At its meeting Tuesday, which also happened to be Earth Day, the Carlsbad City Council approved changing the Beach Preservation Commission into a broader Environmental Sustainability Commission.
The city's resident-led Growth Management Committee recommended the change, which supports the city’s focus on sustainability and protecting the environment – a goal in the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.
What the commission will focus on
The Environmental Sustainability Commission will expand upon the work of the Beach Preservation Commission while helping guide the city’s progress on a range of environmental priorities, including:
- Natural resources and open space
- Beach nourishment and shoreline preservation
- Climate adaptation and environmental sustainability
The commission will provide recommendations to the City Council and help involve the community through education and outreach.
Who will serve on the commission
The commission will have seven members:
- Three appointed by the Mayor
- One appointed by each City Council member
Current Beach Preservation commissioners may continue serving if they wish. As terms expire or when vacancies arise, new members will be appointed to match the new structure.
Timeline and next steps
The transition will take place over the next few months:
- June 5 – Last Beach Preservation Commission meeting
- June – July – City Council will consider updates to the municipal code formalizing the Environmental Sustainability Commission
- Aug. 7 – First Environmental Sustainability Commission meeting
Once the new commission is up and running, staff will help them develop a work plan for the rest of the year. This will include exploring a potential policy, as previously requested by the City Council, that would discourage exceptions to city development standards that would decrease open space.
The approved 2025 meeting calendar for the Beach Preservation Commission will remain the same for the Environmental Sustainability Commission, with meetings held on the first Thursday of even numbered months, at 3 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
More information
April 22 City Council meeting
April 22 City Council staff report
Beach Preservation Commission
