ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 28, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic & Community Development Director DATE: April 17, 2025
SUBJECT: Economic Opportunity Area Grant Agreement ($60,000) with Foxtail Lounge for business enhancements including the purchase of equipment, materials and furnishings (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the grant agreement.
BACKGROUND:
Adopted in 2016, the City of Bakersfield’s Economic Opportunity Area Plan is a locally initiated program that uses public tax dollars to promote economic growth within specific geographic areas of Bakersfield.
Implementation of the Plan is anticipated to facilitate increased private sector investment that will in turn create more tax revenue, promote businesses growth, and generate new jobs.
On October 3, 2024, the City released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Downtown EOA Business Improvement Grant Program. The Foxtail Lounge submitted a request for their business at 2030 Chester Avenue Suite B to cover the costs associated with the purchase of equipment, materials and furnishings for a business space that is open to the public. Materials and furnishings such as flooring, wallpaper, furniture/tables, and lighting contribute to the customer experience and promote increased foot traffic and thus economic activity. The addition of security cameras improves safety for both staff and patrons of the establishment.
On January 27, 2025, staff presented to the Finance, Economic Development and Jobs the applications submitted in response to the NOFA and were directed to proceed with working with the applicants submitting the most impactful projects. Foxtail Lounge’s application received high scores for their proposed site and property enhancements.
Therefore, staff recommend approval of the grant agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Economic Opportunity Area projects were budgeted in the fiscal year 24-25 PSVS operating budget.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Economic Opportunity for All
Improving Community Character and Quality of Life
WARD: 2
ATTACHMENT:
Agreement