ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 12, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Housing and Community Development Committee
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: June 3, 2025
SUBJECT: Presentation by the Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance on the Eviction Protection Program.
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Committee receive and file the presentation
BACKGROUND:
On June 26, 2024, the City Council approved Agreement No. 2024-170 with Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) to implement a pilot program for Eviction Protection to include legal services and educational workshops. As part of the ongoing homelessness crisis and emergency shelter needs, staff assessed system gaps and determined that an emerging priority was to address the new cases of homelessness resulting from tenant evictions.
The goal of the Eviction Protection Program was to offer mutually beneficial mediation services between tenants and landlords when necessary and provide legal aid for low-income tenants encountering housing issues. GBLA has extensive exp erience in both federal and state housing law, and currently operates several specialized housing projects to help meet specific housing and homelessness prevention needs in Bakersfield.
As the one-year pilot program is coming to term, GBLA will provide a presentation regarding the Eviction Protection Program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The action to approve the update from GBLA has n o fiscal impact to the General Fund, however the services rendered by GBLA encumbered funds from ARPA and other sources.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
None