ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 10, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Resolution establishing the Community Land Trust Fund to support the implementation, administration, and long -term maintenance of the Bakersfield Community Land Trust
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
BACKGROUND:
On March 11, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law, which provided substantial fiscal relief to local governments through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The City of Bakersfield received $94 million in SLFRF funds to address the economic and public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the City’s strategic investment of SLFRF funds, $6.5 million was allocated to expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families within city limits. In October 2023, the City Council formally created the Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT) to serve as a long-term, community-based, and ultimately self-sustaining entity focused on facilitating the development and preservation of affordable housing.
On November 20, 2024, the City entered into Agreement No. 2024-305 with Self-Help Enterprises to oversee the implementation and administration of the BCLT.
In order to ensure transparent fiscal management and proper allocation of the SLFRF funds dedicated to this initiative, staff recommends the establishment of a dedicated Community Land Trust Fund (CLTF).
The CLTF will serve as a restricted-use fund for the exclusive support of BCLT-related activities in accordance with federal guidelines and the long-term housing objectives of the BCLT.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The transfer of these funds is entirely made up of ARPA Fu nds, thus no impact to the City General Fund with the approval of this action to transfer funds.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
Economic Opportunity for All
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution