ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREA
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Application Guidelines for Downtown, Old Town Kern and
Southeast areas
The City of Bakersfield's Economic Opportunity Area Plan is a locally initiated program that uses tax increment and other local funds to promote economic growth within specific geographic areas.
Economic & Community Development Department
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA93301
Phone: (661) 326-3765 | [email protected]
www.bakersfieldcity.us
EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 2
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3 EOA Grant Program ........................................................................................................... 3 Section 1: Application Information ................................................................................... 3 Section 2: Grant Request ................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Site Improvement/Rehabilitation Grants ................................ ................................ .................. 3
2.2 Eligible Types of Improvements/Costs ................................ ................................ .................... 4
2.2.1 Exterior Façade Improvements ................................ ................................ ......................... 4
2.2.2 Site/Property Enhancements ................................ ................................ ............................ 4
2.2.3 Publicly Visible Rehabilitation/Tenant Improvements ................................ ........................ 5
2.3 Business Attraction or Expansion Grants ................................ ................................ ................ 5
2.4 Development Assistance ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 6
2.5 Upfront Loan Program (In development) ................................ ................................ ................. 6
2.6 Ineligible Projects and Costs ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6
2.7 Ineligible Businesses................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 6 Section 3: Project Information ........................................................................................... 7
3.1 Evaluation Criteria ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 7 Section 4: Application Process ......................................................................................... 7
4.1 Program Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 8
4.3 Grant Application Timeline ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 9
4.4 Disbursement of Funds ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 9
4.5 Reporting Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 10
4.5.1 Job Creation or Increase in Tax Revenue (For Business Attraction /Expansion Grants Only) ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 10
4.5.2 Progress Report ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 10
4.5.3 Final Report ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 10 Section 5: EOA Program FAQs ....................................................................................... 10 Attachment - Map of EOAs .............................................................................................. 11
EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 3
THESE GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME AND MAY IMPACT ALL APPLICATIONS IN PROCESS.
Introduction
City of Bakersfield’s Economic Opportunity Area (EOA) Plan supports business growth, development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The EOA Plan is a locally initiated program that uses tax increment financing, local sales tax and other public funds to promote economic growth and development investment within specific geographic areas of Bakersfield.
The City of Bakersfield Economic Opportunity Area Incentive Program offers financial assistance to property and business owners in specific geographic regions of the City. The business property must be within the borders of an EOA area to be eligible for funding assistance (see attached Map).
The EOA areas include the following:
• Downtown
• Old Town Kern
• Southeast
EOA Grant Program
The initial program for EOA Plan implementation is a grant program that is awarded on a reimbursement basis. For a grant ask over $40,000, the applicant must contribute 20% of funding towards the project (for example: $ 9,000 for a $ 45,000 grant, $10,000 for a $50,000 grant, etc.) .
The following are application guidelines for the grant:
Section 1: Application Information
In Step 1 of the application, you fill in basic information about your business. Key information items include business license, ID numbers, business size, etc.
Check the appropriate boxes on the type of business and if you own or are a tenant in the building or property where the business is located. If you are a tenant, a copy of the lease with the application is required. The names and contact information of the property owner is also required. Property owner(s) must sign off on all improvements to the property.
Section 2: Grant Request
In Step 2 of the application please fill in the activities that will be funded by this grant. All grants will be awarded through an annual competitive process.
To ensure efficient use of program funds, when the proposed activity is construction related, applications must be submitted with at least three construction bids for each type of construction activity. Below is a description of the types of activities that can be funded with this program.
2.1 Site Improvement/Rehabilitation Grants
The site improvement and rehabilitation grants are an endeavor to leverage public funds to enhance the physical appearance and economic vitality of businesses in the EOA areas. The grants provide financial assistance for Facade Improvements (exterior build ing improvements); Site Enhancements (non-structural improvements); and Tenant Improvements ( publicly visible interior improvements). Priority is given to existing vacant or underutilized structures to create new uses or to revitalize previous uses. All contractors used must have a valid California Contractor’s license and City Business License.
Activities under this grant may be subject to California prevailing wages. Generally, any public works project involving construction, alteration, demolition, installation maintenance, or repair work EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 4
done under contract and paid for in whole or in part with public funds (i.e. local tax revenue), is subject to prevailing wage. However, public works projects for new construction, alteration, installation, demolition or repair projects, prevailing wages are not required to be paid for projects of $25,000 or less, or $15,000 or less when the project is for maintenance work. See EOA Program FAQs for more information.
2.2 Eligible Types of Improvements/Costs
Grant proceeds are to be used for the eligible activities described below. All improvements shall conform to all City Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines.
All exterior improvements, made possible by the receipt of grant funds, shall remain with the property on which the improvements were originally constructed. The grantee may request permission from the ECD Director to remove or relocate the exterior improvements.
2.2.1 Exterior Façade Improvements
The grant is geared to making building improvements to the exterior façade visible to the public .
The Director, at their discretion, whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, may, in writing, accept or reject the request. Eligible façade improvements include:
• Exterior Painting:
only as part of
greater
rehabilitation
project
• Windows: new
windows, repair of
frames, sills, glazing,
and replacement of
glass
• Walls: Repair and
rebuilding of exterior
walls
• Doors: Installation of
new entry doors that
meet ADA
accessibility
requirements
installation, repair and
replacement of exit
doors and hardware
• Re-roofing and repair
(not to exceed 50% of
total project cost)
• Repair, replacement
or addition of exterior
shutters and awnings
• New exterior stairs,
porches, railings and
exit facilities
• Lighting: installation,
repair and
replacement of
lighting mounted on
a building that
illuminates the
façade or signage
• Mandatory Title 24
upgrades.
• Design/engineering
(only 10% of grant
ask)
• Project related
development fees:
building, impact fees,
encroachment, etc.
• Signs: repair and
replacement of
signs attached to
buildings
• Siding: Repair or
replacement of
exterior siding,
including new
façade elements,
restoration of
original architectural
features, and other
improvements
2.2.2 Site/Property Enhancements
The grant is for making property site enhancements to improve aspects of a property not related to the structure that adds curb appeal and value to the property. All site improvements made possible by the receipt of grant funds shall remain with the property in which the improvements were originally constructed. The grantee may request permission from the Economic Development Director to remove or relocate the site improvements. The Director, at the ir discretion, whose approval shall not be unreasonably wit hheld, conditioned, or delayed, may, in writing, accept or reject the request. Eligible site improvements include:
EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 5
• Construction of outdoor
dining or gathering
spaces
• Installation of new signs
not attached to a
structure.
• Walkways: sidewalks,
pavers, plazas, or other
improvements for
pedestrian use
• Painting on installed site
improvements
• Security enhancements:
cameras, alarms and
more secure windows
and doors (not to
exceed 50% of total
project cost)
• Lighting not attached
to a structure.
• Fencing as allowed
by the City Code (not
to exceed 50% of
total project cost)
• Development fees
(transportation,
building permit, water
and sewer
connection, and
planning)
• Demolition of
blighted or chronic
nuisance property
• Parking lot
reconstruction
• Permanent
landscaping
• Shade structures
• Outdoor furniture
• Public infrastructure
improvements
(sidewalks,
landscaping, lighting,
etc.)
• Design/engineering
(only 10% of grant
ask)
• Project-related
development fees:
building permits,
encroachment
permits, etc.
2.2.3 Publicly Visible Rehabilitation/Tenant Improvements The grant is for “high-visibility interior improvements” defined as improvements that are associated with areas visible from the exterior of the building and/or are areas normally occupied by customers (i.e. dining room, lobbies, sales floors, etc.). Tenant improvements are not required to remain with the property. Existing Businesses, unless under new ownership, (either a tenant or property owner) in operation for over a year are not eligible for this grant. Building owners with vacant lease space must have a signed lease before grant reimbursement. Eligible tenant improvements include:
• Remodeling to bring an existing
building/business into code
compliance for:
• electrical systems
• plumbing systems
• accessibility/ADA
improvements
• fire and other life safety issues
• Painting associated with interior
remodeling.
• Purchase and install equipment,
furniture, and fixtures in a publicly
accessible space
• Elevators: repair or installation
• Interior remodeling of walls and
other physical interior structures
• Project related development fees:
building, impact fees,
encroachment, etc.
2.3 Business Attraction or Expansion Grants
The city offers new businesses or expansion grants to locate into an EOA. The applicant must either take ownership of the new location or enter at least a two-year lease. The total costs must be more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). Note: this is an incentive that is separate from the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Acquisition Policies Act or the California Relocation Act.
The grant helps with the initial costs associated with locating, opening new or expanding business operations in an EOA area. Eligible activities include:
• Property acquisition costs and associated real estate fees EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 6
• Rent/lease reimbursement (1st year only)
• New business permit fee
• Moving costs (no labor)
• New furniture/business operation equipment (no installation costs) • New hire payroll (1st year only)
The grant amount depends on the job creation, tax increases or housing units as shown below:
Grant Amount New Full-
time Jobs
Annual
Sales Tax
Increase
Annual TOT
Increase
Additional
Housing
Units
Up to $35,000 1 10% 10% 1
$35,000 to $70,000 2 15% 15% 2
$70,000 to $105,000 3 20% 20% 3
$105,000 to $140,000 4 25% 25% 4
2.4 Development Assistance
Reimburse development fees for new high-density housing (over 30 units per acre), commercial redevelopment or reuse of a vacant or underutilized existing building. Fees that may qualify include transportation impact fee, building permit fee, water and sewer connection fee, and planning/land use fee. Note: payment of fees with public funds would require prevailing wages for labor on the entire development project covered by the fee.
2.5 Upfront Loan Program (In development)
Final guidelines are still in development, but this will allow grant recipients of large projects to secure a loan from a private bank and the grant would then pay off the loan once the project is complete.
2.6 Ineligible Projects and Costs
It is not the purpose of the program to finance ongoing improvements which could be considered part of a building’s routine maintenance. Other ineligible expenses include:
• Administrative, accounting, and legal costs
• Extermination of insects, rodents, vermin, and other pests • Title reports and escrow fees (not related to property acquisition) • Refinancing existing debt
• Working capital for businesses
• Environmental assessments
• Operational costs
• Nonvisible mechanical equipment (including HVAC, etc.) and related screening. • Temporary, portable, or non-permanent improvements
• Routine maintenance and repair
• Purchase of tools
• New construction projects and buildings
2.7 Ineligible Businesses
• Received an EOA grant in the last five years
• gun stores
• pawn shops
• check cashing businesses
• liquor stores
• Adult Entertainment Businesses (as defined by Section Chapter 5.06 of the City Municipal EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 7
Code)
• Cigarette stores
• Smoking lounges
• video game and gambling establishments
Section 3: Project Information
Based on the activities/costs identified in Step 2 of the application, in Step 3, please respond to the questions and check the boxes on the program criteria met with the proposed project. Then provide a detailed list of the eligible activities that will be funded by the grant.
3.1 Evaluation Criteria
Complete applications must meet a minimum of 50% to be considered eligible for funding. A score of higher than 50% does not mean the project will be recommended for funding. The projects with a higher percentage of objectives met will be given priority:
EVALUATION CRITERIA SCORING
Quality of proposed projects, impact to the community and consistency with the goals and objectives of the EOA Plan. 15% The improvements will increase the assessed property value and/or local sales taxes. 15%
The site is a vacant or underutilized structure or property, that has been vacant for over three years; either helps restore the tax base with a new or revitalized use or addresses a blighting influence of deteriorating property conditions.
15%
New Business on 18th Street, 19th Street or Chester Avenue. 15% Supports the goals and implements components of City plans such as the General Plan, Making Downtown Vision Plan, Downtown Streetscape Plan, Transformative Climate Communities Plan, Old Town Kern Vision Plan, etc.
10%
The project includes façade/site improvements that enhance curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics. 10%
Supports the growth and development of a new small local business with less than 50 employees, or is an expansion of existing business, creating new jobs.
10%
Provides a public benefit feature as described in CMC 17.26.090 5% Will diversify and supplement the existing business mix within the EOA area. 5%
The final Step 4 is a certification by the applicant that all requirements of the program will be met .
In addition, the grant application must be signed by both the applicant and the property owner.
Section 4: Application Process
Applications will be reviewed by staff for compliance with all program guidelines, which include compliance with the EOA Program Criteria and Economic Opportunity Area Plan. Do not imply all activities or specific costs proposed will qualify for grant funding . Grants will be awarded only in amounts appropriate to the scope of the identified project and the proposed project activities. The grant amounts that will be awarded will depend on what is allocated to the program during the annual budget process. There is no guarantee of the amount of funds appropriated each year.
EOA Implementation Guidelines (July 2025) Page 8
Economic and Community Development Staff will evaluate each application and make funding recommendations to the ECD Director who will make final award decisions based upon their judgment of the overall quality of proposed projects and their consistency with the goals and objectives of the EOA Incentive Program. The ECD Director reserves the right to some flexibility in making specific funding decisions if those decisions best ser ve the interest of the EOA Incentive Program and the program recipients. After receiving the Director’s approval of funding recommendations, all applicants will receive written notification of the grant selection results.
For any request for City funds related to this plan that exceeds $40,000, will be brought to the City Council for final review and action. For requests of $40,000 or less, the proposal will be reviewed and acted upon administratively by the ECD Director.
Applications are limited to a total request of less than $100,000. Major projects over this amount may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the availability of funds. State law requires public notice depending on the project and review of any project assistance $100,000 and over.
The City of Bakersfield reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to grant approval, without notice. Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient funding as appropriated by the Bakersfield City Council.
Following notification of project selection, a grant agreement (“Agreement”) is prepared for applicant review and signature. Grant award is not final until the agreement is approved by City Council or ECD Director. The Agreement is the legal document which outlines the legal requirements of the grant and includes amount of Grant funds; a detailed project description outlining the scope of work to be completed; project budget and schedule; and the terms and conditions associated with the grant funding. To be eligible for reimbursement, a Grant Agreement must be executed before work begins on the project.
4.1 Program Requirements
All grant recipients are required to enter into a grant agreement with the City of Bakersfield, which provides terms and conditions for the grant funds. Properties that have never received a grant in the past are given priority for funding. To be eligible for a grant you must be:
• A legal business is located or will be located within an EOA. • Business can be a for-profit or non-profit tax-exempt (501(c)(3) entities. • Owners or long-term tenants of commercial or industrial zoned property located within one of the EOA areas.
• Business owners who are tenants of a building (minimum t wo-year lease) must provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements. • Improvements that were completed prior to execution of a grant agreement are ineligible for funding.
• Applicants must have no active investigations pending for violations of City codes or criminal investigations.
Construction of grant funded improvements must be completed within the term of the grant agreement. If the project is not complete or the funds are not fully utilized by the deadline, then all remaining funds must be returned to the City. Delays due to conditions beyond the control of the grant recipient may qualify for an extension, which may be granted or denied at the discretion of the Economic Development Director. To obtain an extension, grant recipients must submit a written request to the Economic an d Community Development Department at least 30 days prior to expiration of the grant. The Director is authorized, but not obligated, to grant extensions for projects $40,000 and under. Further requests for extension are subject to approval by the City Council.
EOA Implementation Guidelines Page 9
4.3 Grant Application Timeline
NOFA Release
October
Read through the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to be familiar with the requirements of the program including the eligible activities and reimbursement process.
Technical Assistance
October- December
Watch online webinar; schedule an appointment or visit ECD during office hours to get technical assistance on the application. The Downtown Business Association is also offering technical assistance on the application process.
Contact Building (661) 326-3720 or Planning (661) 326-3733 or Public Works (661) 326-3724 regarding your building or site improvement project, it may require additional permits.
Application Due
January
Submit a complete application with required attachments by application Deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
Review & Scoring
February Applications will be reviewed and scored by a staff committee.
Council Committee
February
The Council Committee will recommend grant awards. Notification will be sent if recommended for a grant award.
Agreement
March
Review of grant agreement and pre-award instructions. A grant agreement must be approved before work can start on the project.
City Council
April
Applicants will be recommended for funding to the City Council or ECD Director. Grants above $40,000 require a City Council award. Grants $40,000 or below require Director approval.
Start Project
April
After the grant agreement is approved, construction of the grant funded project may commence when you receive Notice to Proceed.
Reimbursement Disbursement of grant funds will be a reimbursement payment(s) issued after the City reviews for compliance with the grant agreement.
4.4 Disbursement of Funds
After the grant Agreement has been executed and all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement payment issued after City deems the project complete, and upon the submission of receipts/proof of payment and subject to approval by City staff. Any changes to the activities funded by the grant must be approved by the City in writing.
Applicants do not have to be in complete code compliance at the time of application for the program, but must be compliant with the building, site or public improvements before reimbursement can be made to the business. An applicant may not be eligible for a grant if he, she, or the company applying for the funds has a delinquent bill or outstanding lien issued by the City.
These grants are paid on a reimbursement basis. First, applicants must approve the work and pay the contractor. Then the applicant shall submit documentation of the applicant’s approval and payment of the contractor to the City in a reimbursement request. The ECD Director may authorize an advance of funds not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the grant award upon demonstration of financial hardship.
After completion of a project or business attraction/expansion, copies of all bids, contracts, invoices, recipes, and lien waivers from sub -contractors and suppliers must be submitted to the City. City EOA Implementation Guidelines Page 10
staff will inspect the work for compliance with City codes and conformance with the design plans approved for the project. The grant requires receipt or proof that eligible cost was paid. The City shall make payment to the applicant after the City has received proof of payment that confirms that any such project costs were so incurred and qualify as an eligible project cost.
Upon receipt of evidence documenting actual project costs, the City shall have 30 days to review.
Within 30 days, and after all requirements set forth above are met, the City shall issue a check for reimbursement of costs incurred, of the amount awarded as set forth in the grant Agreement.
4.5 Reporting Requirements
4.5.1 Job Creation or Increase in Tax Revenue (For Business Attraction /Expansion Grants Only)
The grant requires the creation of new full-time jobs or increases in tax revenue as depicted in the table below; the number of jobs created or increase required is dictated by the amount of the funding requested. For grant reimbursement, documentation shall include EDD Form DE -9 (Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages) of new hired employees with social security numbers redacted or California Department of Tax and Fee Administration sales tax forms showing an increase after a year or sooner from grant agreement date or increase in TOT reported to City Finance Department.
Grant Amount New Full-
time Jobs
Annual
Sales Tax
Increase
Annual TOT
Increase
Up to $35,000 1 10% 10%
$35,000 to $70,000 2 15% 15%
$70,000 to $105,000 3 20% 20%
$105,000 to $140,000 4 25% 25%
4.5.2 Progress Report
Construction of grant funded improvements must be completed within 6 months of execution of the grant agreement or until the end of the agreement term . To obtain an extension, grant recipients must submit a written request to the Economic and Community Development Department at least 30 days prior to expiration of the grant with a progress report. The progress report must include a narrative of the progress made and work yet to be completed and an updated timeline and completion date. The grant agreement must also be amended either by the Director or City Council.
4.5.3 Final Report
A final report must be submitted to the Economic and Community Development Department upon submittal of final reimbursement request . This report must include a project narrative, before and after pictures of the project, detailed account of expenditures (including receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.), jobs created, or a description of other program objectives met by the project. Failure to submit the required Final Report may disqualify the grant recipient from receiving future funding from the City of Bakersfield.
If the project is not complete or all the funds are not utilized, then all remaining funds may be retained by the City and reprogrammed for other projects.
Section 5: EOA Program FAQs
Click Here.
EOA Implementation Guidelines Page 11
Attachment - Map of EOAs