AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
August 26, 2026 COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
APPOINTMENTS
Nothing to report
REGULAR MEETING – 5:15 PM
RESOLUTIONS
Item 6.d.2 Climate Bond Grant Funds for the Urban Greening Program (Ward 2) In 2026, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) announced funding availability through the Urban Greening Grant Program to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing multiple environmental and community benefits. Consistent with program requirements, eligible projects must establish or enhance parks and green spaces, expand urban tree canopy, utilize nature-based solutions to improve air and water quality, reduce energy consumption, or create more walkable and bikeable communities. In July 2026, the City of Bakersfield submitted a concept proposal for the Central City Corridor Tree Canopy Project, requesting $1,750,000 in Urban Greening Grant Program funding. The proposed project represents the second major phase of implementation of the City's 2024 Central City Tree Plan and will enhance two key downtown corridors: Chester Avenue from Brundage Lane to Truxtun Avenue and Truxtun Avenue from Myrtle Street to V Street. Approval authorizes the City to continue pursuing grant funding through the California Natural Resources Agency's Urban Greening Grant Program. If awarded, the grant would fund $1,750,000 of the project's estimated $16 million total cost, with the remaining balance funded through existing City Federal/State Road Funds, Capital Outlay Funds, and PSVS Capital Outlay Funds.
PUBLIC SAFETY/VITAL SERVICES MEASURE
Item 6.j.1 Master Memorandum of Understanding with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (All Wards) The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) and Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (Kern BHRS) are using innovative strategies to partner on handling behavioral health (BH) matters in our community by establishing a Homeless Co-Response Program focusing on those suffering from mental health issues who are also experiencing homelessness.
Homeless Co-Response units consist of a police officer and a BH Clinician working together in the field. These teams can increase service capacity, decrease response times, and increase efficiency while also increasing the likelihood of obtaining a positive resolution. The BPD and Kern BHRS conducted a pilot program, and during this pilot program, one clinician diverted approximately 70% of the 600-plus assigned calls, preventing a police officer response over 480 times to non-emergency calls. The City now desires to enter into a new agreement with Kern BHRS in the amount of $413,000 and a term date of June 30, 2027, for joint provision of services for the Communications Center, Homeless Co Response Program, Mobile Crisis Response, Crisis Intervention Team, and Traditional MET Programs with the Bakersfield Police Department.
Sufficient funds are budgeted and available within the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to fully fund
the total cost associated.
Item 6.j.2 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-196 with Flood Ministries (All Wards) On October 8, 2025, the City entered into Agreement 2025-196 with Flood Ministries to administer and operate the Community Vitality and Family Reunification (CVFR) Initiative. The program helps individuals experiencing homelessness reunite with family, friends, or other support networks by providing services such as transportation. The initiative prioritizes reunifying individuals experiencing homelessness with family and loved ones within and outside the Continuum of Care’s (CoC) boundary. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 2025-196 will increase compensation by $300,000 for one additional year of service, bringing the total compensation to $600,000 for two years of service, and extend the agreement term through December 31, 2027.
As part of FY 26-27, City Council approved $300,000 of Public Safety and Vital Services funding to the Community Vitality and Family Reunification Initiative.
NEW BUSINESS
Item 11.a Contingency Funds for Clean Cities Special Project (Ward 1) The City has been engaged in a multi-departmental effort called our Clean City Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to create a clean city throughout our community through programs like neighborhood clean-ups, adopt-a-park, and private contracts for litter and debris removal. The Clean City Team has verified a site of over 50 acres in the Southeast part of the City, located South of Brook Street, East of Hale Street, and adjacent to East Planz Avenue. This is a chronic illegal dumping site that has a history of Code violations. The Clean City Team has engaged a private vendor to assist in the cleanup. Combining this assistance with funds from Code Enforcement and the additional recommended contingency funds would allow the City enough resources to remove accumulated trash and debris, conduct a thorough cleanup of the property, and coordinate appropriate outreach and enforcement efforts to address individuals experiencing homelessness who are currently occupying the site. The goal is to restore the property to a clean condition while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with available services and resources. The City team is also working with the new property owners, and they will share in the cost of major clean-up. In addition to the initial cleanup, staff recommends that a portion of the funding be used to secure the site and prevent the conditions from recurring. Approval of the $500,000 appropriation from the Capital Improvement Project Contingency set aside by Council in the current fiscal year would provide the City with the resources necessary to address the immediate conditions while establishing a longer-term strategy for maintaining the site.
Prepared by:
Alex Hinojosa, Management Assistant CC: Department Heads City Manager’s File
City Clerk’s File
News Media File