On May 10, 2023, City Council approved the funding request by the Housing Authority of the County of Kern (Authority) through Agreement 2023-110 for the Renaissance at Baker project. The Authority was awarded funding from Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC), as well as HOME, Public Safety and Vital Services (PSVS), and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Upon review by the Housing and Community Development Department of the State of California, they requested that Resolution 096-2021 be superseded by the resolution presented in this staff report to approve the Standard Agreement for the AHSC and Accelerator funds.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Administered by the Strategic Growth Council through the Department of Housing and Community Development, the AHSC funds programs with multiple intertwined pieces, including affordable housing development, active transportation improvements, public transit improvements, and support programming for job training and active transportation programs.
To assist the Renaissance at Baker development and provide cohesive improvements to the area, the City of Bakersfield applied as a joint applicant with the development team for the upcoming round of the AHSC funds. The application proposed to incorporate the following components:
- A permanent financing loan to support the development of affordable housing.
- A grant to the City of Bakersfield to finance complete street improvements along Baker Street from Monterey Street to 21st Street and an extension of the Class IV cycle track from Beale Avenue to Baker Street.
- A grant to support public transit improvements in the area, including bus shelter improvements and ADA connectivity improvements surrounding the shelter areas.
- Programming components to support the application, including workforce development programs and bicycle education courses.
The resolution authorizing the application will allow city staff to join the Authority as a joint applicant and enter into an agreement with the Strategic Growth Council to secure financing for the improvements. For the purpose of the application, the City would be responsible for completing any proposed improvements within the public right-of-way, including landscaping and any bike and pedestrian improvements.
CONCLUSION
The project helps the City meet its affordable housing needs and complete the final component of the Baker Street Revitalization Plan. The project aligns with the City of Bakersfield’s Consolidated Plan 2025 goal of providing decent and affordable housing and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Public Safety and Vital Services Measure. Approving the items before City Council will authorize staff to continue working with the Authority's team to complete the undertaking and move the project towards development.