CARLSBAD — The state of the city is strong, despite the recent economic downturn, city officials said.

About 500 people turned out to hear the annual presentation by the Chamber of Commerce on the State of the City, held Aug. 21 at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort.

A 30-minute video highlighted the accomplishments of the city over the past year, while encouraging residents to get involved in their community.

Mayor Bud Lewis said the city of Carlsbad is a wonderful place to live.

“It can only be that way because of you,” Lewis said. “It’s your future.”

Recent accomplishments included the voter-approved initiative making Carlsbad a charter city, the approval of a bond to pay for a new high school and the Proposition D initiative that will preserve the open space use of agricultural land near Cannon Road and a revitalization plan for the downtown.

The city will now be looking to update the General Plan by putting a committee together to “Envision Carlsbad.”

And although overall revenue is down in many cities, Carlsbad maintains a strong financial position.

The city is looking to increase tax revenue with the addition of three new hotels, and has moved forward with new projects, including a new city fire station and the recently opened Library Learning Center.

However a city park, the Alga Norte Park, scheduled to be built off Poinsettia Lane, is on hold.

Two regional facilities are scheduled to be built.

A desalination plant was given final approval last week and is scheduled to be up and running by 2011, and the power plant located along Carlsbad Boulevard is looking to expand operations by the same time.