5-Year Strategic Plan

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Bringing the Carlsbad community vision to life

On Oct. 11, 2022, the City Council approved a 5-year Carlsbad Strategic Plan (2023-2027) to focus city resources toward fulfilling the Carlsbad community’s vision for the future.

The plan includes high-level goals, objectives, priority projects and service commitments. Progress can be tracked on this page and annual progress reports presented to the City Council.

Read the first progress report presented Feb. 6, 2024
Read the second progress report presented Feb. 25, 2025
Read the third progress report presented Feb. 24, 2026

blue banner5 goals in 5 years

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Strategic Plan in action

Read how we’re making progress on city priorities. 

Strategic Plan progress

Post Date:02/25/2026 11:57 AM

The Carlsbad City Council this week received the latest annual update on its 5-Year Strategic Plan, outlining progress on major initiatives and priorities that continue to shape the city’s work.

The report highlights progress across all five strategic goals and continued work on 65 priority projects. It also helps guide upcoming budget discussions by aligning funding decisions with the City Council’s long-term priorities.

Adopted in October 2022 and inspired by the Carlsbad Community Vision, the Strategic Plan provides a clear framework for delivering results in five key areas:

  • Maintain Carlsbad’s unique community character
  • Prioritize the safety and well-being of the community
  • Protect the environment and natural resources
  • Foster a healthy economy
  • Be a model for effective and efficient local government

By establishing a five-year roadmap, the City Council created a structured approach to advancing complex, multi-year projects while continuing to deliver essential city services.

Priority projects completed 2025 

Since the last annual update, several priority projects have been completed: 

The annual report offers a detailed look at work completed to date and priorities for the year ahead. Community members can also follow ongoing progress through the city’s online Strategic Plan dashboard, providing an overview of progress toward the plan’s goals.

More information
Strategic Plan annual progress report
Strategic Plan dashboard
Feb. 24 City Council meeting video
Feb. 24 City Council staff report

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