he City of Carlsbad recently received three awards recognizing city programs and initiatives that boost economic development and use technology to work more efficiently.
Last week, the city was awarded two Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council. The annual awards honor the world’s best economic development marketing campaigns, projects and programs.
Carlsbad earned a Silver Award in the special-purpose website category for its Life in Action website, one of the first talent attraction programs to launch in the U.S. The website helps current and future Carlsbad residents find local jobs through a regional jobs board and a newly launched Life in Action Recruiter app.
The city also received a shared Gold Award for Innovate78, a collaboration between Carlsbad and its partner cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido. The Innovate78 program helps build North County’s brand as key destination for employers, educational institutions and programs that support the region’s long-term economic growth.
Carlsbad’s new ACTION System was also recognized with an award. In this case, it was the 2021 Innovation Award from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California.
The ACTION (Automation, Compliance, Tracking, Inspection and Owner Notification) System is a comprehensive data management platform created by city staff to streamline and improve how the city manages its storm water protection program.
The previous system was time consuming and complicated, involving six different software applications and significant amount of paperwork.
The new Action System has
Reduced the cost of the city’s inspection and verification program by 44%.
Reduced the use of paper and files by 73% and the associated costs by 57%.
Reduced staff time for verifications and inspections by 40%.
Reduced the time it takes residents and business owners to complete and submit verification information by 75%. (They can now instantly update contact information and submit maintenance verification data electronically.)
Saved the city between $100,000-$200,000 by eliminating the need to contract out inspection services.
