ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 26, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager
DATE: August 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution Approving the Application for Climate Bond Grant Funds for the Urban Greening Program
Ward 2
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
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 t he 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.
The proposed project includes the planting of approximately 435 clim ate-ready trees and 3,500 shrubs, perennials, and grasses, installation of approximately 30,000 square feet of bioswales, conversion of turf to drought -tolerant landscaping, smart irrigation improvements, and replacement of failing trees identified by a certified arborist. These improvements are intended to significantly expand the City's urban tree canopy, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, enhance stormwater management, sequester carbon, and create a more comfortable and walkable do wntown environment for residents, employees, and visitors.
The project is located within Bakersfield's Central City, an area identified as both a disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged community with tree canopy coverage of less than one percent and som e of the highest environmental and heat burdens in California. By increasing shade along heavily traveled pedestrian, bicycle, and transit corridors, the project will provide meaningful and direct climate resilience benefits while supporting the City's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and preparing for increased activity associated with the future California High-Speed Rail station.
As part of the application process, the Urban Greening Grant Program requires the governing body to adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of the grant application and designating the City Manager,
or designee, to execute all grant -related documents. Adoption of the attached resolution satisfies this program requirement and authorizes the City to continue pursuing funding for the Central City Corridor Tree Canopy Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution