HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-14; Economic Development Subcommittee; ; Economic Development Strategic Plan UpdateEconomic Development Subcommittee
Meeting Date: March 14, 2022
To: City Council Economic Development Subcommittee
From: David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Item #3: Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
CCity of
Carlsbad
Recommendation:
Receive an informational report regarding progress on the economic development strategic
plan, discuss and provide recommendations.
Discussion:
As identified in the COVID-19 inclusive recovery assessment and implications report in May
2021, and with funding approved by the City Council, staff issued an Request For Proposals for
the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan to help guide economic
development efforts over the next 3-5 years. After evaluating several highly qualified vendors,
staff selected RSG group to execute the plan development. RSG Group has since been working
with staff on the development of the plan.
The process incorporates the work done by Cities GPS for the inclusive recovery assessment
and implications report, the 2022 Carlsbad Business Report, an evaluation of current economic
development efforts, COVID-19 pandemic impacts, public input from businesses, workers, and
residents, as well as suggestions of best practices that may be applicable to Carlsbad. The
report will help guide city economic development practices for the next 3-5 years.
Through late Feb. and early March, staff worked with RSG Group to conduct several focus group
engagement opportunities. These included a focus group for residents and workers on Feb. 15,
and two business focus groups on March 2. Staff promoted the focus groups using its social
media channels, direct outreach, and invitations to board members and committees from
Carlsbad's business organizations, as well as a Joint Communication with the Carlsbad Chamber
of Commerce and Carlsbad Village Association. The city will also have ongoing engagement with
businesses, workers, and residents throughout the process of drafting the economic
development strategic plan, using tools like an "ideas wall"— a technology that enables
community input and idea sharing, and additional feedback sessions for businesses once the
initial plan has been drafted.
The plan is expected to be complete in the late Spring 2022.
March 14, 2022 Item #3 Page 1 of 2
Next Steps:
Staff will continue to work with the consultant to develop and finalize the Economic
Development Strategic Plan. Staff will return to the subcommittee at its next regular meeting
with a further update.
March 14, 2022 Item #3 Page 2 of 2