Carlsbad, CA
Home Menu5-Year Strategic Plan
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
5 goals in 5 years
Strategic Plan in action
Read how we’re making progress on city priorities.
City Manager's Update, May 21, 2026
I’ve got several important updates to share as we head into Memorial Day weekend. First, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, staff presented the proposed budget for the next fiscal year beginning July 1
05/21/2026 5:30 PM
Balanced budget prioritizes safety, infrastructure
Proposed 2026-27 budget focuses on core services, community projects
05/15/2026 8:00 AM
City Manager's Update, May 14, 2026
This week, I’ll give you a first look at next fiscal year’s proposed budget. I’m also sharing opportunities for you to weigh in on public art coming to the Barrio and a plan to improve traffic safety near Kelly Elementary.
05/14/2026 6:00 PM
Community budget workshop
Carlsbad community members who want to learn about the city’s proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 can come to a special community budget workshop on Thursday, May 21.
05/07/2026 5:30 PM
City Manager's Update, May 7, 2026
Wildfire preparedness is top of mind as we head into warmer, drier months, especially with recent brushfires in neighboring cities.
05/07/2026 5:30 PM
Key dates for June 2 primary election
California’s Gubernatorial Primary Election is June 2, 2026 and early voting has already begun.
05/07/2026
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The City of Carlsbad Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.
05/07/2026
May is National Bicycle Safety Month
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the City of Carlsbad Police Department is urging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe.
05/05/2026
City Manager's Update, April 30, 2026
With National Bike Safety Month starting Friday, I’m beginning today’s update with reminders about getting around town safely, along with a refresher on our new e-bike laws that took effect in March.
04/30/2026 6:00 PM
Bike safety month reminders
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and with the beautiful weather in Carlsbad lately, more people are gearing up to explore Carlsbad on two wheels. Whether you are biking, walking or driving, please look out for each other on the road.
04/30/2026 10:24 AM
City Manager's Update, April 23, 2026
I’m starting this week’s update with a behind-the-scenes video of our crew installing the new all-way stop signs at Madison Street and Grand Avenue in the Village.
04/23/2026 6:00 PM
Community Connection: Wildfire Preparedness
Prepare for wildfire season with a free, hands-on event hosted by the City of Carlsbad.
04/22/2026 2:00 PM
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 4/25
Carlsbad makes it easy to dispose of unwanted or expired medication all year long, including at a special event on Saturday, April 25 as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
04/21/2026 9:00 AM
City Manager's Update, April 16, 2026
We’re in store for a beautiful weekend, so I wanted to start with an update on the improvements the city is making to the beach stairs and sidewalk along picturesque Carlsbad Boulevard. This video brings you up to speed on the project along the walkway, and I’ll have more details in today's update.
04/16/2026 5:30 PM
Climate Action Plan progress report
The City of Carlsbad continues to make progress on its Climate Action Plan, a long-term roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a more sustainable future.
04/15/2026 10:34 AM
City Manager's Update, April 9, 2026
This week, we’re sharing a preview of construction plans to widen the next section of El Camino Real, an update on proposed Terramar street improvements and a look ahead to our Earth Day Celebration later this month.
04/09/2026 5:30 PM
Terramar street improvements
After reviewing community input, the Carlsbad Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission on Monday recommended moving forward with resurfacing and restriping streets in the Terramar area, but holding off on adding sidewalks at this time.
04/09/2026 11:22 AM
City Manager's Update, April 2, 2026
A new interactive annual report from our Fire Department plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the newest exhibit at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery.
04/02/2026 5:30 PM
Carlsbad Fire Department releases 2025 Annual Report
New interactive StoryMap format
03/31/2026 1:15 PM
New e-bike laws start 3/26
Stronger e-bike safety laws will go into effect on March 26 in Carlsbad, following a 30-day public information campaign.
03/26/2026 7:06 PM