The Environmental Sustainability Commission advises the City Council on topics related to the protection and long-term sustainability of Carlsbad’s natural environment.

This commission was established in 2025 and replaces the Beach Preservation Commission. While beach-related issues remain part of its responsibilities, the Environmental Sustainability Commission takes on a broader role, aligned with the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan goals.

Responsibilities

The Environmental Sustainability Commission investigates, researches and makes recommendations to the City Council on topics including:

• Natural resources and open space
• Beach nourishment and shoreline preservation
• Climate adaptation and environmental sustainability
• Other environmental topics as directed by the City Council

Once the commission begins meeting, members will work with city staff to develop a work plan that outlines their priorities and focus areas for the year.

Background

In April 2025, the City Council approved the transition from the Beach Preservation Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission. An ordinance formalizing the change was adopted in June and took effect July 24, 2025.

This transition reflects the City Council’s continued focus on environmental stewardship and expands the city’s ability to address evolving environmental priorities.

Meetings

The Environmental Sustainability Commission meets regularly, and all meetings are open to the public.

Agendas and supporting materials for upcoming meetings will be posted here in advance. Once meetings begin, this page will also include links to materials from the past three months. 

Information from earlier meetings, including those held by the former Beach Preservation Commission, can be found in the city’s online public records portal. (For meetings before February 2020, search “Beach Preservation Committee.”)

How to participate

The city welcomes your involvement. Meetings are open to the public and can be watched live on the city website.

Comment in person

• Fill out a speaker request form, located in the foyer.
• Submit the form to the Clerk before the item begins.
• When it’s your turn, the Clerk will call your name and invite you to the podium.
• Speakers have three minutes, unless the presiding officer (usually the chair) changes that time.
• You may not give your time to another person, but groups can select a single speaker as long as three other members of your group are present. Group representatives have 10 minutes unless that time is changed by the presiding officer or the commission.

Comment in writing

• Email comments to environmental@carlsbadca.gov Comments received by 1 p.m. the day of the meeting will be shared with the commission prior to the meeting. When e-mailing comments, please identify in the subject line the agenda item to which your comments relate.
• All comments received will be included as part of the official record. Written comments will not be read out loud.

Back to the main Boards & Commissions page