The City of Carlsbad City Council meeting on July 29, 2025, focused on funding for traffic improvements, specifically the potential construction of a roundabout and associated lighting projects.

During the meeting, council members discussed a funding opportunity that could provide $2.5 million for the construction of a roundabout. It was clarified that the city would be responsible for approximately 11% of the total cost of the roundabout, which is estimated to be around $2.2 million. The discussion highlighted the importance of incorporating at least one roundabout to qualify for the funding, as the city cannot use the allocated funds for other traffic calming measures without this requirement.

If the city opts not to proceed with any roundabouts, the funding would instead be directed towards lighting improvements, which are less expensive than the roundabout project. City staff have been working with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration to maximize the reimbursement ratio for the lighting project, ensuring that the city can secure the full $2.5 million.

The council also explored the possibility of using any leftover funds from the roundabout project for additional traffic calming measures, such as pedestrian signals or speed cushions. However, it was confirmed that these funds could only be utilized if at least one roundabout is constructed.

In conclusion, the council's discussions underscored the critical decision facing the city regarding the roundabout project, balancing the potential benefits of traffic calming with the financial implications of the funding available. The next steps will involve further design work and cost assessments to determine the feasibility of the roundabout and its impact on the city's traffic management strategy.