2025
State Legislative
Program
Bakersfield Mayor & City Council
Karen Goh………….…....………….………….…………………………….………………... Mayor
Eric Arias…….………....…………………………………….…………..……………………..Ward 1
Andrae Gonzales .………………………….……....……………………………………….. Ward 2
Ken Weir….……….………………………….……………..……………….……………………Ward 3
Bob Smith ……….……………….…………………………….…..…………………………….Ward 4
Larry Koman .………………..……………………………………….……………..……………Ward 5
Zack Bashirtash………....………………………….….…….……..………………………...Ward 6
Manpreet Kaur....…….…………………………….….………….………….……………….Ward 7
Table of Contents
Definitions .....................................................................................................................................................4 State of California Delegation .......................................................................................................................5 City Council Strategic Goals ...........................................................................................................................6 Legislative Program .......................................................................................................................................7 2023 State Legislative Priorities ................................................................................................................. 10
1. Advocate for our fair share of State Funding ................................................................................. 10
2. Advocate for policy and funding that supports efforts in serving and reducing the City’s homeless population....................................................................................................................................... 11
3. Advocate for reasonable and measured relief from state regulations related to energy production, agriculture production, and goods movement. Continue to support and pursue State programs or funding opportunities to diversify the economy, including the regional Economic Prosperity Initiative. ....................................................................................................................... 12
4. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of the City’s affordable housing and urban revitalization efforts ........................................................................................ 13
5. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of improved social determinates of health. .................................................................................................................. 15 2023 State Legislative Positions ................................................................................................................. 15
1. Protect Local Control ......................................................................................................................... 16
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services ................................................. 16
3. Public Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 17
4. Infrastructure Investment ................................................................................................................. 19
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City .............................................................. 21
6. Employment and Labor Relations ................................................................................................... 24
7. Protection of the agriculture and energy production industries ...................................................... 26
8. Public Health Economic Relief and Employee Health ........................................................................ 26
Definitions
Legislative Program
The Bakersfield City Council will adopt a Legislative Platform each calendar year. The Legislative Platform sets forth the City of Bakersfield’s legislative priorities and interests and provides general authority and direction regarding advocacy efforts on behalf of the City to: the City Manager’s Office; City departments; and the City’s state legislative advocate.
Legislative Principle
Legislative Principles are foundational statements of broad legislative objectives or philosophies that form the basis for establishing Legislative Priorities and Positions.
Legislative Priority
Items receive designation as Legislative Priorities within the Legislative P rogram when it is anticipated that they will (1) have a significant impact on the City of Bakersfield ; (2) require significant effort by City staff and/or the City’s state advocate; and (3) have a strategic action identified to address a high-level priority for the City.
Legislative Position
The City of Bakersfield has numerous areas of legislative interest beyond those that rise to the surface as Legislative Priorities. The City prepares position statements for both the themes of legislation and funding that regularly recur on the state level as well as new issues that arise each year in the legislative process. Legislative Positions provide background as to the importance of the issue to the City of Bakersfield and state the position of the City and any action that will be pursued to address it.
State of California Delegation
Senate
The Honorable Melissa Hurtado
District 16
1021 O Steet
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Shannon Grove
District 12
1021 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Assembly
The Honorable Jasmeet Bains
1021 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Vacant
District 32
City Council Strategic Goals
1. Economic Opportunity for All
Bakersfield fosters a diverse, thriving economy that sustains the quality of life desired by our community.
2. Safety and Resilience
Residents feel safe and crime rates are low. Bakersfield is a City where homelessness is infrequent and brief, and residents do not experience the impacts of homelessness.
3. Reliable Infrastructure
The City provides well -maintained infrastructure that supports quality of life and economic development for the community today and plans for the infrastructure needs of tomorrow.
4. Community Character & Qualify of Life
Neighborhoods are healthy, vibrant and full of opportunity; residents are attracted to Bakersfield’s affordability. Community members and visitors enjoy the City’s revitalized, modern and walkable downtown and business districts.
5. Innovative and Efficient City Government
The City of Bakersfield is a professional, effective, and customer-oriented organization that brings efficient solutions to the community. Our well -managed finances position the City for a healthy and prosperous future.
Legislative Program
Purpose
Throughout each year, the State Legislature propose s and enacts legislation, some of which affects local municipal government. The League of California Cities and contracted legislative advocacy firms keep the City of Bakersfield informed on proposed legislation from these bodies. At times, it is in the interests of the City to take a position on proposed legislation. The State Legislative Program establishes Legislative Principles, Priorities and Positions that provide direction for advocating for the City of Bakersfield with the s tate government.
Process
For proposed legislation, either consistent with the City’s Legislative Program or consistent with legislative positions the City has taken in the past, City staff shall be authorized to prepare position letters for the Mayor or City Manager’s signature. All members of City Council shall receive copies of sent position letters. The City’s advocacy firm may also be authorized to express the City’s position in person to legislative representatives.
Items not addressed in the City’s Legislative Priorities may require they be brought to the City Council for consideration. These legislative priorities may only address issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are not pertinent to the City’s local government services such as partisan, socially divisive, or international issues.
The City’s legislative positions, as further defined below, may be supported with additional advocacy efforts, including but not limited to:
• Position letters, including updating said letters as legislation is amended and/ or advances through the process, fact sheets, and other legislative advocacy support materials.
• Preparing staff and councilmember testimony to legislative committees and other legislative and regulatory bodies; and
• In person meetings and phone calls with members of legislative and regulatory agencies.
Possible position that can be adopted on legislation include:
• Support – A support position indicates to the legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the city is in favor of the legislation in question. • Support if Amended – A support if amended position indicates to the corresponding legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the city is in favor of the legislation in question, if the requested changes are adopted. • Oppose – An oppose position indicates to the legislature, regulatory agency, and other stakeholders that the city is against the legislation in question. • Oppose Unless Amended – An oppose unless amended position indicates to the legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City is against the legislation in question, unless the requested changes are adopted. • Neutral – A neutral position indicates to the corresponding legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City is impartial on the legislation in question and does not wish to take a position or has formally removed their prior adopted position due to changes being made to the legislation or proposal (e.g., a bill that the city had an “oppose unless amended” position on was amended to address concerns, therefore the City is formally withdrawing its opposition and moving to a “Neutral” position).
• Watch – A watch is traditionally an internal position which indicates the City is monitoring the legislation. Should the bill be amended the City reserves its right to adopt a position as indicated above.
Legislative Principles
In its relationship with the state government, the City will always:
• Seek the broadest authority for our citizens and the City Council to make decisions locally
• Seek out, develop, and support legislative and budget efforts that protect and/or maximize local governments revenues, maximize the City’s access to funding, and/or increase local funding flexibility
• Support legislative and budget action that will provide robust funding for domestic infrastructure, public safety, community development and economic development programs which support City efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of life
• Oppose legislative or administrative actions that have negative fiscal impacts to the City
• Oppose legislative or administrative actions which would create unfunded mandates and/or preempt local decision-making authority • Encourage and seek legislation to facilitate orderly and sustainable economic expansion and growth, and increase the opportunity for discretionary revenues and programmatic and financial flexibility for the City • Seek opportunities to help our partners achieve success in order to further improve the community
• Support legislation that furthers the adopted City Council Goals
It is within this philosophy that the attached state legislative priorities and positions are adopted.
2025 State Legislative Priorities
Items receive designation as Legislative Priorities within the Legislative Program when it is anticipated that they will (1) have a significant impact on the City of Bakersfield; (2) require significant effort by City staff and/or the City’s state advocate ; and (3) have a strategic action identified to address a high -level priority for the City.
1. Advocate for our fair share of State Funding
2. Advocate for policy and funding that supports efforts in serving and reducing the City’s homeless population
3. Advocate for reasonable and measured relief from state regulations related to energy production, agriculture production, and goods movement.
4. Continue to support and pursue State programs or funding opportunities to diversify to economy, including the regional Economic Prosperity Initiative.
5. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of the City’s affordable housing and urban revitalization efforts
6. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of improved social determinates of health.
1. Advocate for our fair share of State Funding
Background: The City of Bakersfield has been successful in receiving state and federal funding through both project specific earmarks and competitive funding application processes. However, there are opportunities to develop more positive working relationships with state government agencies and explain our unique needs. In addition, the City has experienced reduction in funding from the state as a result of direct removal of revenues previously remitted to municipalities examples of which include Vehicle License Fee revenues and Redevelopment Agency revenues.
Position: The City of Bakersfield should more aggressively target earmark funding when available by establishing priority projects and advocating for available funding to our state delegation. Priority projects will be identified each year based on the strategic needs of the City while taking into consideration the eligibility of projects for the funding sources available and the likelihood of funding advocacy efforts being successful. The City of Bakersfield should also leverage the State and Federal presence of our advocate s to develop positive working relationships with key state agency executives. The City should also advocate for maintaining funding levels for priority state agency government programs. In addition, the City should target funding opportunities that will have the most beneficial impact to General Fund operations. Furthermore, the City should oppose any state actions that reduce funding to municipalities or create unfunded mandates.
Action: Advocate for the following priority project list for consideration in grant applications and for direct funding when available:
o Gang prevention, intervention, and suppression
o Youth services and programs
o Recovery of Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenues taken by the state and revenue loss due to SB 89.
o Projects or programs that would support implementation of the Bakersfield Economic Development Strategic Plan.
o Rehabilitation or development of new park or open spaces in underserved areas or in disadvantaged communities with limited options for active lifestyles. o Infrastructure improvement and the development of complete streets.
Action: Advocate for programs providing additional funding for public safety and violence prevention
o Pursue grant funding in support of violence reduction and gang intervention o Advocate for funding for early diversion and deflection programs o Advocate for funding programs designed to outreach to at -risk youth for education and training
Action: Advocate for equitable processes and equitable sharing of resources related to new State funding sources or State Bond issuances. Advocate for equity in allocating new funding for transportation, floodplain management, affordable housing, homelessness and public park infrastructure.
Action: Oppose legislation or executive action that reduces funding to the City or creates an unfunded mandate.
2. Advocate for policy and funding that supports efforts in serving and reducing the City’s homeless population
Background: In recent years, the State of California has experienced an increase in the number of homeless individuals throughout the State, including within the City of Bakersfield. The annual 2024 “Point in Time Count” showed 2669 homeless individuals in Kern County with 1202 located within the Metropolitan Bakersfield area. Based on data in both the Point in Time Count and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the City and State are experiencing an inflow of individuals into homelessness that is growing increasingly larger than the number of individuals the City and service providers are able to move into permanent housing. This point to a state-wide systemic problem that is creating a flow of individuals into homelessness.
To address this crisis, the City of Bakersfield has engaged in a number of initiatives to address homelessness, through implementation of federal HUD funds, local Public Safety & Vital Services (PSVS) Measure funds , and state Homeless, Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds for creative new programs.
As the City has addressed this crisis more proactively, it has become clear that there are service gaps that are beyond the policy purview and funding capacity of the City and our
local partners. The issue of homelessness requires State and Federal intervention and resources.
Position: The City of Bakersfield supports state programs that provide funding to local governments for addressing homelessness, permanent supportive housing and affordable housing. The City of Bakersfield supports legislation and State policy making that provides for flexibility in allocating state funding for local programs designed to assist individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Bakersfield supports legislation and policy making that allows service providers greater acces s to funding in support of individuals experiencing homelessness. The City also supports legislation and policy making that balances the needs of the homeless population with the quality of life impacts experienced by the community, providing the City wit h tools to care for our vulnerable populations and place them in service rich environments. Bakersfield has allocated significant local funding to this issue, is collaborating with the state and local partners and is well positioned to benefit from policy and funding that addresses the systemic issues around homelessness.
Action: Advocate for increased State oversight of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness; advocate for ongoing flexible State funding to cities for homeless services.
Support legislation or policy making that offers greater flexibility in allocating funding for locally designed programs that address the needs the of the homeless population and high-risk sub-populations.
Support legislation that reforms the state’s behavioral health and substance abuse policies and programs.
Support legislation or policy making that provides greater access to MediCal for providers serving the homeless population.
Oppose legislation and policy making that limits local control and the ability to design programs that help vulnerable populations access services and programs that address homelessness and the impacts of homelessness.
3. Advocate for reasonable and measured relief from state regulations related to energy production, agriculture
production, and goods movement.
Background: Historically, Bakersfield's major industries have been oil, agriculture, and goods movement. Kern County has the most oil production in the United States and is in the top five most productive agricultural counties in the nation. Kern County produces over 250 crops including cotton, potatoes, pistachios, grapes, pomegranates and roses.
The economic agricultural industry also includes dairies, poultry farms and cattle ranches.
The County also serves as a major hub of state and inter- state logistics and goods movement along Interstate 5 and California State Routes 99, 58 and 178.
Supporting the economic recovery of our businesses is a high priority for the City as well as diversifying the City’s economic foundation. On September 15, 2021 the Bakersfield City Council adopted a Five Year Economic Development Strategic Plan outlining several targets to achieve.
Position: The City of Bakersfield will continue to support and advocate for those policies that strengthen and support the region’s primary economic drivers.
Action: Support legislation that promotes retention, transition, and advancement of the region’s traditional mainstay industries of oil production, agriculture and goods movement.
Support legislation that provides a comprehensive workforce development system focused on full -spectrum career pathways to meaningful jobs and expanded interface between educational/training entities and private employers.
Support investments in infrastructure, education, and community amenities in support of the City’s economic development objectives.
4. Continue to support and pursue State programs or funding opportunities to diversify the economy, including the regional Economic Prosperity Initiative.
Background: In the midst of economic distress of COVID- 19 and continuing state regulations that continue to target the City of Bakersfield’s mainstay industries, diversification in the most effective way to increase long term economic resilience .
Economic diversification can bring a wide range of benefits at the community and regional levels. Being able to rely on a wide range of public revenue and employment sources improves cross -industry cooperation and mutual benefit, productivity rates, and the health of the local labor market.
Position: The City of Bakersfield should be proactive in engaging the Newsom Administration on the funding and resources necessary to transition employees to new industries with potential for growth and opportunities.
Action: Advocate for increased State funding opportunities and policies that position Bakersfield as a “destination for innovation” attractive to technology workers/talent, targeted technology industries, and technology-oriented business startups.
Support legislation that increases the region’s economic resiliency through industry diversification, a focus on inclusivity, and support for transition of traditional sectors.
Support diversified business growth with long-term sustainable jobs at a livable wage.
5. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of the City’s affordable housing and urban
revitalization efforts.
Background: The cost of housing in the City of Bakersfield continues to rise and since the elimination of redevelopment in 2011, development of affordable housing has diminished significantly. The City has been proactive on addressing affordable housing and urban revitalization through various efforts including:
o Transformative Climate Communities
o Implement the City’s affordable housing strategy
o Establishing an affordable housing trust fund
Position: The City of Bakersfield is poised to leverage State programs that facilitate downtown urban renewal, neighborhood transformation and development of affordable housing. State funding related to sustainable infrastructure and planning that has been allocated in recent years should remain a priority to allow for these programs to continue the revitalization of communities like Bakersfield. The City of Bakersfield is also well positioned to leverage investments through Opportunity Zones. The City of Bakersfield should receive an equitable share of funding supporting affordable housing. The City of Bakersfield should receive an equitable share of funding supporting sustainable infrastructure and development, if not a greater share as a disadvantaged community.
Action: Facilitate lasting revitalization of and reinvestment in key older neighborhoods.
Action: Support the redevelopment and clean-up efforts of the City’s target properties identified under the City’s Brownfields Site Reuse & Revitalization Program that spurs economic development and reduces risks to human health and the environment by redeveloping underutilized, blighted brownfield properties.
Action: Bring light to numerous barriers to housing production beyond the control of local governments and have significant impacts on what types of, and how many, housing units are built. Including:
• Construction costs
• New building codes
• CEQA costs and delays
• Financing
• State interjection into local housing ordinances, rules and regulations
6. Advocate for and pursue State programs or funding initiatives in support of improved social determinates of health.
Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality -of-life outcomes and risks according to the United States De partment of Health and Human Services. There are five major contributors to social determinants of health including economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The CalVIP program was initiated by the City to reduce gun violence was built on these same principles. The City of Bakersfield has been working with the Blue Zones Project, a community -wide, evidence-based approach to improving health and well -being that makes healthier choices easier for everyone living in in the City. According to the State’s CalEnviroScreen 4.0 indicator map, much of Bakersfield scores in the 90
th percentile of California census tracts for indicators such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, low educational attainment, and poverty. These indicators are particularly pronounced in low -income and high -minority areas. The City suffers from higher-than-average quality of life and violent crimes although the number of traffic fatalities did go down in 2024. Following the initial implementation of CalVIP in 2022, the City has seen a promising decline in violence however additional fund ing is needed to continue the program.
Position: Bakersfield is poised to leverage state programs and funding that facilitates equitable and improved indicators for residents.
Action: Facilitate investments to improve social determinates of health, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.
Action: Facilitate investments in the built environment that reduce traffic fatalities.
Action: Support legislation and funding for evidence -based gun violence reduction and crime prevention programs.
2025 State Legislative Positions
1. Protect Local Control
2. Protect local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services
3. Public Safety
4. Infrastructure Investment
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City
6. Employment and Labor Relations
7. Protection of the agriculture, energy production, and goods movement industries
8. Public Health Response and Recovery
1. Protect Local Control
• Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over local land use.
• Oppose legislation that negatively impacts the City Council's authority to manage and control the public right- of-way and for the City to receive compensation for its use.
2. Protect Local Revenues and Funding for Vital Community Services
• The City will oppose efforts that capture or divert local revenue or efforts which shift responsibility for State services or programs to local government without commensurate revenue.
• Support full reimbursement to cities for all State mandates.
• Oppose legislation that eliminates or restricts the taxing authority of cities; weakens existing Government Code section 66000 fee authority; or redefines any development tax, condition, or other monetary change as development fees.
• Support legislation that protects the ability of cities to recover the costs of mandated programs through fees that are exempt from Proposition 218 as well as potential exemptions for stormwater infrastructure projects.
• Support efforts to restore local authority and control over revenues, governance, and service delivery as well as protect local governments against unfunded mandates.
• Monitor and evaluate Proposition 13 and city and county tax apportionment proposals.
• Monitor and evaluate all proposals that include an unfunded mandate to local governments.
• Oppose any amendment to the redistribution of sales and use taxes which will affect the city and its ability to provide city services and thereby cause a negative fiscal impact.
• Oppose any legislation that attempts to allocate additional general liability exposure to cities or that seeks to prohibit the ability of cities to seek maximum indemnification from other parties in the contractual process.
• Support efforts to allocate State revenues to local government projects that fund affordable housing.
• Advocate for grants or loans to upgrade municipal irrigation systems and install smart controls. Advocate for further grants to upgrade and maintain the urban forest.
• Advocate for state taxation policies and procedures that ensure that taxing authorities and services provided by the City are fairly and adequately funded. • Support legislative efforts that maximize reimbursement to local governments for medical transport and fire responder paramedic services to individuals that are beneficiaries of state and federal medical coverage.
3. Public Safety
Police
• Support legislation that strengthens the ability of the City to create safe environments and well-being for all.
• Oppose legislation that erodes local control related to law enforcement. • Support legislation and funding for local law enforcement equipment, services, wellness or personnel.
• Support legislation that allows use of state public safety grants for intervention and prevention efforts to curb gang crime and youth violence. • Support legislation that would provide cities with a greater share of fines and forfeitures.
• Support legislation that allows law enforcement to better combat gun violence through investigation, interdiction, and prevention of firearm related crimes.
• Support legislation that allows use of state public safety grants for maintenance efforts in addition to service increases.
• Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the City’s interests related to the AB 109 public safety realignment initiative including but not limited to equitable distribution of funding and policies that do not unfairly impact Bakersfield and Kern County.
• Support legislation that strengthens penalties for chronic low level offens es including drug, property crime and violent offenders.
• Support legislation that increases penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl.
• Support legislation that addresses accountability and transparency among law enforcement agencies and personnel.
• Support legislation and budget proposals that expand behavioral health treatment.
• Inform and educate the legislature and Governor on the effective behavioral health responses and practices currently being used by law enforcement in partnership with local mental health clinicians.
• Support policies and funding to fully implement Proposition 36 (2024).
Fire Services
• Ensure local discretion in the adoption and implementation of health and safety standards contained in the building and fire codes.
• Oppose legislation that mandates local building and fire code standards that negatively impact the health and safety of the community and add undue burden and investment in the City.
• Support funding for local emergency operations including equipment, services, and personnel.
• Support legislation and funding for firefighter wellness programs and resources.
Emergency Medical Services
• Oppose legislation that would restrict a local government from revising the delivery of emergency medical service to its citizens and support measures that broaden these powers.
• Support legislation that would enhance cost recovery or provide funding for emergency medical services and pre-hospital care.
Disaster Preparedness
• Support legislation that would strengthen community and disaster preparedness, public health, safety, and resiliency.
• Support legislation that provides state and federal emergency funding and regulatory relief that allows cities to devote the necessary resources and meet the operational challenges of protecting the public health, safety and welfare in response to a declared State of Emergency.
4. Infrastructure Investment
General Principles
• Support equitable long-range, statewide infrastructure investment. • Advocate for fair implementation and distribution of state infrastructure bond funds to assure the City receives an adequate share for local improvements and programs.
• Support legislation that streamlines federal and state environmental review processes and limits court reviews of environmental documentation.
• Oppose legislation that limits local control for financing tools (e.g. impact fees) and revenue generation to provide essential infrastructure and services for new development and housing.
Public Works
• Advocate for state funding and transportation re-authorizations that support City infrastructure projects and City programs including projects adopted in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Support increased funding to enhance existing public transportation programs. • Advocate for state funding for street, road, and alleyway repair within the City of Bakersfield.
• Advocate that fundamental responsibility for transportation decision making should be at the local level.
• Oppose any state reductions to existing transportation grants and programs. • Advocate for ongoing funding to enhance and beautify state right of ways, including State Route 99, State Route 58 and State Route 178 corridors. • Oppose legislation that limits and/or decreases the existing amount of retention proceeds withheld from any payment by a public entity to a contractor on a public project.
• Oppose legislation to withhold funding dedicated to transportation purposes unless proposed housing and air quality goals are being met. • Support efforts a nd funding to Cal Recycle for education and implementation of SB 1383.
• Support legislation and budget actions that support local agencies that fund the implementation of Advance Clean Fleet Regulations.
Parks
• Advocate for t rails and landscape grants consistent with landscape, street scape and public access improvement plans of the City.
• Support legislation and regulations that provide addition funding for public parks, public spaces and indoor community space. Advocate that Bakersfield receive equitable funding from statewide revenues.
• Advocate for grants or loans to upgrade municipal irrigation systems and install smart controls.
• Advocate for further grants to upgrade and maintain the urban forest.
Technology Services
• Advocate for state funding opportunities that support energy efficient technology initiatives (i.e. green data center) or those that support digital City initiatives.
Water
• Support measures that provide for the equitable allotment and distribution of preferential water rights.
• Support legislation that protects and improves the reliability, affordability, self - sufficiency, quality and security of local and imported water supplies.
• Support legislation that supports regional projects through Integrated Regional Water Management Planning
• Support legislation that streamlines environmental review processes for water and wastewater infrastructure projects and provides exemptions for emergency activities when the continued delivery of safe and clean water is threatened.
• Support measures that increase water supply and storage facilities within the region and allow for economically feasible water transfers within the system.
• Support ongoing funding for water quality improvements.
Storm Water
• Oppose additional mandated storm water pollution prevention measures that are not accompanied by funding or a mechanism to provide for funding.
• Support legislation creating sustainable funding sources to assist local governments with obligations under federal storm water regulations.
• Support legislation that provides a mechanism to fund the construction, operations, maintenance, and administration of storm water programs and projects that improve quality, minimize runoff, maximize infiltration and beneficial uses, and maximize flooding protection.
• Oppose additional mandated storm water pollution prevention measures that are not accompanied by funding or a mechanism to provide for funding.
High Speed Rail
• Advocate for a world class multi-modal High-Speed Rail station.
• Advocate for dollars that mitigate the cost to the City in supporting the High Speed Rail viaduct and station.
• Advocate for economic and infrastructure investments in the downtown and station area.
5. Improve the Quality of Life and Sustainability of the City General Principles
• Support efforts that impact the City’s ability to enhance the well-being, quality of life, health, and safety of residents; and stabilize and enhance jobs and economic growth.
• Support legislation that provides economic development and redevelopment tools and programs for municipalities , particularly tools to assist urban revitalization.
• Support legislation and State funding that is consistent with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Education
• Support legislation and State funding that would support educational efforts in the City of Bakersfield and improve educational outcomes. • Support legislation and State funding that would increase access to higher education for Bakersfield residents.
Housing (Planning, Zoning, Homelessness)
• Support legislation that provides financial support and incentives for programs that provide affordable housing for disabled and low- income residents, families, and senior adults.
• Support legislation that provides incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans, credits for affordable units) to local agencies, private developers and non -profit groups in order to rehabilitate residential units and commercial properties. • Support legislation that would provide additional funding for rental subsidy assistance programs (such as Section 8) via more vouchers or certificates. • Oppose legislation that would diminish local control to set and assess development review and building inspection fees.
• Oppose legislation or governance that attempts to supersede adopted planning documents or projects that have already been approved through appropriate processes.
• Support state legislation that strengthens local inclusionary housing programs. • Support measures that would establish a formula -based Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation methodology that reflects the unique needs and practical capacity of local communities.
• Support funding and legislation that provides resources for local agencies to provide referral services for persons experiencing homelessness.
• Support measures that provide resources to address the mental health needs of persons experiencing homelessness.
• Support legislation that seeks to streamline the annexation process for urbanized unincorporated county islands in an effort to streamline local government services and reduce costs to taxpayers.
• Support legislation t hat promotes housing measures to preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing.
• Support legislation that meet the State’s planning goals while maintaining local control, ensuring communities evolve in a manner that reflects the resident’s will and protects public health, safety and welfare.
• Support legislation to increase affordable housing investment.
• In lieu of the loss of revenues generated by redevelopment agencies, support legislation and State funding that would enable the City to enter or extend local - affordability covenants.
• Support housing measures that promote the preservation of existing affordable housing, including programs that facilitate qualified developers and tenant-/community-based groups to acquire existing housing units.
• Support legislation that would provide additional time and resources to improve Housing Element processes.
Sustainability
• Support legislation and funding for energy-efficiency projects and programs for public buildings and facilities.
Parks and Recreation
• Support legislation providing funding for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitat.
• Support statewide funding for rehabilitation, development and capital improvements for local and state park and recreation agencies.
• Oppose legislation that has a negative impact on park and recreation agencies including the sale of parks and open space.
• Support access for all Californians to physical activity and nutrition through parks and open space, active transportation (bicycles and pedestrians, trails, complete streets, use of easements), healthy foods, youth programs, and joint use of schools.
Economic Development
• Ensuring that funding and support for technology are present for workforce development efforts, individual learning, entrepreneurial/business centers, and lifelong learning.
• Support legislation that facilitates economic development efforts and encourages businesses to locate or remain in California particularly in areas with transitional economies and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Support investments in the revitalization of urban areas and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Oppose legislation or constitutional amendments that would restrict the power of California cities to use eminent domain for redevelopment projects, including economic redevelopment, where a prior finding of blight has been determined.
• Support legislation that would establish new tax increment financing tools.
• Support legislation that provides a reasonable threshold such as $100,000 or less for project assistance (like façade improvements, replace older equipment, etc .) where prevailing wage would not be required.
• Support legislation to provide exemptions to the Surplus Lands Act to benefit economic development.
7. Employment and Labor Relations
Administration and Human Resources
• Support maximum flexibility for local government in contracting and contract negotiations.
• Support legislation that would increase civic participation and engagement including the continued allowance of non-decision-making subcommittees, advisory committees, and commissions to participate virtually (post COVID -19 state of emergency) without physical location posting requirements under the
Ralph M. Brown Act.
• Support legislation that promotes efforts to advance workplace diversity, equity and inclusion without hindering the City’s ability to hire qualified employees. • Support legislation that facilitates the ability of local government to share resources to increase efficiencies and decrease costs, including local efforts to address regional management of fire services.
• Oppose measures that reduce local control over employee relations issues or mandate new or enhanced local government employee benefits. • Oppose measures that impose compulsory and binding arbitration with respect to employees.
• Support efforts to maintain fiscal solvency with respect to unfunded pension and retiree healthcare liability. Support efforts that decrease local costs.
• Support legislation that provides flexibility to cities to determine retirement benefits for employees into the future.
• Oppose legislation that limits local control of hiring practices or the ability to determine the terms and conditions of employment.
• Support legislation that creates a fair and balanced workers compensation system for both employers and employees with an emphasis on cost containment and returning employees to work as soon as possible
• Oppose legislation that puts either the employer or employee at a disadvantage or increases the cost of workers compensation insurance in the State.
• Support legislation that allows for the continued use of retired annuitants , specifically those with specialized certifications.
Risk Management
• Support legislation to establish maximum limitations on general damages.
• Enhance the ability of public agencies to use periodic payments as satisfaction of judgement.
• Support legislation to eliminate the application of the rule against collateral sources as a means of reducing damages .
• Oppose legislation that would result in increased litigation; excessive costs; expansion of injury “presumptions” for special classes of employees; or erosion of workers’ compensation as the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries.
7. Protection of the agriculture and energy production industries
• Oppose legislation or governance that has undue negative impacts to the agriculture and energy production industries.
• Support legislation and governance that provides for protections and reasonable accommodations for the agriculture and energy production industries.
• Support legislation providing funding and other means development of water and energy related technologies that support the agriculture and energy production industries.
8. Public Health, Economic Relief and Employee Health
• Support legislation and funding efforts that aim to reduce the City’s public health disparities.
• Support legislation that provides direct and flexible funding to local governments for the costs incurred as a result of responding to a public health emergency.
• Support legislative and/or funding efforts to assist the City with employee support programs, increased PPE and other programs that promote employee wellness—particularly for the City’s frontline essential workers.
• Support legislation that promotes regional collaboration on public health response including funding opportunities to support local businesses.
• Support legislation and/or funding efforts to provides financial relief to residential and commercial landlords and tenants who have lost income because of pandemic-related public health orders.