Carlsbad cuts CIO, DEI positions amid budget woes

City outlines 12 positions being cut, no additional funding for city departments next fiscal year as the city faces a $4.5 million deficit by Fiscal Year 2028-29

An internal memo from Carlsbad City Manager Scott Chadwick to the City Council outlines job and budget cuts as the city addresses a projected budget deficit. Courtesy photo

CARLSBAD — An internal memo to the City Council outlines a new spending plan, cuts and more with two senior positions being among those eliminated.

According to City Manager Scott Chadwick’s memo, the city’s chief innovation officer and senior program manager for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will not be retained in the next fiscal year budget. The city is projecting a $4.5 million deficit by Fiscal Year 2028-29.

Additionally, nine other vacant positions will not be filled along with two part-time positions. Chadwick also said the FY 2024-25 budget will not include “a process for departments to request additional funding,” along with changing the city’s Capital Improvement Program process.

Staff will present an update on department operations, current budgets, staff and services at a special City Council meeting on Feb. 1, according to the memo.

01 18 24 Memo Overview Of The Fiscal Year 2024 25 Budget Process, Timeline And Proposed Position Reductions (districts All)

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“The city is in a much better position today than it was even a year ago — in part due to an enhanced revenue outlook and recent efforts by city staff to reduce ongoing costs,” the memo reads. “Nonetheless, the General Fund is projecting an annual deficit beginning in fiscal year 2028-29. It is imperative this year’s budget reflect every effort reasonably possible to address this structural deficit.”