ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - PSVS TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: July 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Economic Opportunity Area Grant Agreement with Arts Council of Kern (not to exceed $38,460) for site improvements that support reuse of a previously vacant structure. (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
Adopted in 2016, the City of Bakersfield’s Economic Opportunity Area (EOA) Plan is a locally initiated program that uses public tax dollars to promote economic growth within specific geographic areas of Bakersfield. Implementation of the Plan is anticipated to facilitate increased private sector investment that will in turn create more tax revenue, promote business growth, and generate new jobs.
On March 26, 2025, City Council approved an EOA Grant Agreement No. 2025-054 in the amount of $116,500 for the Arts Council of Kern (ACOK) for site improvements, which included fire sprinklers, alarms, water connection fees and permits, was expected to be completed by the original term of May 1, 2026. Due to the building’s age and unforeseen delays, the project was not completed by the original deadline, and the agreement has since expired, leaving a balance of $22,237.29.
The property at which ACOK operates is owned by Blue Boar LLC, which previously received its own EOA grant under Agreement No. ED26-008. At Blue Boar LLC’s request, this agreement was terminated in June of 2026, leaving a remaining balance of $16,222.71. To further assist ACOK with the completion of their original project, both parties now desire to reallocate these unspent funds.
This agreement would increase ACOK’s compensation by $38,460, providing the necessary resources to finish the fire sprinkler project, and extend the time for completion of the project to December 31, 2026.
Completion of these safety upgrades will increase the building’s occupancy limits and allow for more community services and events. Therefore, City Staff recommends approval of the grant agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This EOA project was budgeted in previous fiscal years. No new funding is being requested.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Economic Opportunity for All
Improving Community Character and Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement