On Friday August 18, 2017 the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce presented the State of the City Luncheon at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. Over 455 people attended a sold out crowd. Ted Owen, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber welcomed the guests and dignitaries. Introductions & acknowledgements were made by Ahmed Hague from NRG Energy, Inc. and Joshua Henderson from Wells Fargo.
Congressman Darrell Issa received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise Award”. Tim Stripe from Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc. and Carl Etter of Scripps Health both spoke to the attendees.
Gina McBride from McBride Financial Advisory & Philanthropy Concepts presented the Starfish Leadership Award to Kristianne Kurner, Executive Artistic Director at New Village Arts Theatre.
After a wonderful lunch was served, Ahmed Hague, Chamber Chair Elect spoke on the State of the Chamber. Fire Chief Mike Davis talked on Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance and the Commitment to Emergency Preparedness Award.
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Jim Dagostino, Chairperson with Tri-City Medical Center introduced Mayor Matt Hall who spoke of the State of the City and a video was shown. State of the City Video
Ted Owen, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO, thanked everyone for sponsoring or participating in the event. The Sponsors were, Grand Pacific Resorts, Legoland California Resort, nrg, Scripps, SDGE, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Tri-City Medical Center and Wells Fargo Bank.
The video concentrated on the residents and the City staff. The residents feel the sense of community and closeness to their neighbors and a great place to raise their kids. Carlsbad is no longer the small beach town but it still has a small town feel.
Some of the topics were:
Managing Growth in the Village and Barrio
One of the City Councils main goals is to work with the NCTD to lower the train crossing in the Village and add a second track, similar to Solana Beach.
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There are currently 50 trains going through Carlsbad on a daily basis and this will increase to 100, highlighting the need for the lowered dual tracks to improve vehicle traffic flow, public safety and the environment. Updating the City plan included listening to the public with the residents input. The residents voted for the Growth Management Plan. So because of the way the City manages growth, the inter-structure and roads are being built at the same time as the new communities. They also value the walk-ability of the area to talk and visit with neighbors and newcomers.
Finance Division
Due to tourism revenue, the Hotel Room Tax will increase to over $22 Million in 2017.
Carlsbad is working with the other four cities, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido, in a program called Innovate78 to build the regional economy.
Environmental Sustainability
Carlsbad is the only city in North County that has a Habitat Management Plan
Protection
So far, the City of Carlsbad has added 6,000 acres to the preserve system, focusing on balance and preservation.
Maintaining our Infrastructure
New APP called “City at your Service”
Public Safety
Using technology aides
Community Services
