Accrual Basis of Accounting – An accounting method that recognizes and reports a financial transaction when it occurs, rather than when cash is paid or received.
Action Plan – An action plan qualitatively or quantitatively identifies a service to be provided.
Action plans are specific in nature and directly correlate to achieving the department goal.
Activity – A specific line of work performed by one or more governmental components for accomplishing a function for which the government is responsible.
Adopted Budget – A financial plan presented, reviewed and approved by the governing body for the upcoming fiscal year.
Allocation – (1) A portion of a lump-sum appropriation designated for specific organization units and/or special purposes, activities, or objects. (2) The designated number of full-time regular positions approved for each budget unit.
ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Developed in response to the national economic crisis for the Federal Government to make significant investments in both the public and private sectors.
Annual Operating Budget – An outline of planned governmental expenditures, revenues, activities, programs and objectives for the fiscal year. A financial plan that consists of policy and funding priorities, as well as a presentation of the economic outlook for a given fiscal year.
Appropriation – A legal authorization and allocation granted by the Council to make expenditures of governmental resources (revenues) for specific purposes.
Asset – An economic resource or probable future benefit obtained or controlled by a particular entity as a result of past transactions or events.
Audit – A review of the city’s accounts by an independent accounting firm to substantiate year- end fund balances, reserves, and cash on hand.
Authorized Positions – Employee positions, which are authorized in the adopted budget, to be filled during the year.
396
Glossary continued
- B -
Balanced Budget – Management of the financial plan with the objective of ensuring that expenditures do not exceed revenues.
Bond – A written promise to pay a specified sum of money, called the face value or principal amount, at a specified date or dates in the future, called the maturity date(s), together with periodic interest at a specified rate. The City sells bonds as a means of borrowing revenue for costly projects and repays the debt to the lender over an extended period of time, similar to the manner in which a homeowner repays a mortgage. A bond differs from a note in two ways. A bond is issued for a longer period of time than a note and requires greater legal formality. Bonds are primarily used to finance capital projects.
Budget Amendment – Legal means by which an adopted expenditure authorization or limit is increased and could be authorized with a publication, a hearing, or a re-certification of the budget.
Budget Calendar – A timetable showing when particular tasks must be completed in order for the council to approve the spending plan before the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Budget Document – The instrument used by the budget-making authority to present a comprehensive financial program to the City Council. Once adopted by the City Council, it becomes the City’s Annual Operating Budget. The operating budget provides for direct services and support functions of the City (e.g., Police, Fire, Public Works, etc.). The capital budget (Capital Improvement Program) provides for improvements to the City’s infrastructure and facilities and utilizes long-term financing instruments. (See also Adopted Budget, Annual Operating Budget, Balanced Budget, Capital Improvement Program Budget, Operating Budget.)
Budget Hearing – A public meeting to allow citizens to comment on the proposed budget.
Budget Manual – A booklet prepared by the budget office that includes, at a minimum, the budget calendar, the forms departments need to prepare their budget requests, and a description of the budget process.
Budget Message – A general discussion of the proposed budget as presented in writing by the budget-making authority to the City Council, including the primary budget issues and policy changes found in the proposed budget. The City’s budget message is presented as the City Manager’s letter in the proposed and adopted budget documents.
Budgetary Basis – This refers to the basis of accounting used to estimate financing sources and uses in the budget. This generally takes one of three forms: GAAP, cash, or modified accrual. 397
Glossary continued
- C -
CDBG – Community Development Block Grant. Used to account for resources provided by the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 for the elimination of slums and blight, housing conservation and improvements of community services.
Capital Expenditures – An acquisition or an improvement that will have a life of five years or more.
Capital Improvements – Any significant physical acquisition, construction, replacement, or improvement to a City service delivery system.
Capital Improvement Program Budget – A five-year expenditure plan financing new infrastructure and facilities, or improvements to the existing infrastructure and facilities. Set forth in the CIP is the name of each project, the expected beginning and ending date, the amount to be expended in each year, and the proposed method of financing the projects. (For more information see the CIP section of this document.)
Capital Outlay – Expenditures used to purchase fixed assets costing more than $1,000.
Carry-Over – Appropriated funds that remain unspent at the end of a fiscal year and are allowed to be retained in the appropriating budget and expended in subsequent fiscal years for the purpose designated.
Cash Flow – The net cash balance at any given point. The treasurer prepares a cash budget that projects the inflow, outflow, and net balance of cash reserves on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Cash Fund Balance – The cash available for expenditure after all current obligations are paid or encumbered and all current revenues are received. The cash fund balance does not include allowances for depreciation, asset value and other non-cash accounting items.
City Council – The legislative (governing) body of the City. (A list of current Councilmembers and their respective wards is available on the first page of this document.) City Manager – An official appointed and employed by an elected council to direct the administration of a city government on a day-to-day basis.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) – Usually referred to by its abbreviation, this report summarizes financial data for the previous fiscal year in a standardized format. The CAFR is organized by fund and contains two basic types of information: (1) a balance sheet that compares assets with liabilities and fund balance and (2) an operating statement that compares revenues with expenditures.
398
Glossary continued
Consumer Price Index (CPI) – A statistical description of price levels provided by the United States Department of Labor. The index is used as a measure of the increase in the cost of living (i.e., economic inflation).
Contingency – Funds set aside for unforeseen emergencies or unanticipated uses.
Contractual Services – A cost related to a legal agreement. Examples include insurance premiums, utility costs, printing services and temporary employees (hired through a private firm).
Council – Manager Government – A system of local government that combines political leadership of elected officials in the form of a governing body, with day-to-day management by a City Manager.
Councilmember – Elected official who represents the interests of the citizens of a specified ward within the City. Councilmembers serve four-year terms. (A list of current Councilmembers and their respective wards is available on the first page of this document.) - D -
Debt Service – Payment of principal and interest of an obligation resulting from the issuance of bonds or notes.
Debt Service Requirement – The amount of money required to pay interest on outstanding debt, serial maturities of principal for serial bonds, and payments required for accumulating monies for future retirement of term bonds.
Department – A major organizational unit of the City that has management responsibility for a group of related operations.
Depreciation – (1) The process of accounting for expiration in the service life of a fixed asset due to deterioration, inadequacy and obsolescence. This is calculated by taking the cost of the fixed asset less any salvage value, prorated over the estimated service life of the asset. (2) The portion of depreciation charged as an expense during a particular period. This accounting transaction does not involve a cash expense or affect the cash available for operations.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program – A voluntary awards program administered by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to encourage governments to prepare effective budget documents.
Division – A sub-unit of a department that encompasses a substantial portion of the duties assigned to a department. May consist of several sections, which in turn may consist of clearly defined activities.
399
Glossary continued
- E -
Economic Development – The process of attracting new businesses by use of incentives or innovative financing methods.
Efficiency – Effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost (as in energy, time, and money), or the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it.
Effectiveness – Producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect.
Employee (Or Fringe) Benefits – Contributions made by a government to meet commitments or obligations for employees beyond base pay. The government’s share of costs for Social Security and the various pension, medical and life insurance plans are included.
Encumbrance – Obligations in the form of purchase orders or contracts which are chargeable to an appropriation and for which a part of the appropriation is reserved. Encumbrances are eliminated when paid or when an actual liability is established.
Enforceable Obligations Payment Schedule (EOPS) – Lists all the debts and obligations of the former Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency, including bond indebtedness, promissory notes, contracts, administration and operating expenses, and legally binding agreements; this schedule will be superseded by the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule when approved by the Oversight Board; A requirement of State Assembly Bill 26.
Enterprise Fund – A fund established to account for a service which should be paid for by those who use the service. Belong to the group of funds called “proprietary” and account for operations that provide services to the community at large.
Entitlements – Payments to which local governmental units are entitled, pursuant to an allocation formula determined by the agency providing the monies, usually the state or federal government.
Equipment Management Fund – Used to account for the cost of operating and maintaining a maintenance facility for vehicular, telecommunications and computer equipment used by other City departments.
Expenditure – Use of funds for payment of current operating expenses, payment of bonds, and payment of major purchases. Expenditures are budgeted by function: personnel (salaries and benefits), operating, capital, non-departmental, and debt services.
Expense – Charges incurred (whether paid immediately or unpaid) for operations, maintenance, interest or other charges.
400
Glossary continued
- F -
FTE – Full-Time Equivalent. A measure of the total quantity of all employees. The FTE converts all employee work activity into a number equivalent to work activity hours performed by full-time employees. This serves as a standard measure among departments. A standard 40-hour per week full-time employee is equivalent to 1 FTE. (e.g., if a seasonal employee is calculated at 25%, the FTE is calculated at 0.25.)
Federal And State Grants And Contributions – Revenue received from the federal and state governments under an administrative agreement to provide financial assistance for programs such as low-cost housing, youth programs, health-related programs, or other federal and state-supported projects.
Fees – Monies paid to the government for expenses incurred for providing special services.
Financing – Furnishing the necessary funds to operate or conduct a program or business. Funds can be raised internally, borrowed, or received from a grant.
Fines And Penalties – Revenue derived primarily from Municipal Court fines, forfeits, and penalties.
Fiscal Policy – A government’s policies with respect to revenues, spending and debt management as these relate to government services, programs and capital investment. Fiscal policy provides an agreed-upon set of principles for planning and programming, or government budgets and their funding.
Fiscal Year – The 12-month budget period, beginning on July 1, to which the annual operating budget applies. At the end of the fiscal year, the government determines its financial position and the results of its operations.
Fixed Asset – An asset of a long-term character such as land, building, machinery, furniture, and other equipment, with a value greater than $1,000 and a useful life of longer than one year.
Fixed Cost – A cost that varies little relative to the service level provided.
Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) – A position converted to the decimal equivalent based on 2,080 hours per year. For example, a summer lifeguard working 8 hours per day for 4 months, or 690 hours, would be equivalent to 0.3 of a full-time position.
Fund – An accounting entity with accounts for recording revenues and expenditures to carry on specific purposes.
401
Glossary continued
Fund Balance – The total dollars remaining after current expenditures for operations and debt service for capital improvements are subtracted from the sum of the beginning fund balance and current resources.
- G -
GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Uniform minimum standards for financial accounting and recording, encompassing the conventions, rules, and procedures that define accepted accounting principles.
Gas Tax – A tax on the sale of fuel dedicated to transportation.
General Fund – The City’s principle operating account, which is supported primarily by taxes and fees having no restriction on their use.
Goals – A long-term condition or end result. It describes a vision or philosophy about major social and environmental concerns of the community. The City of Bakersfield’s goals are: (1) Provide Quality Public Safety Services; (2) Enhance the City’s Transportation Network; (3) Continue Positive Downtown Development; (4) Plan for Growth and Development; (5) Strengthen and Diversify our Economic Base; (6) Promote Community Pride and Image; and, (7) Fiscal Solvency.
Governing Body – Consists of one Mayor, elected at large, and seven Councilmembers, each representing a ward within the City. (A list of the current governing body is available on the first page of this document.)
Governmental Funds – An accounting entity used to account for operations that rely mostly on current assets and current liabilities. Governmental funds include the General Fund, special revenue funds, enterprise funds and redevelopment funds.
Grant – A grant is contributions or gifts of cash or other assets from another organization or governmental entity for use in a specific purpose, activity, or facility. - H -
HUD – United States Department of Housing & Urban Development. A federal agency that is charged with increasing homeownership, supporting community development, and improving access to affordable housing. HUD administers the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program.
- I -
Indirect Costs – Those elements of cost necessary in the production of a good or service that are not directly traceable to the product or service.
402
Glossary continued
Infrastructure – The physical assets or foundation of the City, including buildings, parks, streets, and water and sewer systems.
Interest Earnings – Revenue derived from the proper management of the City’s assets, through investment of public funds being held until expended or distributed to other units of government.
Intergovernmental Revenue – Revenue received from federal, state, and other local government sources in the form of grants, shared revenues, and payments in-lieu of taxes.
Internal Service Fund – A fund used to account for the centralized financing of goods or services provided by one department or agency to other government departments or agencies, or to other governments, on a cost reimbursement basis. Internal service funds belong to the “proprietary” group of funds. The City of Bakersfield uses internal service funds for the central administration of insurance and equipment replacement.
- L -
Laws – A binding custom or practice of a community: a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.
Licenses – A legal document issued by a government granting privileges to the holder to engage in regulated activity. All licenses issued by the City of Bakersfield are for regulatory purposes and are based on the premise of protecting the public safety, health, and general welfare. Licenses are issued after certain requirements and standards are fulfilled.
Line Item – The smallest expenditure detail in department budgets. The line item also is referred to as an “object”, with numerical “object codes” used to identify expenditures in the accounting system.
- M -
Mayor – Elected official who presides over business that is brought before the City Council.
Modified-Accrual Basis – Revenue is recognized when it becomes measurable and available as net current assets. Expenditures are recognized when the related fund liability is incurred. - O -
Objective – A readily measurable statement of an expected accomplishment within the fiscal year.
Operating Budget – A budget which applies to all costs other than those for capital improvement projects or major purchases. This refers more to the day-to-day operations of the City. 403
Glossary continued
Operating Expenditures – Those costs which are associated with the general operations of departments, exclusive of personnel and capital expenditures. Typical examples include materials and supplies, contractual services, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Operating Revenues – Funds that the government receives as income to pay for ongoing operation. It includes such items as taxes, fees from specific services, interest earnings, and grant revenues. Operating revenues are used to pay for day-to-day services.
Ordinance – A formal legislative enactment by the City Council, which has the full force of law within the boundaries of the municipality unless pre-empted by a higher form of law, such as a state statute or constitutional provision. (See also resolution).
Oversight Board – Comprised of various members of local taxing agencies and at large members who supervise the activities of the Successor Agency and have a fiduciary responsibility to the holders of enforceable obligations and the taxing entities that will benefit from the distribution of property tax and other revenues due to the dissolution of the Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency. - P -
Personnel Expenditures – All costs related to compensating employees, including employee benefit costs such as the City’s contribution for retirement, social security, and health and life insurance.
Principal – The base amount of debt, which is the basis for interest computations.
Program Service Objective – The program service objective describes in specific and measurable terms the results a program (within a particular division) is expected to achieve within a given time frame. Program service objectives are derived from City Council Goals.
Program – A group of related activities performed by one or more organizational units for the purpose of accomplishing a function for which the division or department is responsible.
Property Tax – A tax levied on real property.
Proposed Budget – A schedule of revenues and expenditures submitted by various departments or divisions to be reviewed and considered for the upcoming fiscal year.
Proprietary Funds – Accounting entities to account for operations similar to a private enterprise with a balance sheet that incorporates long-term debt obligations, assets and liabilities, and depreciation. Enterprise funds and internal service funds are “proprietary” funds.
Public Hearing – An open meeting regarding proposed operating or capital budget allocations, which provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their views on the merits of the proposals. 404
Glossary continued
- R -
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) – A document approved in draft form by the Successor Agency and submitted to the Oversight Board for final approval and forwarding to the State Controller’s Office and the State Department of Finance, which includes: 1) Obligations of the former Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency 2) A funding source for the payment of the obligations; 3) Projected dates and amounts of scheduled payments for each enforceable obligation; and 4) Is forward looking for each six-month fiscal period; A requirement of State Assembly Bill 26. Once the ROPS is approved by the Oversight Board and transmitted to the Department of Finance and State Controller’s Office, only those payments listed on the ROPS may be made by the Successor Agency from the specified funds.
Refuse Fund – Rates charged by the City cover operations and maintenance costs associated with refuse service and street sweeping.
Reserve – A portion of fund equity legally restricted for a specific purpose or not available for appropriation and subsequent spending. It is normally set aside in funds for emergencies or unforeseen expenditures that are not otherwise budgeted.
Resolution – A legislative enactment that has less legal formality than an ordinance and has a lower legal status.
Resources – Total amounts available for appropriation including estimated revenues, fund transfers, and beginning balances.
Revenue – Money received from taxes, fees, permits, licenses, interest, intergovernmental sources, and other sources.
Risk Management Fund – Provides a self-funded program for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- S -
Service – A specific deliverable provided to the public. It has a specific budget, as well as performance measures to determine the benefits received. A service is ultimately aligned to one of the Council’s seven goals.
Service Level Indicators – The service level indicators describe in specific and measurable terms the results a program (within a particular division) is expected to achieve within a given time frame. Service level indicators are derived from the action plan.
Significant Budget Changes – A significant budget change represents a major departure from historical practice or treatment of a program or line item within a department’s budget. 405
Glossary continued
Special Assessments – Compulsory charges levied by a government to finance current or permanent public services to a particular group of persons or properties.
Special Revenue Fund – An accounting entity to record revenue that is legally destined for a specific purpose and the expenditure of the dedicated revenue.
Sphere Of Influence (SOI) – A plan, adopted by Kern Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), for the probable physical boundaries and service area of the City.
Successor Agency – The entity, designated as the City of Bakersfield, responsible for appointing members to the Oversight Board for the wind down and close out functions of the former City Redevelopment Agency, as defined under State Assembly Bill 26. - T -
Tax Increment Financing – Use of taxes collected within a specifically designated area for repayment of tax increment debt and major infrastructure expenditures.
Taxes – Compulsory assessments levied by a government for the purpose of financing services performed for the common benefit of the citizens. Taxes do not include specific charges made against particular persons or property for current or permanent benefit, such as special assessments.
Generally, includes property taxes, sales taxes, franchise taxes, business license taxes, real property transfer taxes, and transient occupancy taxes.
Transient Occupancy Tax – Used to account for Transient Occupancy Tax Revenues (Hotel Tax) and expenditures funded by this revenue source.
Transportation Development Fund – Used to account for funds collected from fees paid to mitigate the traffic impacts to the regional circulation system caused by a development project.
The fees are paid when a building permit for the development project is obtained and are based upon the amount of traffic the development will generate.
Trust Fund – Used when the City is custodian of money to be reserved and spent for a special purpose.
- U -
Unencumbered Balance – The amount of an appropriation that is neither expended nor encumbered. It is essentially the amount of money still available for future purposes.
Unreserved Fund Balance – The portion of a fund’s balance that is not restricted for a specific purpose and is available for general appropriation.
User Charges/Fees – These represent payment for services which would not be provided to the individual if the charge were not paid.
406
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
PROPOSED BUDGET
June 10, 2026
Community Feedback
2 Community Feedback
3 ARPA Reimbursements into Fund Balance
4 • ARPA funds allowed for reimbursement of lost revenue • Funds were set aside in Fund Balance
• Recommend leaving it as Fund Balance
• Contingency in the 5-year strategy to restructure the budget
2026-27 Total Personnel Reductions
2026-27 Total Personnel Reductions
5 DEPARTMENT # OF POSITIONS SALARY SAVINGS
City Manager 1 $308,143
Human Resources 1 $117,869
Financial Services 2 $282,123
Technology Services 8 $861,935
Police Department 28 $3,583,311
Fire Department 7 $1,453,693
Public Works 12 $1,205,927
Recreation & Parks 7 $739,931
Development Services 6 $872,917
TOTAL REDUCTION 72 $9,425,849
VACANT COMPLIMENT REDUCTIONS
Possible
Alternatives to
Fire Reductions
(Rescue
Apparatus)
6 Use CY Contingency Funds
Reduce Capital Project Funding
Set-aside GF Fund Balance
Use Rainy-day Fund
2026-27 General Fund
Proposed Revenue
2026-27 General Fund Proposed Revenue
7 Actual
2024-25
% of
Total
Estimates
2025-26
% of
Total
Budget
2026-27
% of
Total
Property Tax 116,066,647 26.45% 122,264,500 28.63% 127,855,000 28.94% Sales Tax - Bradley-Burns 97,355,244 22.19% 97,175,000 22.76% 98,875,000 22.38% Sales Tax - PSVS 1% 100,226,236 22.84% 97,175,000 22.76% 101,080,000 22.88% Other Taxes 13,765,896 3.14% 11,700,000 2.74% 12,350,000 2.80% Licenses & Permits 4,663,668 1.06% 3,825,978 0.90% 4,014,000 0.91% Intergovernmental 19,302,989 4.40% 4,202,500 0.98% 2,734,500 0.62% Charges for Services 35,615,062 8.12% 31,732,562 7.43% 33,788,757 7.65% Fines and Forfeits 1,213,340 0.28% 1,083,000 0.25% 1,062,900 0.24% Miscellaneous / Transfers In 18,586,988 4.24% 20,817,260 4.88% 22,997,643 5.21% Beginning Balances 32,000,000 7.29% 37,000,000 8.67% 37,000,000 8.38% Totals 438,796,070 100.00% 426,975,800 100.00% 441,757,800 100.00% General Fund Revenues
2026
-
27 GENERAL
FUND PROPOSED
EXPENDITURES
8 Department Final 2025-26 Proposed 2026-27 % Change % of Total Mayor/Council $ 625,116 $ 692,733 10.82% 0.16% City Attorney 2,623,581 2,905,965 10.76% 0.66% City Manager 7,363,056 9,503,842 29.07% 2.15% Human Resources 3,242,901 3,213,020 -0.92% 0.73% Technology Services 10,661,975 10,617,122 -0.42% 2.40% Financial Services 4,886,069 4,948,500 1.28% 1.12% Police Services 195,523,663 199,806,900 2.19% 45.23% Fire Services 67,657,848 73,692,336 8.92% 16.68% Total Public Safety 263,181,511 273,499,236 3.92% 61.91%
Public Works 36,846,244 37,570,221 1.96% 8.50% Recreation and Parks 37,603,955 38,769,719 3.10% 8.78% Development Services 22,834,518 34,846,992 52.61% 7.89% Economic Development* 15,422,491 - -100.00% 0.00% Non-Departmental 1,768,719 8,767,831 395.72% 1.98% Transfers 19,915,664 16,422,619 -17.54% 3.72% Total $ 426,975,800 $ 441,757,800 3.46% 100.00% *ECD Split to Dev Services and CMO
Department Final 2025-26 Proposed 2026-27 % Change % of Total Personnel $ 297,129,063 $ 307,639,627 3.54% 69.64% Operating 109,471,252 117,327,254 7.18% 26.56% Capital Outlay 459,821 368,300 -19.90% 0.08% Fund Transfers 19,915,664 16,422,619 -17.54% 3.72% Total $ 426,975,800 $ 441,757,800 3.46% 100.00% General Fund Department
General Fund Budget
2026-27 Total Proposed Budget
2026-27 Proposed Budget
9 Department Final 2025-26 Proposed 2026-27 % Change Total % Mayor/Council 625,116 692,733 10.82% 0.07%
City Manager (inc Arena, VB, & Risk) 55,396,696 61,871,635 11.69% 6.68% City Attorney 5,548,580 6,080,965 9.59% 0.66%
Human Resources 3,242,901 3,213,020 -0.92% 0.35%
Technology Services 23,381,082 23,471,708 0.39% 2.53%
Finance 5,542,775 5,519,200 -0.43% 0.60%
Police 196,900,155 201,604,150 2.39% 21.75%
Fire 70,403,406 76,833,212 9.13% 8.29%
Public Works 245,395,569 296,101,706 20.66% 31.95%
Recreations & Parks 39,958,115 42,498,879 6.36% 4.59%
Development Services 22,994,009 40,141,383 74.57% 4.33% Economic & Community Dev. 21,857,421 - -100.00% 0.00% Water Resources 94,324,751 98,188,420 4.10% 10.59% Non-Departmental/Debt Service 20,756,487 25,465,367 22.69% 2.75% Transfers to Other Funds 46,390,298 45,100,173 -2.78% 4.87% Total $ 852,717,360 $ 926,782,551 8.69% 100.00% Function Final 2025-26 Proposed 2026-27 % Change Total % Personnel $ 360,535,426 $ 376,338,044 4.38% 40.61% Operating 314,922,110 345,825,661 9.81% 37.31% Capital Outlay 111,891,759 142,821,136 27.64% 15.41% Debt Service 18,977,768 16,697,536 -12.02% 1.80% Fund Transfers 46,390,298 45,100,173 -2.78% 4.87% Total $ 852,717,360 $ 926,782,551 8.69% 100.00% Total Budget - By Department
Assembly Bill 2561 Vacancy Rates
Public Hearing
City Council Meeting
June 10, 2026
Background
Assembly Bill 2561/Government Code
§
3502.3
Amends the Meyers
-
Milias
-
Brown Act (MMBA) and imposes new
obligations on public agencies related to tracking and presenting information on job vacancies starting 1/1/2025
Required to:
Track vacancy rates in each bargaining unit
Present the status of vacancies annually before budget adoption Identify barriers in recruitment and selection process
Additional reporting requirements if vacancy rate exceeds 20% Vacancy Rates
–
Historical Citywide
1613
1452
1441
1442
1474
1495
1534
1534
1521
1527
1539
1682
1790
1887
1960
2005
2029
2035
178
38 55
62 68
58 28
60 90
56 86
206
180
230
264
206
155
200
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
FY 08-09
FY 09-10
FY 10-11
FY 11-12
FY 12-13
FY 13-14
FY 14-15
FY 15-16
FY 16-17
FY 17-18
FY 18-19
FY 19-20
FY 20-21
FY 21-22
FY 22-23
FY 23-24
FY 24-25
FY 25-26 9.83%
Rate Vacant Positions Authorized Positions
Units Authorized
Positions
Vacant
Positions
Vacancy
Rate
Classifications
Bakersfield Police
Officers Association
(BPOA)
480 34 7.08% Police – Sworn
(Sergeant – Police Officer)
Bakersfield Professional
Firefighter’s Association
(BPFA)
195 9 4.62%
Fire – Sworn
(Battalion Chief –
Firefighter)
SEIU (Blue and White
Collar) 1,116 133 11.92% Blue and White Collar
Management and
Supervisory; Executive 244 24 9.84%
General Supervisory, Misc.
Management, Police and Fire
Management; City Manager and
City Attorney
Unit Summary
Vacancy Comparison
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
Police Fire Blue and White Mgt. & Sup.
2025 2026
Vacancy by Department
Department Count
City Attorney 3
City Manager 1
Development Services 18
Economic & Community Development 7
Finance 2
Fire 20
Human Resources 4
Police 70
Public Works 48
Recreation & Parks 17
Technology Services 7
Water 3
Total Vacant Positions 200
Vacant Positions
–
Blue & White Collar
Status –
133 vacancies:
• 47 positions
authorized to
fill.
Position Count Position Count
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST I 1 FLEET SERVICE WORKER II 1 ADMIN & FISCAL SVC SPEC I 2 HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST I 2 ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST I 3 HUMAN RESOURCES CLERK 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST II 3 LIGHT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II 1 MAINT CRAFTWORKER I 3 AIR CONDITIONING TECH I 1 MAINTENANCE CRAFTWORKER II 1 AIR CONDITIONING TECH II 1 MOBILITY PLANNER 1 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 1 OPERATIONS SUPPORT SPECIALIST 2 ASSOCIATE PLANNER 2 PARK SERVICES COORDINATOR 1 BLDG INSPECTOR I 1 POLICE CALL TAKER 2 BUILDING MAINTAINER II 1 POLICE DISPATCHER I 6 CANAL TENDER II 1 POLICE DISPATCHER II 5 CLERK TYPIST I 5 POLICE REPORT SPECIALIST 6 CLERK TYPIST II 2 POLICE SERVICE TECHNICIAN 5 CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFR I 1 SECRETARY I 1 CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFR II 1 SECRETARY II 3 CRIME ANALYST 1 SENIOR POLICE RECORDS CLERK 1 ECON & COMM DEV COORDINATOR 2 SENIOR WW INSTRUM TECH 1 ECON & COMM DEV SPECIALIST 2 SERVICE MAINTENANCE WORKER 16 ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN I 1 SOLID WASTE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 3 ENGINEER II 1 STREETS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 3 ENGINEERING AIDE I 2 STREETS MAINTENANCE WORKER 5 FACILITY WORKER 9 STREETS OPERATIONS LEAD 1 FIRE DISPATCHER I 1 TECH SYS ANALYST I 4 FIRE DISPATCHER II 3 TRAFFIC SIGNAL TECHNICIAN 1 FIRE PREVENTION/ENVIRON OFF II 2 TRANSCRIBING TYPIST 1 FLEET EQUIPMENT MECHANIC I 3 WASTEWATER PLANT MECHANIC 1 FLEET SERVICE WORKER I 1
Vacant Positions
–
Miscellaneous
Manager, Sworn Management and General
Supervisory
Status
24 Vacancies:
• 9 positions approved to fill
Position Count
ASSISTANT BUILDING DIRECTOR 1
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY 1
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER 1
ASSISTANT SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR 1
BLDG INSPECTOR III - ELEC SPEC 1
BUSINESS ANALYST SUPERVISOR 1
CIVIL ENGINEER III 1
CIVIL ENGINEER IV 1
CODE ENFORCEMENT SUPERVISOR 1
COMM DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPAL 1
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY I 1
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY II 1
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF 1
PARK RANGER MANAGER 1
PARKS SUPERINTENDENT 1
PERMIT SERVICES SUPERVISOR 1
PLANNING DIRECTOR 1
POLICE LIEUTENANT 1
SUPERVISING FIRE DISPATCHER 1
SUPERVISING FIRE DISPATCHER 1
SUPERVISOR I 1
SUPERVISOR II 2
TECH SYS SUPERVISOR 1
Vacant Positions
–
Fire and Police
Position Count
FIRE CAPTAIN 2
FIRE ENGINEER 3
FIREFIGHTER 4
Position Count
DETECTIVE 9
POLICE OFFICER 19
POLICE SERGEANT 2
SENIOR POLICE OFFICER 4
Status –
Fire: 9 vacancies
Police: 34 vacancies;
Academy April 2026
Recruitment Efforts
–
All Units
Attraction
➢Dedicated City of Bakersfield Job Fair
➢Expanded Outreach & Job Postings
➢Onsite Screening & Interviews
➢Classification & Compensation Updates
➢Technology - Texting, QR Codes & Interest Cards
➢Position Orientations
➢Streamlined and Automated New Hire Process
➢Local Job and School Fairs
➢Fellowship and Summer Intern Program
➢Enhanced Benefit Summaries
Retention
➢Guiding Principles – C.A.R.E.S.
➢Updated terms for unit MOUs and Resolutions
➢Wellness Initiatives – Annual Health & Wellness
Fair and Blue Zones Initiatives
➢You Belong, Employee Incentive Team and Public
Service Recognition Week
➢Better Together Series
➢Employees Surveys and Exit Interviews
➢Interview Coaching and Process Training
➢Safety Initiatives & Inspections
➢Training & Teambuilding Events
➢Joint Labor-Management Committees & Labor
Processes
Recommendations
➢Ongoing Workforce
Efficiency and Planning
Support
➢Civil Service Rules
Overview & Training
➢Market Trend
Monitoring
➢Recruitment Marketing
➢Forecasting
Thank you
.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Deferred Business TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Darin Budak, Recreation and Parks Director
DATE: June 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Amendment No.1 to Agreement 2025-095 with Rancho Tree Service ($900,000.00; revised not to exceed $1,400,000) for continued tree trimming services for one additional year. (All Wards)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
On June 11, 2025, the City Council approved the annual contract for the supply of tree trimming services with Rancho Tree Service, in the amount of $500,000; renewable annually thereafter for four consecutive one-year periods.
This contract is primarily utilized by the Recreation and Parks Department. This contract is to provide tree trimming services including pruning, removal, and other related service s at various City locatio ns on an on-call, as needed basis.
The City was pleased with the excellent performance of Rancho Tree Services during the past year and has agreed to extend its bid pricing with a five percent (5%) contract price increase, consistent with increases reflected in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage data for classification code 37 -3013, Tree Trimmers and Pruners. Staff have reviewed and approved the request in full accordance with the terms and conditions of the original bid specifications.
The initial one (1) year period is coming to an end on June 10, 2026 and the Council approved contract capacity of $500,000 has been exhausted. The original agreement includes four (4) optional, consecutive one-year renewal periods.
General Tree Service, Inc.'s contract capacity was reduced from $500,000 during the initial year of the agreement to $100,000. On May 27, 2026, the City Council approved an amendment to General Tree Service, Inc.'s agreement reflecting this $100,000 contract capacity. The resulting reduction of $400,000 was reallocated to Rancho Tree Service, Inc.'s contract to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional tree trimming services.
As a result of the Rancho Tree Services excellent performance, the City and Contractor have agreed to extend the tree trimming services via Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 2025-095 by one (1) year, expiring on June 10, 2027 and increasing the total compensation by $900,000.00 ($500,000 + $400,000 General Tree portion), raising the total contract value from the initial $500,000 to a new not-to-exceed amount of $1,400,000.00.
FISCAL IMPACT: This agreement is funded by Recreation and Parks Department annual operating budget within the General Fund. No additional funds are needed.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Innovative and Efficient City Government
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-095
2. Exhibit A
Recreation and Parks Department
Annual Trimming Program
Presentation Date: June 10, 2026
Background
On June 11, 2025, the Council approved separate $500,000 contracts with Rancho Tree Service and General Tree Service
Rancho Tree Service was the low bidder at $837,002 and General Tree Service’s bid was $847,625
Original contract was for one year and four consecutive optional years The original contract capacity of $500,000 has been fully utilized and expires on June 10, 2026.
Rancho Tree Service provided excellent service during the initial contract term
Department Request
Renew Rancho Tree Service agreement with increased compensation by $900,000 with a new not to exceed amount of $1,400,000 $500,000 + $400,000 (General Tree Reallocation) = $900,000 $500,000 was spent in the first
contract year = $1,400,000
Amendment No. 1 will extend contract to June 10, 2027
Funded through Recreation and Parks annual operating budget within the General Fund
QUESTIONS?
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Deferred Business TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Zachary Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE: May 11, 2026
SUBJECT: ‘H’ Street Corridor Improvements Project:
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Griffith Company for $14,372,735.00
2. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $300,000.00 in City-Controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions during the construction of said project.
3. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-054 with Quad Knopf, Inc. dba QK (increasing compensation $150,100; revised not to exceed $947,435.00) for Engineering Design Services for the Corridor Improvements along 'H' Street - State Route 58 to State Route 204 Project (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends acceptance of the bid and appr oval of contract, approval of the City -controlled contingency, and approval of the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
The ‘H’ Street Corridor Improvements Project was initially approved in fiscal year 2022/2023 to design and implement Complete Streets Improvements including roadway reconfiguration, pavement grind and overlay, enhanced pedestrian, cyclist and other multimodal safety and capacity improvements; improved signage, lighting, and drainage; pavement markings; and aesthetic improvements to landscaping and hardscaping along H Street stretching from SR58 to SR204. Staff secured Quad Knopf, Inc. (QK) for the design and preparation of construction documents for this project.
In 2022, Staff applied for construction funding through the Active Transportation Progr am (ATP) – Cycle
6. The initial scope was primarily to add new, dedicated Class II bike lanes throughout the project corridor, along with other striping and pedestrian safety improvements. As staff moved further into the design phase, it was determined that to accommodate the dedicated bike lanes, the cross section would need to be significantly altered by reducing the number of travel lanes . After reviewing traffic volumes for the corridor, a roadway reconfiguration was utilized to make room for the proposed bike facilities, with major intersections (California Ave, Brundage Ln, and Truxtun Ave) retaining their 4 travel lane configuration.
In 2023, Staff applied for additional construction funding through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) P rogram, administered by the Kern Council of Governments. The City was awarded approximately $11 million in Federal CMAQ funding in Fiscal Year 24/25. Staff completed the required Preliminary Environmental Survey and Hot Spot Analysis and received a NEPA Categorical Exemption on April 8, 2025.
A number of public outreach events were completed at various stages of design completion in an effort to both inform constituents of the upcoming corridor redesign and gather feedback on the design choices.
In December 2024, Staff held three (3) community outreach meetings in Council Chambers, each focused on a specific section of the corridor, inviting community members for a presentation on the proposed improvements and design criteria, as well as answer sp ecific questions regarding said improvements.
Prior to advertising the construction documents, Staff partnered with Blue Zones Project to hold a final community outreach meeting, exhibiting the final design for the corridor and answering questions about construction timelines, phasing, and public impact. This meeting was held on January 12 th, 2026 at Bakersfield High School.
Item No. 1: This project has a Final Bidder’s List. Six (6) contractors responded to Staff’s Request for Statements of Qualifications, posted on March 26, 2026. All six (6) were approved and placed on the Final Bidder’s List. On May 14, 2026, a total of four (4) bids were received. The four (4) responsive bids are as follows:
Griffith Company In the amount of $14,372,735.00
1128 Carrier Parkway Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308
J.L. Plank, Inc. In the amount of $15,299,999.00
dba Cen-Cal Construction
31207 Denbeste Ct
Shafter, CA 93263
Bowman Asphalt, Inc. In the amount of $16,071,700.00 3333 Gibson St
Bakersfield, CA 93308
C.A. Rasmussen, Inc. In the amount of $20,054,041.95 28548 Livingston Ave
Valencia, CA 91355
Staff recommends awarding the bid and contract to lowest responsible bidder, Griffith Company.
Item No. 2: Bakersfield Municipal Code section 3.20.105(E) authorizes Public Works Contract Amendments to be executed via Change Order, provided that Change Orders which exceed $25,000 must be approved by the City Council. Staff is requesting pre -approval of up to $ 300,000 for City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of this project, to be executed via authorized Change Order(s). Any cost which exceeds the City approved contingency, cumulative or otherwise, would require action and approval from the City Council. This City-controlled contingency will save staff time by not having to prepare multiple Council r eports for individual routine change orders throughout the project, should they arise. All remaining contingency funds not used will be returned to the fund balance at the end of the project.
Item No. 3: On February 22, 2023, the City and QK entered into Agreement No. 2023-054 in the amount of Four Hundred Thirty -One Thousand, Eighty-Five Dollars ($431,085) to provide design services for the Corridor Improvements along H Street-State Route 58 to State Route 204 Project.
On January 22, 2025, the City and QK entered into Amendment No. 1 in the amount of Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($366,250 ) to provide additional design services to accommodate the expanded design scope resulting from the award of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant funding for the construction of the project. This amendment enabled the project to address increased requirements and enhance its overall impact on improving air quality and reducing congestion, including bike lanes and roundabouts at appropriate intersections.
The City and QK desire to enter into Amendment No. 2 to expand the scope of work to include additional design review and adjustments to the plans after public feedback and increase compensation in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand, One Hundred Dollars ($150,100), for a total compensation of Nine Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred Thirty Five Dollars ($947,435.00).
FISCAL IMPACT:
This project (T3K325) has a total budget of $16,905,806 and is funded through a combination of State and Federal ATP Funding ($3,154,000) , CMAQ Funding ($ 11,059,158), General Fund ($300,188), PSVS ($931,345), and State Gas Tax ($1,461,115) . Sufficient fund s are available to award the construction contract, cover the contingency, and amend the design agreement.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
Safety and Resilience
Community Character & Quality of Life
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement
2. Amendment
____________________________________________________
AMENDMENT #2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 2023-054
S:\Advanced Project Delivery\Projects\FY 2022-2023\T3K325 - H St Corridor Improvements\consultants\QK\Amendment\Amendment 2\Amendment No.2 to Agmt 2023-054 QK.docx -- Page 1 of 4 Pages --
AGREEMENT NO.
AMENDMENT NO. TWO TO
AGREEMENT NO. __2023-054__
THIS AMENDMENT NO. ONE TO AGREEMENT NO. 2023-054 is made and entered into on ________________, by and between the CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, a charter c ity and a municipal corporation (referred to herein as “CITY ”), and QUAD KNOPF, INC. dba QK, a Corporation authorized to do business in California (referred to herein as “DESIGN CONSULTANT”).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2023, CITY and DESIGN CONSULTANT entered into Agreement No. 2023- 054 in the amount of Four Hundred Thirty-One Thousand, Eighty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($431,085.00) wherein DESIGN CONSULTANT agreed to provide design services for the Corridor Improvements along H Street- State Route 58 to State Route 204 Project; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2025, CITY and DESIGN CONSULTANT entered Amendment No. 1 to expand the scope of work, and increase compensation in the amount of Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents ($366,250.00), for a total compensation of Seven Hundred Ninety- Seven Thousand, Three Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($797,335.00); and;
WHEREAS, CITY and DESIGN CONSULTANT desire to enter Amendment No. 2 to expand the scope of work, and increase compensation in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand, One Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($150,100.00), for a total compensation of Nine Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Four-Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($947,435.00); and;
NOW, THEREFORE, incorporating the foregoing recitals herein, CITY and DESIGN CONSULTANT mutually agree to amend Agreement No. 2023- 054 as follows:
1. Section 1 of Agreement No. 2023- 054 entitled “Scope of Work” is hereby amended to read as follows:
1. SCOPE OF WORK. In exchange for the Compensation (defined below), DESIGN CONSULTANT must competently and thoroughly design and engineer the Project as more specifically described in the Request, attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by ____________________________________________________
AMENDMENT #2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 2023-054
S:\Advanced Project Delivery\Projects\FY 2022-2023\T3K325 - H St Corridor Improvements\consultants\QK\Amendment\Amendment 2\Amendment No.2 to Agmt 2023-054 QK.docx -- Page 2 of 4 Pages --
reference, in DESIGN CONSULTANT’s original scope of work, attached hereto as Exhibit B, in DESIGN CONSULTANT’S additional scope of work for Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 2023 , attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein by this reference, and in in DESIGN CONSULTANT’S new additional scope of work, attached hereto as Exhibit D and incorporated herein by this reference (collectively, the project description in the Request and DESIGN CONSULTANT’s scope of work are referred to as “Scope of Work”). DESIGN CONSULTANT’s services shall include all the procedures necessary to properly complete the Scope of Work, whether specifically included in the Scope of Work or not.
2. Section 2 of Agreement No . 2023-054 entitled “ Compensation/ Payment Procedure” is hereby amended to read as follows:
2. COMPENSATION/PAYMENT PROCEDURE. In exchange for
performing the Scope of Work and subject to the terms of this section, CITY will pay DESIGN CONSULTANT as follows
(“Compensation/Payment Procedure”):
2.1 Actual Costs. CITY will reimburse DESIGN CONSULTANT's actual costs (including labor costs, employee benefits, overhead, and other direct costs) in an amount not to exceed Forty Thousand, Eight Hundred Seventy Dollars and Zero Cents
($40,870.00) exclusive of any fixed fee. Actual costs shall not exceed the estimated wage rates and other costs set forth in DESIGN CONSULTANT's cost proposal.
2.2 Fixed Fee. CITY will pay DESIGN CONSULTANT a fixed fee of Nine Hundred Six Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($906,565.00) on a monthly basis based upon the percentage of the Scope of Work completed. This fixed fee will not be altered unless there is a significant alteration in the scope, complexity, or character of the Scope of Work.
CITY will pay DESIGN CONSULTANT within 30 days after DESIGN CONSULTANT submits an itemized invoice for the portions of the Scope of Work completed and that invoice is approved by CITY . The Compensation will be the total amount paid to DESIGN CONSULTANT for performing the Scope of Work and includes, but is not limited to, all out-of-pocket costs and taxes.
CITY will pay no other compensation to DESIGN CONSULTANT . In no case will CITY compensate DESIGN CONSULTANT more than Nine Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Four-Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($947,435.00) for performing the Scope of Work.
____________________________________________________
AMENDMENT #2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 2023-054
S:\Advanced Project Delivery\Projects\FY 2022-2023\T3K325 - H St Corridor Improvements\consultants\QK\Amendment\Amendment 2\Amendment No.2 to Agmt 2023-054 QK.docx -- Page 3 of 4 Pages --
3. Except as amended herein, all other provisions of Agreement No. 2023- 054 shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No.
One to Agreement No. 2023-054 to be executed the day and year first above written.
“C
ITY” “DESIGN CONSULTANT”
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD QUAD KNOPF, INC. dba QK
By
: By:_________________________________
KAREN GOH, Mayor
Type or Print Name:
Title:
[Signatures on the following page]
AP
PROVED AS TO CONTENT:
AMBER AGUAYO
CFO/COO
____________________________________________________
AMENDMENT #2 TO AGREEMENT NO. 2023-054
S:\Advanced Project Delivery\Projects\FY 2022-2023\T3K325 - H St Corridor Improvements\consultants\QK\Amendment\Amendment 2\Amendment No.2 to Agmt 2023-054 QK.docx -- Page 4 of 4 Pages --
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
By:
ZACHARY MEYER
Public Works Director
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
VIRGINIA GENNARO
City Attorney
By:
ASHLEY ZAMBRANO
Deputy City Attorney II
Insurance: __________
COUNTERSIGNED:
By:
RANDY MCKEEGAN
Finance Director
Attachments: Exhibits A, B, C and D
H Street Corridor Enhancement Project
Public Works Department
Project Overview
• Downtown Bakersfield Corridor Enhancement Master
Plan
• Outline for unified and consistent improvements
• Support mobility options and create a safe
pedestrian environment.
• Council Priority to provide safe and accessible
corridors
• Multi-Modal Transportation & Traffic Safety
Committee
• Complete Streets Resolution No. 108-2023 and
Ordinance No. 5143
• Project aligns with Resolution and Ordinance
Project Limits
• SR58 to SR 204 (Golden State Highway)
• +/- 2.3 mi
Existing Conditions
• South of 24th Street – 4 Lanes (2 Travel Lanes in each direction)
• North of 24th Street – 3 Lanes (1 Travel Lane in each direction and a Center Turn Lane)
Why Slow Down?
• As a City, we want all members of the
community to reach their travel and
commute destinations in a safe and timely
manner
• These improvements help find a happy
medium between travel efficiency and
safety, as speed is directly correlated to the
severity of a collision
• Traffic Calming is meant to establish
compromise and accessibility to drivers,
pedestrians, and riders
Vision Zero
H Street’s Design is built on
the understanding that:
Human mistakes are inevitable
Serious crashes are preventable through better roadway design Transportation systems should be designed to reduce the severity of collisions when errors occur
Rather than placing responsibility solely on individual drivers or pedestrians, Vision Zero focuses on creating safer streets through engineering, planning, education, and policy improvements.
Vision Zero is a transportation safety approach that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while creating a safe transportation system for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists.
Public
Outreach
• Staff developed the corridor design with
community feedback and stakeholder
priorities as a guiding principle
• The design balances safety
improvements with preserving key
community amenities, including parking
and business access
• Public outreach events promote
transparency, gather valuable input, and
enhance staff understanding of
community needs
Design Input Events
12/10 – 12/12
Corridor Canvassing & Construction Awareness
City Staff/Blue Zones Staff
• 224 locations along corridor engaged
• Business/Resident Engagement
• Door Hangers for those unavailable
• Project Awareness & Invitation to the
“H Street Learning Session/Open House”
o Held at Bakersfield High School Harvey
Auditorium on Jan 06, 2026
o Focused on visual design
o Addressed Business parking and
accessibility concerns
o Defined the City’s calculated approach to
Phased Construction to minimize
interruption along corridor
o 40 total attendees
Why H Street?
• Planned Safety Improvements:
• Traffic calming and speed reduction measures
• Curb extensions, refuge islands, and protected
crossings
• Enhanced lighting and improved street visibility
• Dedicated bicycle lanes and roadway re-striping
• Pavement rehabilitation and streetscape
upgrades
• Safety Framework:
• Aligns with Vision Zero and FHWA Safe System
Approach
• Focus on reducing severe injuries and fatalities
• Separating users and reducing conflict points
• Improving visibility, reaction time, and crossing
safety
• Supporting multimodal transportation options
Traffic safety data from Public Works, Bakersfield Police Department, and statewide TIMS identifies H Street as a high-priority safety corridor Key concerns include high crash history, limited pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and reduced walkability and livability Corridor serves as an important gateway into Downtown Bakersfield and aligns with broader downtown improvement efforts Collision Data (2020–2025 TIMS):
67 vehicle crashes (0
fatalities, 67 injuries)
7 bicycle crashes (1
fatality, 6 injuries)
18 pedestrian crashes (1
fatality, 3 severe injuries,
14 injuries)
BPD Data (5-year period):
319 total collisions
between Brundage Lane
and SR 204
~5.3 collisions per
month (~143.5 per mile)
3-Lane Roads – Safer?
Converting an undivided 4-lane road to a 3-
lane road is a proven traffic engineering
countermeasure known as a "Road Diet." It
improves safety by offering the following
advantages:.
Fewer Conflict Points: On a 4-lane road,
vehicles constantly weave between lanes
to bypass cars waiting to turn left. A 3-
lane layout eliminates this by giving left-
turning drivers a dedicated center lane.
Reduced Speeds: The shared psychology
of narrower lanes naturally slows
vehicles down, significantly lowering the
fatality rate in the event a crash does
happen.
Easier Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrians
only must cross one lane of active traffic
at a time, and a center lane often acts as
a refuge island.
What about Traffic?
Reducing a roadway to one through lane in each direction does not necessarily lead to gridlock. In many cases, studies show that traffic volumes (AADT) stay the same—or even increase—after a three-lane road conversion.
Although a roadway may have four travel lanes, driver behavior often results in three-lane operations, with motorists avoiding lanes that are susceptible to delays from left-turning vehicles.
Capacity Considerations: Daily traffic volumes are an important consideration when evaluating a road diet. Corridors carrying approximately 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day are often good candidates, as intersection performance—not roadway segment capacity—typically dictates overall traffic operations.
Project Approval Timeline
October 08, 2024 – H Street Funding and improvements presented to the Multi-Modal and Traffic Safety Committee CMAQ Application Resolution of Local Support No. 090-2023 approved on June 28, 2023 Design Consultant Agreement No. 2023-054 approved for Design Services on February 22, 2023 Details discussed with Planning Commission as part of the budget approval process on June 2, 2022 and June 20, 2024 ATP Application Resolution of Local Support No. 095-2022 approved on June 01, 2022 Funding
Active Transportation
Program - $3,154,000
Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality Grant
Program -
$11,059,158
Construction
• The H Street Complete Streets Project has completed the design phase and is moving into construction • Construction is currently scheduled to begin in Summer 2026 and last approximately one year • The project followed planning, engineering, public outreach, and interagency coordination to address long-standing safety and mobility needs
Construction will be completed in 4 phases to minimize impacts to residents, businesses, schools, and traffic circulation Final construction sequencing will continue to be refined in coordination with utilities, stakeholders, and traffic management planning ahead of mobilization
Southern Corridor (SR 58 to
California Ave)
Lane reconfiguration
Bicycle lane installation
Pedestrian crossing improvements
ADA accessibility upgrades
Bakersfield High School Adjacent
(California Ave to Truxtun Ave)
Streetscape improvements
Lighting and landscaping
enhancements
Improved pedestrian crossings
Traffic calming features
Central Downtown (Truxtun Ave to
24th St )
Intersection improvements
Buffered bicycle lanes
Final striping and signage
Northern Corridor (24th St to SR 204)
Intersection improvements
Buffered bicycle lanes
Final striping and signage
Design Features
Design Features
Implementation Examples
This former 4-lane road transformed into a 2-lane road, plus a center turn lane with bike lanes.
The bike lanes create an added buffer to the sidewalk, allow a greater turning radius, and opening up sight lines.
Motorists benefit from less speeding and an overall crash reduction of 19-78%.
Crossing islands can be added, providing pedestrian refuge.
Bulb Outs (Venice, Florida)
West Lancaster Blvd Road
Diet (Lancaster, CA)
• 4 to 2 Lanes
• Added Landscaping
• More than $273 million in total economic
output
• Collisions fell by 1/3
• Injuries fell by 2/3
Orlando, Florida
Edgewater Drive
Road Diet
• 1.6 miles converted from 4 to 3 lanes
• 2 Driving Lanes
• 1 Center Turn Lane
• Addition of Bike Lanes
• Crash rate cut in half
• Substantial (70-80%) property value increase
Economic Prosperity (University Place, Washington)