AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
August 27, 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
REPORTS
Item 3.a. Update on City Council Priority Initiatives and Council Referrals (All Wards) REGULAR MEETING – 5:15 PM
RESOLUTIONS
Item 7.d.5 Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant (All Wards) The City of Bakersfield has received a $75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the Alcohol Policing Partnership Grant Program to establish an Alcohol Enforcement Team. This team will focus on reducing alcohol -related offenses through enforcement efforts, educational initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, utilizing strategies such as ABC’s Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap Programs, along with Informed Me rchants Preventing Alcohol -Related Crime Tendencies ( IMPACT) inspections. The program aims to enhance community quality of life by promoting compliance among alcohol licensees and residents. A City Council resolution is required to formally accept the grant and execute the award contract, enabling the City to receive the funds and support these essential programs.
AGREEMENTS
Item 7. e.1 Valley Strong Financial Wellness Center at MLK Park (Ward 2) The City of Bakersfield is partnering with Valley Strong Credit Union through a proposed naming rights agreement in support of the ongoing renovation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, a 16.55-acre site at 1000 S Owens St. The revitalized park will feature a range of recreational amenities, including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, meeting spaces, and wellness resources. As part of the agreement, Valley Strong will contribute a one -time payment of $1,000,000 to the City in exchange for a 20 -year naming rights term for a designated room in the new Health and Wellness Resource Center, to be known as the “Valley Strong Financial Wellness Center.” The agreement also permits Valley Strong to install an ATM at a mutually agreed location within the center. This collaboration aligns with Valley Strong’s mission to promote financial literacy and community development.
Item 7.e.4 HHAP-3 Funds Allocation for Permanent Supportive Housing (Ward 3) The City of Bakersfield received $3,990,136.37 through the State of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program Round 3 (HHAP-3). As part of its efforts, the City issued a Notice of Funding Availability on April 18, 2025, through its Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing development. The Housing Authority of the County of Kern submitted a proposal to assist with completing 48 permanent housing units at CityServe Elevate Apartments, located at 3201 F Street, which will serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The project aligns with both City and HHAP program goals, and the City plans to allocate a portion of HHAP-3 funds to support permanent housing and services at this site.
There is no fiscal impact as a portion of the HHAP-3 funds were initially budgeted for permanent housing and supportive services.
MISCELLANEOUS
Items 7.g.1 Response to Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations Regarding Bicycle Lanes (All Wards) The 2024–2025 Kern County Grand Jury issued a report titled “The Proliferation of Bike Lanes,” evaluating the City of Bakersfield’s practices regarding the placement of bicycle lanes. As an independent body of 19 citizens, the Grand Jury’s role includes examining the performance of public agencies and officials, making recommendations to promote accountability and fiscal responsibility. The report outlin es both
the benefits and drawbacks of bike lanes and provides recommendations to ensure the City conducts proper due diligence before implementing such infrastructure. The City’s formal response is included in the report. There is no fiscal impact associated with responding to the Grand Jury’s findings.
Prepared by: Jaritza Nunez, Management Fellow CC: Department Heads City Manager’s File
City Clerk’s File
News Media File