Someone once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." The City of Carlsbad prides itself on being a city that takes strategic planning seriously.
Annually, the Carlsbad City Council meets to review progress and plan for the year ahead. This is the first step in the City's process of aligning its mission and vision with the goals and priorities of the Council. Next, City staff will meet and formulate annual goals that mirror the council priorities. In tandem with the goal setting, departments will be setting their budgets, which will reflect the priorities of the Council.
In 2006, the Carlsbad City Council has indicated 15 projects that are at the top of the list. Here they are:
Make drainage improvements to the areas that affect Rancho Carlsbad
There are several projects that are in various stages of implementation to improve the flood control around Rancho Carlsbad. Many of these projects are quite complex, involving permission from multiple agencies that will require months, if not years of processing.
Improve communication with residents
The City Council wants to continue to explore new and improved ways to communicate with residents. Annually, the City surveys residents to explore the effectiveness of the various communications tools, such as the City web site, the annual City Calendar, and the Community Services Guide.
Implement redevelopment standards in the downtown Village area
City Council is in the process of reviewing the standards like setbacks, height, building coverage, and other building standards to ensure a balance between maintaining the village character and economic development.
Create a consistent planning vision for the south Carlsbad beachfront area
Last year, as the City became aware of potential projects planned for the Ponto area, a planning vision was created to try to ensure that consistent, cohesive development would occur. Additionally, the City wanted to have the opportunity to plan and create when possible, opportunities for public access, such as trails and parks.
Expand Car Country Carlsbad
Revenue from the Car Country business park helps the City continue to offer exceptional services to its constituents. The Council is looking at ways to help the auto dealerships expand their businesses.
Develop a planning vision for the Westfield Mall
As consolidations continue and retailing trends change, the City is interested in working with Westfield Mall to meet the needs of our residents and offer varied shopping experiences.
Complete the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course
The golf course is well underway, and the Council will continue to monitor this long-awaited project.
Design and develop Alga Norte Community Park
The City's Growth Management Plan calls for 11 public facilities, one of which is parks. This will be the last major park constructed in the City, and its design and development will unfold over the next 12 months.
Develop Cannon Gateway
The area of Carlsbad bounded by Cannon Road is one of the last prime areas that will eventually be developed. Private property owners own most of the land, and the City is interested in ensuring that sensitive development occurs with a vision, including one that allows for public access and amenities where possible.
Review the development process
The City's Planning Department has undertaken a comprehensive review of department's processes and procedures to determine ways to streamline and improve the permit and approval procedures.
Make a decision on desalination
Water availability is one of the key attributes necessary for the region to thrive in the coming years. A private company, Poseidon Resources has proposed to build a desalination facility near the Cabrillo Power Plant. Currently, City staff is working with Poseidon”s representatives to complete the EIR, responding to comments, and completing the Precise Development Plan and Specific Plan conditions of approval and complete negotiations on the Development Agreement. The EIR, responses and conditions of approval will be complete in the very near future. Development Agreement negotiations are still on-going. Once these issues are resolved, a Planning Commission hearing will be scheduled.
Review habitat management & open space
Carlsbad's Growth Management Plan ensures that along with development, open space will be preserved. Some 40 % of the City, when built out, will be open space. This year, one of the Council's goals is to implement the Habitat Management Plan, an eventual 5,000 acre preserve in North County. Carlsbad's portion is 600 acres.
Look into a joint responders training facility
Public safety and public works are arguably among the most important services a City provides. Police, fire and public works are looking at whether it makes sense to identify a location for a training facility and a public works yard that would accommodate all their needs. Police and fire are in need of a modern facility to meet the demanding training needs of their profession. Additionally, police need to find a new home for their shooting range, which was lost as part of the golf course construction. Further, as the City has grown, it has outgrown its public works facilities. To provide the best service, and keep costs down, Public Works is looking at whether a combined facility would make financial sense.
Plan Village area streetscape maintenance
The Village area is where the historic roots of Carlsbad are located. To preserve its beauty, and maintain its charm as a resident and tourist attraction, sidewalk and concrete repairs are planned over the next two years.
Review regional issues
The City Council recognizes that many issues require regional cooperation and partnership. Our City Council participates in SANDAG, the California League of Cities and other organizations that foster collaboration with other cities. Some of these issues include: the Del Oro Interchange and Buena Vista Channel Maintenance.
Next month, the City begins its budget process, which will include community meetings.
For current City news, events, and visit our website at www.carlsbadca.gov. And don't forget to watch the Carlsbad Community Update, which airs Mondays at 8 p.m., Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and again at 5:25 p.m.
Annually, the Carlsbad City Council meets to review progress and plan for the year ahead. This is the first step in the City's process of aligning its mission and vision with the goals and priorities of the Council. Next, City staff will meet and formulate annual goals that mirror the council priorities. In tandem with the goal setting, departments will be setting their budgets, which will reflect the priorities of the Council.
In 2006, the Carlsbad City Council has indicated 15 projects that are at the top of the list. Here they are:
Make drainage improvements to the areas that affect Rancho Carlsbad
There are several projects that are in various stages of implementation to improve the flood control around Rancho Carlsbad. Many of these projects are quite complex, involving permission from multiple agencies that will require months, if not years of processing.
Improve communication with residents
The City Council wants to continue to explore new and improved ways to communicate with residents. Annually, the City surveys residents to explore the effectiveness of the various communications tools, such as the City web site, the annual City Calendar, and the Community Services Guide.
Implement redevelopment standards in the downtown Village area
City Council is in the process of reviewing the standards like setbacks, height, building coverage, and other building standards to ensure a balance between maintaining the village character and economic development.
Create a consistent planning vision for the south Carlsbad beachfront area
Last year, as the City became aware of potential projects planned for the Ponto area, a planning vision was created to try to ensure that consistent, cohesive development would occur. Additionally, the City wanted to have the opportunity to plan and create when possible, opportunities for public access, such as trails and parks.
Expand Car Country Carlsbad
Revenue from the Car Country business park helps the City continue to offer exceptional services to its constituents. The Council is looking at ways to help the auto dealerships expand their businesses.
Develop a planning vision for the Westfield Mall
As consolidations continue and retailing trends change, the City is interested in working with Westfield Mall to meet the needs of our residents and offer varied shopping experiences.
Complete the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course
The golf course is well underway, and the Council will continue to monitor this long-awaited project.
Design and develop Alga Norte Community Park
The City's Growth Management Plan calls for 11 public facilities, one of which is parks. This will be the last major park constructed in the City, and its design and development will unfold over the next 12 months.
Develop Cannon Gateway
The area of Carlsbad bounded by Cannon Road is one of the last prime areas that will eventually be developed. Private property owners own most of the land, and the City is interested in ensuring that sensitive development occurs with a vision, including one that allows for public access and amenities where possible.
Review the development process
The City's Planning Department has undertaken a comprehensive review of department's processes and procedures to determine ways to streamline and improve the permit and approval procedures.
Make a decision on desalination
Water availability is one of the key attributes necessary for the region to thrive in the coming years. A private company, Poseidon Resources has proposed to build a desalination facility near the Cabrillo Power Plant. Currently, City staff is working with Poseidon”s representatives to complete the EIR, responding to comments, and completing the Precise Development Plan and Specific Plan conditions of approval and complete negotiations on the Development Agreement. The EIR, responses and conditions of approval will be complete in the very near future. Development Agreement negotiations are still on-going. Once these issues are resolved, a Planning Commission hearing will be scheduled.
Review habitat management & open space
Carlsbad's Growth Management Plan ensures that along with development, open space will be preserved. Some 40 % of the City, when built out, will be open space. This year, one of the Council's goals is to implement the Habitat Management Plan, an eventual 5,000 acre preserve in North County. Carlsbad's portion is 600 acres.
Look into a joint responders training facility
Public safety and public works are arguably among the most important services a City provides. Police, fire and public works are looking at whether it makes sense to identify a location for a training facility and a public works yard that would accommodate all their needs. Police and fire are in need of a modern facility to meet the demanding training needs of their profession. Additionally, police need to find a new home for their shooting range, which was lost as part of the golf course construction. Further, as the City has grown, it has outgrown its public works facilities. To provide the best service, and keep costs down, Public Works is looking at whether a combined facility would make financial sense.
Plan Village area streetscape maintenance
The Village area is where the historic roots of Carlsbad are located. To preserve its beauty, and maintain its charm as a resident and tourist attraction, sidewalk and concrete repairs are planned over the next two years.
Review regional issues
The City Council recognizes that many issues require regional cooperation and partnership. Our City Council participates in SANDAG, the California League of Cities and other organizations that foster collaboration with other cities. Some of these issues include: the Del Oro Interchange and Buena Vista Channel Maintenance.
Next month, the City begins its budget process, which will include community meetings.
For current City news, events, and visit our website at www.carlsbadca.gov. And don't forget to watch the Carlsbad Community Update, which airs Mondays at 8 p.m., Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and again at 5:25 p.m.