Bakersfield council approves $738,363 HOME‑ARP award for 8‑unit project, amends security contract and continues down‑payment assistance item

The Bakersfield City Council on Wednesday approved a $738,363 HOME‑ARP allocation for an eight‑unit affordable housing project at 1209 M Street and took several other administrative actions, including adopting an amendment to the City Guard security agreement and continuing consideration of changes to the city's down‑payment assistance program.

Councilmember Gonzales described the housing agreement with Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc. and said the project advances the city’s affordable‑housing goals. "So that is $92,295 per unit," Gonzales said while reviewing the budget for the two fourplexes. City staff confirmed the project totals eight units and therefore is not subject to prevailing‑wage requirements. The council approved the motion to adopt the agreement; the vote carried with Councilmember Weir recorded as absent.

The council also addressed a routine housing assistance program. Councilmember Smith moved to continue the down‑payment assistance item so staff can reassess the purchase‑price cap, which at the meeting was cited as $385,700. The motion to continue was adopted with Councilmember Weir absent.

On public safety, the council adopted an amendment to the City Guard contract — a private security firm that supplements Bakersfield Police Department activities in targeted areas. Councilmember Gonzales praised the company’s responsiveness, relaying an anecdote about a City Guard representative checking on a neighborhood on Christmas Day. The amendment was approved with Councilmember Weir absent.

Votes at a glance:
• 7E3 — HOME‑ARP agreement with Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc. (1209 M Street): motion to adopt approved; funding allocated $738,363 for eight units; outcome: approved (tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1).
• 7E4 — Down‑payment assistance program: motion to continue for further staff review; outcome: continued (tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1).
• 7I2 — Amendment to City Guard agreement (public safety): motion to adopt approved; outcome: approved (tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1).

What happens next: Staff will proceed with executing the HOME‑ARP agreement for the 1209 M Street project and return on schedule with updates as required by funding conditions. The down‑payment assistance item will return for further discussion after staff review of price‑cap parameters. The City Guard amendment will be implemented under the terms the council approved.

— Reporting by the Bakersfield City Council meeting transcript