DATE: November 18, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: City Manager's Office
TITLE: Economic Development Commission Dissolution
RECOMMENDATION
title
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution dissolving the Economic Development Commission (EDC), rescinding its establishing Resolution No. R96-069 and superseding subsequent actions governing the EDC, as identified in the dissolution resolution.
body
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Establishment and Purpose
The City Council established the Economic Development Commission on March 20, 1996, through Resolution No. R96-069, replacing the former Economic Development Committee. The Commission was established to consider and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the attraction and enhancement of economic development opportunities within Oceanside.
The EDC provided a formal platform for business and community perspectives during a period of significant redevelopment and investment, including the beachfront resorts and the Ocean Ranch biotechnology campus. Its contributions helped support the evolution of the City’s economic development priorities.
The EDC’s current bylaws provide for eleven voting members representing various business sectors and the community at large, with regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. The bylaws identify responsibilities related to tourism, business retention, expansion and incubation, commercial and industrial development, regional economic development and development of El Corazon. The EDC assumed the former El Corazon Commission’s advisory functions following the City Council’s 2011 advisory group consolidation.
Current Need for a Separate Advisory Commission
As described in the attached September 2, 2026 memorandum to the City Manager, the need for a separate standing economic development advisory commission has diminished. In recent years, EDC agenda items have generally not required substantive deliberation or action, and maintaining a regular meeting schedule has not consistently produced recommendations that advance the City’s economic development work. Achieving a quorum has also been an ongoing challenge. The EDC held no meetings in 2025 because a quorum could not be achieved. These difficulties limit the Commission’s effectiveness while continuing to require staff coordination and administrative support.
The Economic Development Element of the General Plan provides the policy framework for the City’s economic development initiatives. Staff’s economic development work plan and activities are guided by that framework and City Council priorities. Implementation typically involves direct engagement with affected businesses, property owners, industry partners, regional organizations and community stakeholders. Matters requiring policy direction or formal approval proceed through the applicable public review process to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Under the current structure, a separate EDC review provides limited additional value. Dissolution would allow staff to devote more time to business assistance, investment attraction, project coordination and implementation of Council priorities. The proposed EDC dissolution still preserves the City’s economic development work and in no way diminishes the ability to attract and retain businesses.
Following EDC dissolution, business and community input would continue through direct outreach, stakeholder meetings, project-specific engagement and public participation before the Planning Commission and City Council. When a particular issue warrants more focused participation, staff could recommend a limited-duration advisory group or another appropriate engagement process.
The EDC’s advisory role concerning El Corazon would be addressed through the City’s historic staff coordination with park stakeholders and public review processes associated with discretionary land use decisions. Economic development matters involving El Corazon would continue to receive staff analysis and City Council consideration, with land use matters proceeding to the Planning Commission when required. Dissolution would not change approved plans or agreements related to El Corazon.
Economic Development Expertise on the Planning Commission
To retain a formal opportunity for informed economic development perspectives within the City’s advisory structure, City Council could designate one or more existing Planning Commission seats for commissioners with demonstrated economic development expertise.
Qualifying expertise could include substantial professional or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Business retention, expansion or attraction;
• Commercial or industrial real estate development, investment or finance;
• Small business ownership or entrepreneurship;
• Tourism or hospitality industry management;
• Workforce development or regional economic development.
Should this option be pursued, staff recommends implementing the designation through future appointments as Planning Commission vacancies or term expirations occur, allowing current commissioners to complete their terms. Staff would coordinate with the City Clerk, Development Services Department and City Attorney to identify the appropriate qualifications, appointment procedures and amendments, and return those changes to the City Council for consideration. Any proposal to expand the Planning Commission’s advisory responsibilities would also be presented expressly for Council approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact to dissolution; however, it would reduce staff time associated with scheduling and supporting EDC meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, coordinating attendance and maintaining commission records. That time would be redirected to economic development programs and implementation of City Council priorities.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
end
Prepared by: Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager
Reviewed by: Michael Gossman, Assistant City Manager
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
Attachment:
1. Resolution