By TR Robertson
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce meeting of the Government Affairs Committee featured the presentation of two significant reports concerning the citizens of Carlsbad. The first was a report from Matt Sanford, from the City of Carlsbad, about the Economic Update Q4 for 2021 and then a presentation by Risa Baron from Republic Services, concerning the new waste hauler for homes and businesses in Carlsbad.
Matt Sanford, from Economic Development for the City of Carlsbad, said every quarter the city presents a look at the economic conditions of the city. This report covers October to December 2021. He said the Omicron variant had a widespread impact from December to January of this year. This effect was felt with growth management, supply chains, and inflation prices driven up. Higher vaccinated areas fared better than others. A .5% consumer price index increase occurred, energy felt a 29.3% increase and food prices rose 6.3%. Interestingly, life science, technology and manufacturing continued to expand. Many businesses are experiencing workforce shortages as well as operational issues. Carlsbad experienced growth, but not significant growth. The city’s unemployment in December was 3.4%. The average salary for posted jobs was $41,600 and there was an increase of 2,000 postings during the quarter. Industrial vacancy rates stood at 3.9% and office properties at 14.4%. Rates for properties was up 8.5%.
Last week the City of Carlsbad gave our Government Affairs Committe an Economic Update regarding the city itself.
To view that slide deck, please click here.
The important tourism industry is beginning to see significant recovery and hotel room rates have kept above 2019 levels. The medium home values are $1.3 million reflecting a 32% rise. The forecast is for a 21% growth this year. Business licenses issued dropped during the quarter, but Carlsbad lost fewer businesses than during the preceding 18-month period. Home builder optimism is rising. The diverse Carlsbad economy is resilient, but it is felt that the small business and tourism industry will continue to be impacted. Inflation will push prices higher, and the feeling is supply chain issues will begin to normalize. Sanford said the report indicated there is now an Economic Development Strategic Plan that will help businesses and the city, a completed 2022 Carlsbad Business Report, a Talent and Workforce Development program, a Life in Action Recruiter, Innovate 78 partnerships with other North County cities, and the cities continued encouragement of Emerging Technologies. For those wishing to take a survey on outdoor dining for restaurants, go to www.carlsbadca.gov/outdoordining.
Risa Baron, from Republic Services, gave a power point on the new waste hauler company which will be starting in Carlsbad July 1st. Republic Services works in 40 states, has 36,000 employees, services 14 million customers and is a $10 billion industry. The company recently won the contract bid in Carlsbad. Republic won the 2020 Organic Recycler of the Year from the Waste and Recycling Association. They will supply weekly waste collection picking up recycling, organics, and landfill items. They offer a number of auxiliary services. Mulch will be provided free of charge to all residents and businesses. Residents will be provided new containers and the old containers will be picked up in the Spring. Business containers will be picked up between May and June. Thirty-nine collection trucks will operate in the city picking up the 75,000 containers. Baron said they are committed to Civic and Community engagement and a smooth transition.
Legislative Reports:
Jason Harber – City of Carlsbad – Growth Management Committee applications are now available for interested citizens.
Chris Marsh from State Senator Patricia Bates Office – The Senator is in support of various bills that deal with offshore drilling and controlling oil spills. Her coastal erosion bill fell short of passing and AB 1400 failed to pass that dealt with health care coverage.
Glen McDonell from State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath Office – The Assemblymember is continuing to work on offshore drilling issues and clean energy economy. Bills the Assemblymember has supported – AB1707 dealing with Senior citizen property tax provisions, AB 1672 & 1682 dealing with lifeguard certification and exemptions for lifeguard’s speed in vehicles on beaches when reacting to rescue calls, and AB 1634 dealing with a shift from fossil fuel and training of a workforce. The Assemblymember is accepting nominations of women who have contributed to their communities. Go to https://a76.asmdc.org/2022-women-impact-nominations.
Kyle Krahel-Frolander from U.S. Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – The G.I. Bill passed dealing with benefits for National Guard and reserves. The Congressman was one of many to sign a letter dealing with the urgent need to act on climate actions as part of the Build Back Better Act. Federal funding was approved to replenish sand for Solana Beach beaches and Oceanside beaches. The American Rescue Plan shows increased growth to help communities and to assist with homeless issues.
JR Phillips from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber Business Journal is now available. Back to Live events are beginning to return to Carlsbad. February 16th from 5-7 pm there will be a Happy Hour at the Veterans Affairs Office with the Oceanside Chamber. February 17th a Web working session will be sponsored. February 26th a Bolder and Older Expo will be held from 9-12 at St. Elizabeth Church, the event is free. Go to the Business Journal for more information. People are encouraged to go to the Carlsbad Chamber Website to fill out a review on the Chamber.
