ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: November 10, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: NEW BUSINESS TO: Finance, Economic Development and Jobs Committee
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: November 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Presentation of the Old Town Kern Vision Plan
Old Town Kern Vision Plan – Project Summary and Completion Update.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the committee receive and file the presentation.
BACKGROUND:
The Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), adopted by Council on September 15, 2021, outlined a strategic framework for community revitalization efforts. The Downtown and Old Town Kern (OTK) areas were listed as priority areas for reinvestment within the City.
On May 23, 2024, the Economic and Community Development (ECD) staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified professionals to secure services for conceptual site vision plans as well as visual rendering services that showcase potential revitalization projects for the Old Town Kern district.
Following a competitive selection process, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was awarded the contract on August 14, 2024.
The Old Town Kern Vision Plan provides a cohesive vision for revitalization that identifies opportunity sites, conceptual redevelopment concepts, and enhancements to the public realm. The plan reflects the district’s unique cultural identity while outlining strategies to attract private investment and improve the overall aesthetic and economic environment. It includes recommendations for enhancing pedestrian safety, creating inviting public spaces, integrating historic preservation into new development, and activating the local economy through mixed-use and small business opportunities.
The development of the OTK Vision Plan included extensive engagement with community stakeholders, local business owners, developers, and partner organizations. Kimley-Horn and City staff conducted meetings, pop-up events, interview sessions, and site walks to gather input on existing challenges, desired improvements, and potential opportunities for reinvestment. Feedback from these sessions directly informed the Plan’s design concepts and implementation strategies, ensuring that the final document reflects community values, local culture, and the shared vision for Old Town Kern’s future.
The Old Town Kern Vision Plan was completed on September 4, 2025, and included actionable items for the City to implement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The action to receive and file this update on Old Town Kern Vision Plan, will have no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
WARD: 2
ATTACHMENT: Old Town Kern Vision Plan