ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gary Hallen, Assistant City Manager
DATE: September 8, 2026
SUBJECT: KernGRIT Land Asset, Manufacturing, and Workforce Strategy (All Wards)
1. Agreement with Newmark Global Strategy (not to exceed $235,000) to develop the KernGRIT Land Asset, Manufacturing, and Workforce Strategy;
2. Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2026-058 to extend the term from September 30, 2026 to April 30, 2027;
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Agreement and the Amendment.
BACKGROUND:
The California Jobs First Catalyst Program supports regional activities that advance job creation, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth. Kern Community College District serves as fiscal agent for the Kern Region. In October 2025, the Kern Coalition selected the Kern Growth, Resilience, Innovation, and Technology (KernGRIT) Initiative for funding. Led by Project Development Solutions, Inc. (PDS), KernGRIT is intended to advance clean energy innovation and strengthen the region's competitiveness for business investment.
The City was identified as a KernGRIT subrecipient responsible for implementing portions of the approved scope of work. Under MOU No. 2026-058, effective December 1, 2025, PDS allocated the City a subaward not to exceed $245,000. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for allowable direct costs tied to approved deliverables. The City's work will connect industrial land assets and workforce capabilities with clean energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other job-generating industries.
On April 10, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals seeking qualified consulting services for an integrated land asset, manufacturing, and workforce strategy. Three proposals were received and scored based on qualifications and experience, project understanding, alignment with the City's vision, approach and methodology, and timeline of milestones. Newmark Global Strategy was identified as the most qualified firm.
Newmark's four -phase scope covers project initiation, a land asset and manufacturing strategy, a workforce assessment, and an implementation roadmap. Drawing on its site selection, workforce development, and prior Bakersfield experience, Newmark will evaluate industrial sites and infrastructure readiness, identify target end -user requirements, assess workforce programs and gaps, engage stakeholders, and develop prioritized recommendations and performance measures. The final strategy will help the City improve site readiness, align workforce investments with target industries, and attract private investment.
Approval of this item will authorize staff and Newmark Global Strategy to begin the study, and extend the term of the MOU 2026-058 between the City of Bakersfield and PDS to allow adequate time to complete the study.
FISCAL IMPACT: The $235,000 agreement will be funded through the California Jobs First Catalyst Program allocation under MOU No. 2026-058. No General Fund impact is anticipated.
COUNCIL GOAL: Economic Opportunity for All
Ward: All
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement for KernGRIT Land Asset, Manufacturing, and Workforce Strategy
2. Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding 2026-058