City of Carlsbad

Challenge Overview

The City of Carlsbad team aimed to develop a Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) to enhance the visual appeal of storefronts, especially for small businesses. Students researched past facade or storefront improvement programs within Carlsbad and other cities to understand what worked and what didn’t. They designed a new SIP framework aligned with the city’s financial situation, strategic goals, and legal framework. The program provided equitable access for small businesses across different commercial areas, boosting local business vitality and enhancing the aesthetic quality of Carlsbad’s commercial districts. The team also developed policy recommendations and an impact evaluation framework to ensure the program’s sustainability and long-term success.

Challenge Mentor

• Rachel Maltz, Senior Program Manager, City of Carlsbad

 Student Team

• Jiwon Kim, International Business Major, Class of 2027 
• Snigdha Podugu, Data Science, Class of 2026
• Smrithi Sambamurthy, Cognitive Science Major, Class of 2027 
• Manuel Villa, Sociology Major, Class of 2026
• Devin Wong, Structural Engineering Major, Class of 2028