Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-18; Economic Development Subcommittee; ; Update on Economic Development Strategic Plan ProgressECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE Meeting Date: Dec. 18,2023 To: Economic Development Subcommittee From: David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer Staff Contact: Subject: Recommended Action David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer david.graham@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5992 Update on Economic Development Strategic Plan Progress Receive an informational report regarding progress on strategies and tactics contained within the Economic Development Strategic Plan, discuss and provide a recommendation. Discussion On Jan. 10, 2023, the City Council adopted the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), aligning with the city's broader five-year strategic plan to enhance economic vitality. The EDSP, supported by the fiscal year 2023-24 budget, combines a long-term overarching strategy with adaptable, annually-reviewed strategic actions. To effectively monitor the EDSP's implementation, a comprehensive dashboard has been developed, tracking progress on each strategic action and overall advancement towards the EDSP goals. The following highlights from the second quarter reflect significant progress: Industry Roundtables Beginning on Aug. 30, these roundtables have successfully convened leaders from key industries in Carlsbad, including Tech, Sports and Active Lifestyle, Cleantech, and Life Sciences sectors. These discussions foster industry-specific dialogue and insight into future challenges and opportunities. Plans are set to host 12 such discussions annually beginning in 2024. Broker Connections Staff continue to maintain relationships with the commercial real estate brokerage community in Carlsbad. Continuous engagement with the commercial real estate brokerage community has been pivotal in enhancing business intelligence and keeping Carlsbad at the forefront as a preferred business location. Innovation Day Carlsbad's participation in Innovation Day at Petco Park underscored the city's role as a regional innovation hub. The event attracted over 3,500 attendees, including more than 100 Carlsbad residents. Notably, Carlsbad companies such as Aptera, Shipcalm, Airspace Technologies, Argonaut Manufacturing, and Viasat were featured. Connect's commitment to host a flagship event in Carlsbad in 2024 further reinforces this positioning. Dec. 18, 2023 Item #4 Page 1 of 6 Startup Week Hosting the opening day of San Diego Startup Week '23, Carlsbad demonstrated its sup portive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. The event drew 450 attendees and 30 exhibitors, with several Carlsbad companies and speakers prominently featured, including a keynote address from a new Carlsbad company -Vuori. The event's success was highlighted by the popularity of sessions held in Carlsbad -the top three best attended sessions were all in Carlsbad, affirming the city's status as a key venue. Business Workshops In collaboration with Carlsbad Libraries, economic development staff is helping to facilitate and promote programming by the Smal l Business Development Center (SBDC). This quarter, SBDC hosted a "Meet the Buyers" program at the Dove Library. According to the SBDC, the event yielded: • 2 New Business Starts • An increase in sales of over $3.3 million • 10 new jobs • Over $2.9 million in government contracts awarded Staff continue to support the SBDC and Libraries to deliver more business-focused programs and resources through the libraries. Cybersecurity Awareness Program After a brief hiatus, staff resumed the Cybersecurity Awareness Program alongside the Chamber of Commerce and Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE). Forty-five businesses registered for the event. With a 300% increase in cyberattacks over the last few years, the series helps create a more resilient economy by increasing awareness of cyber vulnerabilities within the business community. The first workshop in the reformatted series featured presentations from the FBI, RiskRecon, and CCOE. The series will continue on a quarterly basis, giving Carl sbad companies several opportunities to learn about risks and best practices for mitigating an attack. Internal Improvement Cross-departmental efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the city's economic development role, with businesses frequently praising Carlsbad's supportive environment and exceptional customer service. Initiatives to increase online se rvice accessibility are underway, focusing on permitting along with business startup and talent recruitment resources. Economic development staff continue to work across the organization to highlight how other departments have a role in economic development. This work includes planning, building, engineering, environmental services, transportation, finance, and more. Regional Collaboration The City of Carlsbad continues to participate in the lnnovate78 collaboration along with the cities of Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista. The collaboration allows the five cities to compete collectively as a North County region, instead of independently and against one another. Starting in 2023, the collaboration made a pivot to work with the San Diego North Economic Development Council to bolster North County attraction and retention efforts. Dec. 18,2023 Item #4 Page 2 of 6 Beginning in 2024, the collaborative will shift its focus from lnnovate78 as a marketing and promotional initiative and invest more heavily in direct services and support for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation economy companies. This will be done through mutual support of Connect, in which Carlsbad was already a supporter. Economic Intelligence The ongoing biennial business survey is a critical tool for understanding and responding to economic trends and needs. The 2024 survey is currently in progress, with results expected to be presented in the first quarter of 2024. Outreach is being conducted through city-owned channels as well as partner organizations. Businesses can fill out the survey through January at carlsbadca.gov/BusinessSurvey. Banner Program Since the program's expansion, it has received numerous compliments from residents, visitors, and businesses. The Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) has effectively managed the Banner Program, expanding its scale and introducing cost efficiencies. The program's success under CVA's management has been notable, enhancing the city's visual appeal and community engagement. This includes more than doubling the program scale, sourcing local imagery, adding a Fall seasonal rotation, and handling storage and maintenance of the program. The strategic actions recommended by the subcommittee for fiscal year 2023-24 are listed below. Goal 1: Support Small Business, Startups & Entrepreneurs Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 1.1.1. Celebrate staff's role in economic High In Progress Ongoing development and continue to educate (work internally with them on how their work can lead to other departments that success and economic health in the city. interface with businesses) 1.1.2. Continually review the planning application High In Progress Ongoing and permitting procedures to identify (ADU by right process, process improvements. comprehensive form updates) 1.2.1. Continue the implementation of the High In Progress 10% Customer Self-Service program within the (12 permits now permitting application system, Energov, to available) increase the number of applications available online. 1.2.3. Increase the ability for customers to track High In Progress 25% the status of their projects on line. (Building permits now available) 1.2.4. Promote the pre-application program to High In Progress Ongoing help identify major issues early in the (information included in entitlement process. discussions with Dec. 18,2023 Item #4 Page 3 of 6 developers and new companies) 1.2.5. Enhance the Welcome to Carlsbad Program Medium Complete 100% for new businesses by providing (Available on the city's information and resources on the pre-business page) application program, permitting process, and business resources. 1.2.10 Utilizing Energov, track turnaround times Medium In Progress Ongoing for planning applications and permits to (CD staff tracks identify areas to increase efficiency. turnaround times, enabled streamlined signage application) 1.3.1. Create Small Business and Entrepreneur Medium In Progress 33% Symposium on basic and critical issues for (Partnership with SBDC small business owners. Topics could include and Carlsbad Libraries) marketing, social media, finance, human resources, access to capital, technology, and more. 1.3.2. Partner with business organizations to Low In Progress 75% develop a shop local initiative to encourage (in conjunction with patronage at Carlsbad businesses. Chamber, CVA and Visit Carlsbad) 1.4.1. Evaluate signage requirements for Low Not started 0% businesses. Goal 2: Develop and Attract Workers & Talent Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 2.1.1. Enhance Life in Action tools to assist in High In Progress 90% talent attraction for Carlsbad businesses in (new interface is key industries -transitioning Life in Action complete. Due to launch Recruiter tool from a pilot to an ongoing in January) resource for Carlsbad businesses. Pilot connected 40 companies with 400 employees. Funding proposal would go from pilot to long-term and 2x participation. 2.2.2. Promote the City's existing digital tools to High Complete 100% connect residents, businesses, and tourists (via newsletter and to resources the city offers. social media) 2.1.3. Enhance and promote educational Medium In Progress 75% workshops provided by the Library, Parks (Several workshops and Recreation and other resources that taken place) provide skill development to Carlsbad's workforce. Dec. 18,2023 Item #4 Page 4 of 6 2.2.1. Conduct an initial study for outdoor Wi-Fi Medium In Progress 50% at city facilities and other critical areas for (data gathering, the public. research, and cost estimation have been completed) Goal 3: Grow and Support Key Industries Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 3.1.1. Evaluate micro-mobility options in the High In Progress 75% Village and coastline to make Carlsbad (Potential collaboration more connected and accessible. with the City of Encinitas) 3.4.1. Continue to support Carlsbad business High In Progress Ongoing organizations that maintain the tourism (regular meetings with economy in Carlsbad. Visit Carlsbad and hoteliers) 3.2.1. Use business data and recent business Medium In Progress (2024 50% surveys to assess and engage with industry business survey is live) clusters to develop support for their expansion, attraction, and retention. (Biennial Business Survey) 3.2.2. Utilize partnership with Innovate 78 to Medium In Progress Ongoing connect Carlsbad businesses with regional (regional collaboration resources. pivoting in 2024 to be more resource-driven) •3.3.1.Promote the city's business locator website Medium Complete 100% to businesses looking to move to Carlsbad, (via newsletter and developers, brokers, and investors. social media) 3.3.2. Host industry advisory groups with leaders Medium Complete 10% in key business clusters, with a specific (roundtable series emphasis on the innovation economy. captures all key industries) Goal 4: Connection, Engagement & Placemaking Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 4.2.1. Partner with local business organizations to High Complete 100% implement placemaking strategies such as (contracted with CVA on holiday lighting and a banner program to successful enhance the sense of place and implementation of the community. banner program and holiday lighting) 4.1.2. Incorporate business and economic High In Progress Ongoing development activities into the weekly City (14 business related Manager newsletter, city calendar, and items featured in the social media to foster a sense of pride in city managers update Dec. 18,2023 Item #4 Page 5 of 6 local businesses. 11 articles published, 11 newsletters distributed) 4.2.3. Utilize the city's social media platforms to High In Progress Ongoing showcase Carlsbad's sense of place and (918 posts, 132,000 community. engaged) 4.1.6. Develop a business spotlight program to Medium Complete (Small 100% highlight local businesses. business spotlight in newsletter and social media) Next Steps With feedback from the Economic Development Subcommittee, staff will continue to execute strategies and tactics included in the economic development strategic actions, in conformance with the Economic Development Strategic Plan approved by City Council. Public Notification Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Exhibits None. Dec. 18,2023 Item #4 Page 6 of 6 UPDATE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS Recommendation: Receive an informational report regarding progress on strategies and tactics contained within the Economic Development Strategic Plan, discuss and provide a recommendation. It e m 4 INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 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 INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Strategic Actions •Proposed tactics that can be deployed to achieve EDSP goals •Flexible to current and future market conditions •Updated on an annual basis •Annual review of the plan and funding recommendation for the annual budget INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Active Economic Development Programs Dashboard INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDSP Program Dashboard •17 current economic development programs underway •3 Projects are behind schedule but are still set to be completed on time INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Holiday Banners are displayed throughout the city •Holiday lighting is now displayed in the Village •Contract updated to reduce funding needed to maintain the program •“Evergreen” banners will be displayed beginning in early January EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Survey Design has been completed •Survey has been launched and will remain open through January 2024 •Analysis will be conducted upon survey completion EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Completed 4 tours in FY23-24 •Establishing schedule for 2024 •The next tour will take place on January 23 and will feature small businesses in the village area •6 additional tours will take place this fiscal year EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •All ‘89 Act funds have been expended •Visit Carlsbad is utilizing the remaining funds for services •When all services are rendered, the CTBID Advisory Board will provide a recommendation to the City Council to disestablish the district EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Building a new dashboard to display economic metrics and data as it becomes available •Updating the “Doing Business” page to ensure relevant content for businesses •Q1 economic scan presented to the City Council EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Hosted Carlsbad industry roundtables for o Tech o Life Sciences o Cleantech o Sports and Active Lifestyle •Each industry will be convened three times per year EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Joint Promotion of North County as a place to do business •Mutual support and economic collaboration •Pivoting to a more direct-service model through a partnership with Connect and San Diego North EDC EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Partnering with Chamber to help identify businesses in need •Redesigned the program to support businesses that are hiring •Offers rapid skills training for new hires to become more productive and better qualified EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •Hosted “Meet the Buyers” program, resulting in o 2 New Business Starts o An increase in sales of over $3.3 million o 10 new jobs o Over $2.9 million in government contracts awarded •Partnered with SBDC for a “Concept to Creation” series in March EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •More than 400 individuals submitted information to be connected with Carlsbad employers •Enhancements being made to make the platform more usable and efficient for businesses •Improvements to better track throughput and better market the program to both businesses and job-seekers EDSP Program Updates INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Summary of Activity •More than 450 individuals attended the opening night of San Diego Startup Week in Carlsbad •The top three most-attended sessions were all in Carlsbad •Sentiment of the organizers is that Carlsbad is an essential venue for the event EDSP Program Updates GOAL 1: SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS, STARTUPS & ENTREPRENEURS INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 1.1.1.Celebrate staff’s role in economic development and continue to educate them on how their work can lead to success and economic health in the city. High In Progress (Working internally with other departments that interface with businesses) Ongoing 1.1.2.Continually review the planning application and permitting procedures to identify process improvements. High In Progress (ADU by right process, comprehensive form updates) Ongoing 1.2.1.Continue the implementation of the Customer Self-Service program within the permitting application system, Energov, to increase the number of applications available online. High In Progress (12 permits now available, goal to have 200 permits eventually available online) 10% 1.2.3.Increase the ability for customers to track the status of their projects online. High In Progress (Building permits now available) 25% 1.2.4.Promote the pre-application program to help identify major issues early in the entitlement process. High In Progress (Information included in discussions with developers and new companies) Ongoing INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL 1: SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS, STARTUPS & ENTREPRENEURS Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 1.2.5.Enhance the Welcome to Carlsbad Program for new businesses by providing information and resources on the pre-application program, permitting process, and business resources. Medium Complete (Available on the city website’s business page) 100% 1.2.10 Utilizing Energov, track turnaround times for planning applications and permits to identify areas to increase efficiency. Medium In Progress (CD staff tracks turnaround times to look for potential improvement areas, has enabled streamlined signage application) Ongoing 1.3.1.Create Small Business and Entrepreneur Symposium on basic and critical issues for small business owners. Topics could include marketing, social media, finance, human resources, access to capital, technology, and more. Medium In Progress (Partnership with SBDC and Carlsbad Libraries, held “Meet the Buyers” program in October) 33% 1.3.2.Partner with business organizations to develop a shop local initiative to encourage patronage at Carlsbad businesses. Low In Progress (In conjunction with Chamber, CVA and Visit Carlsbad) 75% 1.4.1.Evaluate signage requirements for businesses.Low Not started 0% INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL 2: DEVELOP AND ATTRACT WORKERS AND TALENT Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 2.1.1.Enhance Life in Action tools to assist in talent attraction for Carlsbad businesses in key industries - transitioning Life in Action Recruiter tool from a pilot to an ongoing resource for Carlsbad businesses. Pilot connected 40 companies with 400 employees. Funding proposal would go from pilot to long-term and 2x participation. High In Progress (Platform improvements are complete and now being tested. Due to launch in January) 90% 2.2.2.Promote the City’s existing digital tools to connect residents, businesses, and tourists to resources the city offers. High Complete (Via newsletter and social media) 100% 2.1.3.Enhance and promote educational workshops provided by the Library, Parks and Recreation and other resources that provide skill development to Carlsbad’s workforce. Medium In Progress (Several workshops have taken place, Job-readiness room) 75% 2.2.1.Conduct an initial study for outdoor Wi-Fi at city facilities and other critical areas for the public. Medium In Progress (Data gathering, research, and cost estimation have been completed) 50% INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3: GROW AND SUPPORT KEY INDUSTRIES Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 3.1.1.Evaluate micro-mobility options in the Village and coastline to make Carlsbad more connected and accessible. High In Progress (Potential collaboration with the City of Encinitas being evaluated) 75% 3.4.1.Continue to support Carlsbad business organizations that maintain the tourism economy in Carlsbad. High In Progress (Regular meetings with Visit Carlsbad and hoteliers, CTBID Transition) Ongoing 3.2.1.Use business data and recent business surveys to assess and engage with industry clusters to develop support for their expansion, attraction, and retention.(Biennial Business Survey) Medium In Progress (2024 business survey is currently live and open for responses) 50% 3.2.2.Utilize partnership with Innovate 78 to connect Carlsbad businesses with regional resources. Medium In Progress (Regional collaboration pivoting in 2024 to be more resource-driven) Ongoing 3.3.1.Promote the city’s business locator website to businesses looking to move to Carlsbad, developers, brokers, and investors. Medium Complete (Via newsletter and social media, and connections with brokers) 100% 3.3.2.Host industry advisory groups with leaders in key business clusters, with a specific emphasis on the innovation economy. Medium Complete (Roundtable series captures Carlsbad key industries) 10% INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL 4: CONNECTION, ENGAGEMENT & PLACEMAKING Strategy Action Priority Status Progress 4.2.1.Partner with local business organizations to implement placemaking strategies such as holiday lighting and a banner program to enhance the sense of place and community. High Complete (Contracted with CVA on successful implementation of the banner program and holiday lighting) 100% 4.1.2.Incorporate business and economic development activities into the weekly City Manager newsletter, city calendar, and social media to foster a sense of pride in local businesses. High In Progress (14 business-related items featured in the city managers update, 11 articles published, 11 newsletters distributed) Ongoing 4.2.3.Utilize the city’s social media platforms to showcase Carlsbad’s sense of place and community. High In Progress (918 posts, 132,000 engaged) Ongoing 4.1.6.Develop a business spotlight program to highlight local businesses. Medium Complete (Small business spotlight in the newsletter and social media) 100% SUMMARY & NEXT STEPS 17 Economic Development programs “In Progress” On track to achieve goals specified Staff will return in March with recommendations for year-2 priorities INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT