Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies SOI Expansion and
Modification Constraints
The City of Bakersfield is contending with
several boundary and service provision
issues. There are boundary restrictions to
the North due to the City of Shafter limits,
and Kern County has adopted the Oildale
Community Vision Report for the
North/Central SOI area and the East
Bakersfield Community Vision Plan for the
East SOI area. The City’s 2023 Municipal
Service Review (MSR) identified over 40
County Service Areas (CSAs) and Special
Districts that provide public services in
unincorporated areas within the SOI.
Bakersfield’s continued growth is
constrained by the current SOI, and
efforts to expand or modify it face
regulatory and coordination challenges
with neighboring jurisdictions. These
constraints limit the City’s capacity to
manage land use, infrastructure, and
public services within the SOI, creating
obstacles for strategic growth and
development planning.
Successfully expand the SOI to include
strategic areas for incorporation, ensuring
equitable access to services and infrastructure
within these boundaries. This expansion will
support coordinated and sustainable urban
development, aligning with consistent
standards across the region.
1. Expand the City’s SOI to Enhance Service
Provisions: Identify key areas for SOI
expansion, focusing on where the City
can extend utilities to improve service
delivery (e.g. trash/recycling,
curb/gutter/sidewalk). Conduct a
thorough analysis to pinpoint zones for
effective utility expansion, supporting
overall service enhancement.
1.A Identify priority areas for SOI expansion where the City can extend essential services like trash/recycling, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure. Use GIS
mapping to pinpoint zones with high service needs and
economic growth potential.
1.B Partner with utility and service providers to
coordinate phased service extensions to newly
annexed areas, with a focus on prioritizing services
that demonstrate significant community benefit.
1.C Implement infrastructure improvements in newly
annexed areas to meet City standards for services such
as sidewalks, stormwater management, and waste
collection. Prioritize these improvements through a
phased approach funded by a mix of state and federal
grants, impact fees, and public-private partnerships.
Establish special assessment districts or bonds as
needed to distribute costs broadly, ensuring that
individual property owners are not financially
burdened by these necessary upgrades.
2. Develop Incentives to Facilitate SOI
Expansion Negotiations with Kern
County: Create an incentives package to
strengthen the City’s negotiating position
with Kern County on SOI expansion,
establishing clear benefits before formal
discussions begin.
2.A Develop a comprehensive incentive package to
facilitate SOI expansion, including infrastructure
investment credits, shared revenue agreements, and
tax incentives. Use these incentives to reduce financial barriers and encourage voluntary annexation in
targeted areas, creating mutually beneficial
arrangements with Kern County and supporting
efficient service expansion.
2.B Seek grants to support infrastructure
improvements in new annexation areas, increasing
appeal for County support and financial stability.
Annexation and Sphere of Influence
Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies
3. Engage with Kern LAFCo to Address SOI
Constraints and Policy Alignment:
Collaborate proactively with Kern LAFCO
to navigate existing SOI limitations and
align City policies with the objectives of
the next MSR/SOI cycle.
3.A Proactively collaborate with Kern LAFCo to address
regulatory constraints impacting SOI expansion. Work
jointly to align City policies with the upcoming
MSR/SOI update, streamline annexation processes,
and establish efficient, consistent standards for SOI
modifications that support the City’s growth and
service objectives. Regularly review and adapt policies to address emerging issues and ensure alignment with
state and regional goals.
4. Pursue SOI Expansion in Strategic Areas
of the Northeast and South: Work with
Kern County and Kern LAFCO to support
SOI boundary expansion in targeted
Northeast and South areas, ensuring
these regions benefit from improved City
control and service provision.
4.A Conduct feasibility assessments in the Northeast
and South SOI areas to identify infrastructure needs,
community impacts, and financial viability.
4.B Partner with Kern County to create service
agreements and infrastructure plans for phased
annexation in these priority areas.
4.C Engage with local interested parties to build
community support for annexation and address
specific service improvement needs in expansion areas.
County Island Annexation
Constraints
Several County Islands within Bakersfield
city limits resist annexation due to
concerns over loss of autonomy and
potential increases in taxes and other
costs, creating challenges for cohesive
urban management and consistent service
delivery. Kern LAFCo strongly supports the
annexation of these County Islands and
advocates for compliance with the
Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act (CKHA).
Engaging with LAFCo early in the process
can help align annexation strategies and
Annex all County Islands within the city limits
to reduce inefficiencies and provide public
services
5. Prioritize County Island Annexations:
Identify high-priority County Islands for
annexation, starting with those eligible
for protest waiver proceedings to
expedite the process. Research recent
annexation examples in other regions to
learn best practices for handling local
opposition and political challenges.
5.A Prioritize the annexation of County Islands within
City limits, focusing on those eligible for protest
waivers to streamline and expedite the annexation
process.
5.B Establish a criteria-based ranking system to
objectively assess and prioritize County islands for
annexation based on factors such as service gaps,
infrastructure needs, and population density.
5.C Develop a timeline for annexing prioritized County
Islands, setting clear benchmarks to track progress and Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies support streamlined approvals, as
required by Government Code Sections
56375 and 56375.3, which mandate
LAFCo's annexation approval and allow
for waiver of protest proceedings.
maintain transparency with residents and interested
parties.
5.D Coordinate with City departments to assess
resource needs for each annexation, ensuring that
service expansion aligns with the City’s capacity and
budget.
6. Develop Engagement and Outreach
Campaigns: Implement a comprehensive
outreach strategy to address resident
concerns, correct misconceptions, and
showcase the benefits of annexation.
Through town halls, multimedia
campaigns, and open forums, provide
residents with clear, accessible
information and opportunities to express
their views.
6.A Implement a comprehensive and inclusive
community engagement strategy for County Island
residents that communicates the benefits and impacts
of annexation. Use a range of methods—including
town halls, multimedia outreach, translated materials,
and culturally relevant workshops—to reach a diverse
audience. Ensure all residents have access to clear,
transparent information on financial implications,
service improvements, and City resources, while
providing multiple opportunities for community input
and feedback.
6.B Tailor outreach efforts to the unique demographics
of each County Island, using culturally relevant
messaging and language translation as needed to reach
diverse populations effectively.
6.C Establish a feedback loop with County Island
residents to continuously gather input during the
annexation process, adjusting engagement strategies
based on resident responses and concerns.
6.D Partner with local community organizations,
schools, and businesses to co-host engagement events
and help build trust within the County Islands,
enhancing outreach impact.
Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies
7. Offer Incentives to Encourage
Annexation: Make annexation more
appealing by offering residents tangible
benefits like improved services, access to
grants and funding, and temporary
waivers on certain fees. These incentives
aim to offset potential concerns and
highlight the advantages of joining the
City.
7.A Enhance the appeal of annexation by offering
incentives, including improved access to City services, support programs, and funding opportunities that
benefit residents and businesses within annexed areas.
7.B Provide temporary fee waivers or other financial
incentives, where feasible, for residents and businesses in County Islands agreeing to annexation, making the
transition more attractive and manageable.
7.C Design a phased benefits program that introduces
service improvements in stages, showcasing the
tangible benefits of annexation as each phase is
completed.
7.D Create a special annexation grant program to help
residents or small businesses offset initial costs
associated with joining the City, further incentivizing annexation.
7.E Offer limited-duration rebates or discounts on
property taxes for newly annexed areas as an incentive
for residents to alleviate financial concerns related to the transition.
8. Collaborate with Kern LAFCo to
Streamline Approval Processes: Work in
partnership with Kern LAFCo to align
annexation efforts with regulatory
requirements, ensuring smooth approval.
Coordinate with LAFCo on a phased
annexation approach to efficiently
address high-priority areas while
8.A Work with Kern LAFCo to obtain preliminary
feedback on annexation proposals for high-priority
County Islands, ensuring they align with LAFCo’s
requirements and address any potential issues early,
streamlining the formal approval process.
8.B Develop a joint annexation task force with Kern
LAFCO to proactively identify and resolve potential
issues before formal annexation proceedings begin.
Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies managing community and logistical
impacts.
8.C Establish regular check-ins with Kern LAFCo and
Kern County to maintain alignment on annexation
goals, share updates, and refine the annexation
process as needed.
Infrastructure
Development Planning
Strategies
Infrastructure development and
management in newly annexed areas and
within the SOI face funding and
coordination challenges impacting timely
service delivery and integration.
Develop comprehensive infrastructure
systems that effectively consolidate services,
ensuring that annexed areas are seamlessly
integrated into the city’s overall operational
structure. This integration aims to enhance
efficiency and improve service delivery across
the newly incorporated areas.
9. Promote Shared Facilities and Services
for Cost Efficiency: Enhance efficiency
and reduce operational costs by
promoting shared use of facilities and
services between the City and county
islands. Identify existing city and county
facilities that can be consolidated or
shared with newly annexed areas and
develop agreements for sharing critical
services such as emergency services,
water management, and waste disposal
to eliminate redundancies.
9.A Encourage shared facility opportunities to
eliminate unnecessary costs and enhance public
service delivery. Develop a comprehensive plan that
outlines potential shared facilities and services,
with a focus on cost-efficiency and improved service
delivery.
9.B Establish agreements for shared services with
Kern County and relevant special districts to reduce
operational redundancies in areas such as
emergency services, water management, and waste
disposal.
9.C Promote regional collaboration to identify
further opportunities for consolidating services
between the City and County islands, supporting
streamlined service delivery in annexed and SOI
areas.
10. Align Planning Efforts with CSAs and
Special Districts for Cohesive Growth:
Facilitate smoother annexation and
service consolidation by aligning city
planning with CSAs and other special
districts within the SOI by establishing
regular coordination meetings between
CSA/Special district reps to discuss
annexation plans and potential for
service integration and creating joint
10.A Coordinate with CSA and Special District MSR
studies to encourage the potential for annexation and
to facilitate service consolidation, reducing costs and avoiding duplication of services.
10.B Establish regular coordination meetings with CSA
and special district representatives to discuss
annexation plans, service integration, and shared
infrastructure projects.
Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies planning teams to align the city's long-
term plans with those of nearby CSAs
and special districts ensuring cohesive
growth and resource sharing.
10.C Create joint planning teams to align the City’s long term planning goals with those of nearby CSAs and
special districts, fostering cohesive growth and
efficient resource-sharing.
11. Develop a Capital Improvement Plan
Aligned with Long-Term City Goals:
Update the Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) to prioritize infrastructure funding
and improvements in annexation-
targeted areas. Incorporate
infrastructure needs into regular CIP
reviews, focusing on projects that
enhance infrastructure quality in both
existing and newly annexed areas.
11.A Continue to update the City’s CIP to ensure
adequate public services and facilities in City limits and SOI areas targeted for annexation.
11.B Incorporate infrastructure needs for annexed
areas into the regular CIP review process, prioritizing projects that improve infrastructure quality in both
new and existing areas.
Equitable Service
Distribution and Access to
Support Annexation
Disadvantaged communities in
unincorporated areas adjacent to the City
often experience limited or interrupted
access to essential services, contributing
to inequities in quality of life. These
service gaps discourage annexation and
complicate the City’s efforts to ensure
equitable development and service
standards across its SOI.
Promote equitable access to City services by
encouraging the annexation of
disadvantaged unincorporated areas.
Improve infrastructure and service delivery in
these areas post-annexation, supporting
consistent service standards across the City.
12. Identify Disadvantaged Areas for
Targeted Annexation Efforts: Use data to
identify unincorporated areas with
significant service gaps and prioritize
these areas for annexation to improve
access to City services and infrastructure.
12.A Develop and maintain an Annexation Priority Map
to guide the City’s annexation efforts, identifying
disadvantaged unincorporated areas adjacent to the
City with significant service gaps. This map will inform future annexation discussions and coordination efforts
with Kern LAFCo and the community.
12.B Conduct annual assessments of disadvantaged
unincorporated areas within the City’s SOI to keep
annexation priorities aligned with current needs, using indicators such as service gaps, infrastructure
condition, and community demographics.
12.C Engage Kern LAFCo early in the planning process
for annexation proposals in prioritized disadvantaged
areas, ensuring aligning with LAFCo’s guidelines and
Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies leveraging opportunities for streamlined review where
feasible.
13. Develop an annexation Incentive
Program for Disadvantaged Areas:
Provide financial and service-based
incentives to make annexation more
attractive for disadvantaged
communities, such as fee waivers,
improved infrastructure, and access to
City-funded programs.
13.A Establish an Annexation Incentive Program to
offset some of the costs of annexation for
disadvantaged unincorporated communities, providing
options such as reduced fees or temporary service rate
adjustments to make annexation more accessible.
13.B Prioritize initial infrastructure and service
upgrades in newly annexed disadvantaged
unincorporated communities, such as basic road and
utility improvements, to demonstrate immediate
benefits of annexation and foster community trust in
City services.
13.C Expand access to City-funded programs to some
disadvantaged unincorporated community residents,
such as housing assistance or small business support,
to help improve community resilience and encourage
integration into City systems.
14. Align CIP with Equity Goals: Integrate
newly annexed disadvantaged areas into
the City’s CIP to prioritize infrastructure
upgrades and service expansion, ensuring
equitable service distribution.
14.A Develop an Infrastructure Integration Plan
specifically for newly annexed disadvantaged areas,
outlining a phased approach for upgrading
infrastructure to meet City standards. This plan will
identify priority projects, estimated timelines, and
potential funding sources, ensuring these areas receive systematic and timely improvements post-annexation.
14.B Adopt equity-based criteria in CIP prioritization to ensure infrastructure projects in newly annexed
disadvantaged areas are given appropriate attention
and funding, particularly in areas with significant
service gaps.
14.C Establish a Post-Annexation Infrastructure Review
Program to monitor and assess the infrastructure and
service needs of newly annexed areas over a defined
period (e.g., 5 years). Conduct regular assessments and Issue Issue Summary Desired Outcome Strategy Options Recommendations/Policies community check-ins to identify emerging needs,
adjust priorities, and allocate resources accordingly,
ensuring sustained infrastructure improvements that
align with City standards and community expectations.