The Carlsbad City Council met recently to discuss our goals for the coming year, one of the first steps in creating the city's action plan and budget for the fiscal year starting July 1st. The day-long session focused on 12 key trends affecting the city in the areas of the economy, changing demographics and technology.
The City Council began the day's session by reviewing the Carlsbad Community Vision, a set of core values for the future developed through a comprehensive two-year public involvement program called Envision Carlsbad. Council members heard an update on the city budget, which is currently on track with projections for the year.
Although we are pleased to see positive signs in the economy, creating quality jobs and a thriving business climate remain our top priority. The city has been working to increase its focus on helping local businesses and attracting new businesses to the city. These efforts will continue with a focus on supporting local companies, attracting talent and innovators to Carlsbad, and partnering with universities and research institutions to become a hub for higher education. We are also committed to continuing to streamline city processes for businesses.
Another high priority is ensuring the city is an adaptable, responsive and efficient organization that delivers cost effective, high-quality services. This work includes evaluating city services to ensure they are being delivered in the most efficient and effective manner.
With changing population and demographic trends, updating our city land use policies is another top priority. The city is currently updating its General Plan, and will be seeking public input on a number of land use issues over the coming year. Maintaining the city's high standards and balancing a thriving community with the need for tranquil, natural open spaces will be a key focus of this work.
Speaking of demographics, we also want to make sure the city is able to meet current and future parks and recreation needs, especially for the growing senior population. The City Council also asked city staff to explore opportunities for providing parks and recreation services through partnerships rather than relying only on traditional government models.
Adapting Carlsbad streets to accommodate and encourage all modes of transportation, not just cars, will also be a key area of focus. Called "complete streets," this new approach uses street design to create a sense of place and community through green spaces, medians and signage, while encouraging a healthier, less-vehicle dependent lifestyle. Completing traffic signal technology upgrades to improve traffic flow was also identified as a high priority for the coming year.
One final area of significance identified during the workshop was helping to foster the next generation of community leaders. This includes finding ways to encourage younger people to participate in community leadership and governance. I am constantly impressed with the many young people who come before our City Council. It's important to engage this next generation and show them how they can make a difference today.
Although we focused on these six areas as the highest priorities for the coming year, there are many other interesting changes, challenges and trends affecting our city and our community as a whole.
The City Council began the day's session by reviewing the Carlsbad Community Vision, a set of core values for the future developed through a comprehensive two-year public involvement program called Envision Carlsbad. Council members heard an update on the city budget, which is currently on track with projections for the year.
Although we are pleased to see positive signs in the economy, creating quality jobs and a thriving business climate remain our top priority. The city has been working to increase its focus on helping local businesses and attracting new businesses to the city. These efforts will continue with a focus on supporting local companies, attracting talent and innovators to Carlsbad, and partnering with universities and research institutions to become a hub for higher education. We are also committed to continuing to streamline city processes for businesses.
Another high priority is ensuring the city is an adaptable, responsive and efficient organization that delivers cost effective, high-quality services. This work includes evaluating city services to ensure they are being delivered in the most efficient and effective manner.
With changing population and demographic trends, updating our city land use policies is another top priority. The city is currently updating its General Plan, and will be seeking public input on a number of land use issues over the coming year. Maintaining the city's high standards and balancing a thriving community with the need for tranquil, natural open spaces will be a key focus of this work.
Speaking of demographics, we also want to make sure the city is able to meet current and future parks and recreation needs, especially for the growing senior population. The City Council also asked city staff to explore opportunities for providing parks and recreation services through partnerships rather than relying only on traditional government models.
Adapting Carlsbad streets to accommodate and encourage all modes of transportation, not just cars, will also be a key area of focus. Called "complete streets," this new approach uses street design to create a sense of place and community through green spaces, medians and signage, while encouraging a healthier, less-vehicle dependent lifestyle. Completing traffic signal technology upgrades to improve traffic flow was also identified as a high priority for the coming year.
One final area of significance identified during the workshop was helping to foster the next generation of community leaders. This includes finding ways to encourage younger people to participate in community leadership and governance. I am constantly impressed with the many young people who come before our City Council. It's important to engage this next generation and show them how they can make a difference today.
Although we focused on these six areas as the highest priorities for the coming year, there are many other interesting changes, challenges and trends affecting our city and our community as a whole.