HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-21; Economic Development Subcommittee; ; Economic Development Strategic Plan UpdateMeeting Date:
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
Staff Report
Aug.21,2023
Economic Development Subcommittee
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
david.graham@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5992
Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
Recommended Action
Receive an informational report regarding progress on strategies and tactics contained within the
Economic Development Strategic Plan, discuss and provide a recommendation.
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.
Discussion
On Jan. 10, 2023, City Council adopted the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). The EDSP
was developed to meet the city's strategic objective from its general five-year strategic plan to
support the goal of economic vitality. The implementation of the EDSP is guided by a set of strategic
actions that were presented to the City Council with input from the Economic Development
Subcommittee. Funding for several programs was included in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget.
The EDSP contains two elements: an overarching strategy that will guide economic development
work in Carlsbad for the near and long-term future, and a set of strategic actions that will be
revisited on an annual basis that provide flexibility to adapt tactics to meet current and future
conditions.
To monitor progress of the strategic actions recommended by the Economic Development
Subcommittee, staff have created a dashboard that represents the progress made on each action,
as well as the cumulative progress toward the EDSP goals.
Staff will discuss the dashboard, provide an update on progress of actions being undertaken and
incorporate feedback from the Subcommittee into the workplan.
The strategic actions recommended by the subcommittee for fiscal year 2023-24 are listed below.
Aug.21,2023 Item #2 Page 1 of 4
Goal 1: Support Small Business, Startups & Entrepreneurs
Strategy# Action Priority
1.1.1. Celebrate staff's role in economic development and continue to High
educate on how their work can lead to success and economic health
in the city.
1.1.2. Continually review the planning application and permitting procedures High
to identify process improvements.
1.2.1. Continue the implementation of the Customer Self-Service program High
within the permitting application system, Energov, to increase the
number of applications available on line.
1.2.3. Increase ability for customers to track the status of their projects High
online.
1.2.4. Promote the pre-application program to help identify major issues High
early in the entitlement process.
1.2.5. Enhance the Welcome to Carlsbad Program for new businesses by Medium
providing information and resources on the pre-application program,
permitting process, and business resources.
1.2.10 Utilizing Energov, track turnaround times for planning applications and Medium
permits to identify areas to increase efficiency.
1.3.1. Create Small Business and Entrepreneur Symposium on basic and Medium
critical issues for small business owners. Topics could include
marketing, social media, finance, human resources, access to capital,
technology, and more.
1.3.2. Partner with business organizations to develop a shop local initiative Low
to encourage patronage at Carlsbad businesses.
1.4.1. Evaluate signage requirements for businesses. Low
Goal 2: Develop and Attract Workers & Talent
Strategy# Action Priority
2.1.1. Enhance Life In Action tools to assist in talent attraction for Carlsbad High
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.
2.2.2. Promote the City's existing digital tools to connect residents, High
businesses, and tourists to resources the city offers.
Aug.21,2023 Item #2 Page 2 of 4
2.1.3. Enhance and promote educational workshops provided by the Library, Medium
Parks and Recreation and other resources that provide skill
development to Carlsbad's workforce.
2.2.1. Conduct initial study for outdoor Wi-Fi at city facilities and other Medium
critical areas for the public.
Goal 3: Grow and Support Key Industries
Strategy# Action Priority
3.1.1. Evaluate micro-mobility options in the Village and coastline to make High
Carlsbad more connected and accessible.
3.4.1. Continue to support Carlsbad business organizations that maintain the High
tourism economy in Carlsbad.
3.2.1. Use business data and recent business survey to assess and engage Medium
with industry clusters to develop support for their expansion,
attraction, and retention. (Biennial Business Survey) Survey last
conducted Fall 2021.
3.2.2. Utilize partnership with Innovate 78 to connect Carlsbad businesses Medium
with regional resources.
3.3.1. Promote the city's business locator website to businesses looking to Medium
move to Carlsbad, developers, brokers, and investors.
3.3.2. Host industry advisory groups with leaders in key business clusters, Medium
with a specific emphasis on the innovation economy.
Goal 4: Connection, Engagement & Placemaking
Strategy# Action Priority
4.2.1. Partner with local business organizations to implement placemaking High
strategies such as holiday lighting and a banner program to enhance
the sense of place and community.
4.1.2. Incorporate business and economic development activities into the High
weekly City Manager newsletter, city calendar, and social media to
foster a sense of pride in local businesses.
4.2.3. Utilize the city's social media platforms to showcase Carlsbad's sense High
of place and community.
4.1.6. Develop a business spptlight program to highlight local businesses. Medium
Aug.21,2023 Item #2 Page 3 of 4
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.
Aug.21,2023 Item #2 Page 4 of 4