By TR Robertson
Matt Sanford, Economic Development Manager for the City of Carlsbad, provided an update for this months Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. In a power point presentation, Sanford gave a detailed report on the 2022 economic progress the city made. The City of Carlsbad has a $14.6 billion economy, a growth of $1 billion last year. The city’s economy is the second largest in San Diego County. There were some macro-disruptions last year centering around fuel cost, supply chain issues, inflation, a tight labor market and the overall impact of COVID. He said there is some operational uncertainty at the beginning of this year. Inflation prices are up 6.7%. California’s current unemployment rate is 4.1%, San Diego County’s unemployment rate is 3.3% and Carlsbad’s unemployment rate is 3%. Between October and December there were 13,352 job postings with the average salary at $40,800. The field of Accommodations and Food Services continue to have trouble filling jobs. For businesses vacancy rates for industrial properties are at 3.3%, vacancy rates for office properties are at 11% and for retail properties 4%. Sanford said there is a feeling that remote work for jobs will lead to a decrease of office space and many offices are down-sizing. Relating to homes, the median home price in Carlsbad is $1.44 million. Median homes values have risen 18% over the last year. There was a steeper than usual decline in the fall for tourism in Carlsbad. Room rates for vacation spots kept above the 2019 level for an average daily room night. The global disruption continues to impact Carlsbad’s business operations. Increased prices and the inability to fill jobs is a top concern for the city as the Carlsbad economy continues to grow.
Sanford also reported on the Economic Development Strategic Plan, a 5-year outlook for the city. The goals for the Plan were established through a variety of engagements and meetings. These included a market study, establishing objectives and goals, getting feedback, adoption of the plan and submission to city and staff committees. In the end 4 goals were established – 1) Support small business, start-ups & entrepreneurs; 2) Develop and attract workers & talent; 3) Grow and support our key industries; 4) Encourage placemaking and engagement. The Strategic Actions are available on the city web site as well as a listing of how to achieve the goals of the Strategic Action Plan.
Speaking next was Adam Regele, Senior Policy Advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce. Adam detailed the process the California Chamber goes through to determine what job killer bills they need to focus on. He said thousands of bills are introduced in Sacramento every year. A seven-member team of lobbyists working for the Chamber review each one of the bills. They go to a Policy committee for further evaluation. An Executive Committee then looks at a short list of bills they have been sent to determine which ones to focus on. Many of the bills they will center on are those that are detrimental to jobs, raising taxes, supply chain issues and small business. He said they also choose bills to support that help businesses. In looking at priorities Regele said it is an extremely difficult business year at the state level with the change in the political environment. Thirty-five per cent of the assembly members are brand new to Sacramento. Still a priority is housing, homelessness, climate change, environmental bills, labor bills, supply chain issue bills and bills dealing with small businesses.
Legislative Reports:
Cipriano Vargas from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s Office – the Supervisor along with Jim Desmond issued a letter declaring Fentanyl use a Public Health issue. The Supervisor supports drought resistant plants for use in public and commercial sites. She is also concerned with dealing with homelessness issues and how to attack the problem. Those wanting to assist can go to https://sandiego.pointintimes to help with a homeless count and for information.
Scott Chatfield from State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – Scott game the committee an update on the Senator and her background. The Senator is the former Mayor of Encinitas. For more information go to https://sd38.senate.ca.gov
Margaret Doyle from State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s Office – The Assemblymember has introduced 2 new bills AB 45 – an environmental focused bill and AB 47 – a therapy bill for women who have recently given birth. For questions go to Margaret.doyle@asm.ca.gov
Kyle Krahel from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The Congressman has been able to get $7 million for Sprinter upgrades; $4.5 million for mobile crisis teams to assist with mental health issues; $4.5 million for bicycle safety programs; $4 million for a twin engine helicopter for the fire department and $3 million for the Veteran Memorial Park in Carlsbad. Seven of the Congressman’s bills he either authored or was a part of have been signed by the President. Many of the bills assist veterans in a variety of ways.
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – The Government Affairs Committee was awarded the 2022 Committee of the Year. 2023 will mark the centennial for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce with several activities planned. The Chamber will sponsor a 100th anniversary birthday party at the Chamber Office from 4-7 am on February 8th. In late March the Cbad Awards will be held, nominations are now being taken for a variety of awards that will be given out. Go to www.Carlsbad.org for more information. January 24th the Candidates Academy will be held by the Chamber for anyone who wants to run for any elected office. Applications are available for anyone wanting to assist with this academy. Go to bret@Carlsbad.org if interested.
The next Government Affairs Meeting will be held at 7:30 am on Feb. 1st and will be an In Person Only meeting.
