Bakersfield City Council
Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee
Business Security Improvements Grant Update
January 2024
The City Council allocated $500,000 to the Business Security Improvements Grant Program using ARPA fund s, which is eligible for small businesses in City Q ualified Census Tracts . The program was launched in July 2023 in three phases: 1) security equipment/window repairs, 2) security patrols, and 3) site hardening (fences/doors) .
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
Allowed Improvements
Alarm systems, security
cameras, lighting
improvements, and repairing
damaged or destroyed
windows.
Security patrols in
established business
district association or
organization.
Site hardening such as
security gates/fencing, roll-up
doors, security
doors/windows/screens,
removing visual
obstacles/landscaping
updates that provide more
visible and secure areas.
Application Specifics
$275,000 budget
$5,000 max/applicant
78 applications received
64 applications approved
All funds allocated
~50% projects
complete/reimbursed
Security cameras were the
most popular request.
$100,000 budget
$50,000 max/applicant
1 application received;
agreement pending, to be
considered by City
Council in February.
$125,000 budget
$25,000 max/applicant
10 applications received
6 applications approved
All projects currently in
progress.
Business Experience Survey
Over 90% of respondents rated their satisfaction with the program and recommended the program as 5 stars (the highest rating).
100% of respondents strongly agreed the program made a difference for their business. “We are thrilled with our extra security and grateful for the grant!” “Thanks for giving us some much-needed support.”
“I now have the ability to watch my store even when I am not there, which has been a huge help taking care of it.”