Increasing partnerships with the business community, streamlining city processes and fostering a vibrant local economy were all key areas of focus during the Carlsbad City Council's recent goal-setting workshop. During the day-and-a-half-long session, my first as mayor, I couldn't have been more pleased with the can-do attitude and sheer enthusiasm for the tasks ahead of us.
This year's theme, “Planning for fiscal and community vitality,” was reflected throughout our discussions. We started with a recap of how the city has managed through the recession, which, to me, is a great example of how we do things in Carlsbad. Not only have we weathered the economic storm with our core city services and budget reserves intact, we have used this economic downturn as a catalyst to try new things. As I often say, it's when times are most difficult that you have the greatest opportunities.
By restructuring the city organization, we were able to eliminate 25 positions and better align ourselves for the future. We also found a way to trim $10 million from the city budget by working smarter, using technology and streamlining the way we do business. In this new economy where we will all be expected to produce 20 percent more with 20 percent less, I think it's safe to say our streamlining at the city has only just begun.
Even though economists have declared the recession over, the city will likely continue to feel the effects for years to come. Consumer spending, property taxes and tourism spending, all important sources of tax revenue for the city, are not likely to return to previous levels any time soon.
That's why supporting a thriving local economy is so critical to the city. Among the key priorities identified by the City Council were an increased focus on working with the business community, both to help existing businesses in Carlsbad prosper and to attract new economic development to the city. This increased focus on economic development includes more direct marketing to prospective businesses in targeted industries and working with our existing businesses poised for expansion. An updated strategic plan for city-owned real estate will also play into these enhanced economic development efforts.
With the recent expiration of the Village redevelopment plan, now is the time to focus city efforts on working in partnership with business and property owners to further revitalize the historic heart of the city. This includes kicking off an effort to establish a Main Street-type program for the Village that will attract new investment and increase foot traffic.
Speaking of foot traffic, another priority that will help support the Village as well as our tourism economy is the installation of improved pedestrian crossings along Carlsbad Boulevard, in the Village and in other areas that attract a lot of walkers. Traffic management was another key priority, including a new computerized system to synchronize traffic signals.
Finally, one of the most exciting projects discussed at the workshop is the realignment of Carlsbad Boulevard at Palomar Airport Road. This project represents one of the last remaining opportunities in Southern California to provide significant, enhanced coastal access and recreational opportunities to the public, and it will provide considerable economic benefits to the entire region. We have directed city staff to complete negotiations with the state for a land exchange that will be the first step in achieving our long-term vision for this critical link in the Carlsbad coastline.
Whether working with the state to improve our coastline or working with the business community to support a vibrant economy, partnerships are key. On behalf of the entire Carlsbad City Council, I would like to thank the business community for being a great partner with the city, and we look forward to working together to make our city even more vibrant for years to come.
This year's theme, “Planning for fiscal and community vitality,” was reflected throughout our discussions. We started with a recap of how the city has managed through the recession, which, to me, is a great example of how we do things in Carlsbad. Not only have we weathered the economic storm with our core city services and budget reserves intact, we have used this economic downturn as a catalyst to try new things. As I often say, it's when times are most difficult that you have the greatest opportunities.
By restructuring the city organization, we were able to eliminate 25 positions and better align ourselves for the future. We also found a way to trim $10 million from the city budget by working smarter, using technology and streamlining the way we do business. In this new economy where we will all be expected to produce 20 percent more with 20 percent less, I think it's safe to say our streamlining at the city has only just begun.
Even though economists have declared the recession over, the city will likely continue to feel the effects for years to come. Consumer spending, property taxes and tourism spending, all important sources of tax revenue for the city, are not likely to return to previous levels any time soon.
That's why supporting a thriving local economy is so critical to the city. Among the key priorities identified by the City Council were an increased focus on working with the business community, both to help existing businesses in Carlsbad prosper and to attract new economic development to the city. This increased focus on economic development includes more direct marketing to prospective businesses in targeted industries and working with our existing businesses poised for expansion. An updated strategic plan for city-owned real estate will also play into these enhanced economic development efforts.
With the recent expiration of the Village redevelopment plan, now is the time to focus city efforts on working in partnership with business and property owners to further revitalize the historic heart of the city. This includes kicking off an effort to establish a Main Street-type program for the Village that will attract new investment and increase foot traffic.
Speaking of foot traffic, another priority that will help support the Village as well as our tourism economy is the installation of improved pedestrian crossings along Carlsbad Boulevard, in the Village and in other areas that attract a lot of walkers. Traffic management was another key priority, including a new computerized system to synchronize traffic signals.
Finally, one of the most exciting projects discussed at the workshop is the realignment of Carlsbad Boulevard at Palomar Airport Road. This project represents one of the last remaining opportunities in Southern California to provide significant, enhanced coastal access and recreational opportunities to the public, and it will provide considerable economic benefits to the entire region. We have directed city staff to complete negotiations with the state for a land exchange that will be the first step in achieving our long-term vision for this critical link in the Carlsbad coastline.
Whether working with the state to improve our coastline or working with the business community to support a vibrant economy, partnerships are key. On behalf of the entire Carlsbad City Council, I would like to thank the business community for being a great partner with the city, and we look forward to working together to make our city even more vibrant for years to come.