Carlsbad for some businesses
interested in local sites
•Facilitates partnerships and connections among local
businesses and stakeholders
•Informs future programming and resource allocation to
support industry competitiveness
Upcoming Events:
August 13 – Arete Biosciences
September – TBD – Partnering with SDSI
Oct 13 – Alphatec Spine
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Site Selection Tool
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Site Selector Tool Site Selector Tool Site Selector Tool
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Implementation - Project Timeline
August
System Configuration
July 15
Project Kick-off September
System Implementation
October
User Testing
November
Product Launch
Ongoing
Product Feedback &
Refinement
2026
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Business Page Re-design
Local and Regional Partners
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T
Startup Week – Hosting Nov 2nd in Carlsbad
Ha p p e ning Nove m b e r 2 -6, 2026.
Join us for Sa n Die g o Sta rtup We e k!
sa nd ie g osta rtup we e k.org
THANK YOU!
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T