Council approves community-engagement agreement tied to $22.1 million Transformative Climate Communities grant; city contests federal contract change

The Bakersfield City Council voted to approve an agreement with the Bakersfield Senior Center (item 7E3) to carry out community engagement work required by a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant awarded to Southeast Bakersfield.

Council member Gonzales described a 2023 award of $22,100,000 to a collaborative called Southeast Strong, saying the funds will be invested in Southeast Bakersfield and that multiple community partners will carry out engagement and project work. City Manager Clegg said the grant requires a robust community engagement plan and that the city has contracted with a dozen or more local entities to represent community interests and deliver services.

Council member Gonzales also noted other federal support: she said the city received a separate $20,000,000 federal award — referenced in the meeting as a Community Change grant — intended to fund improvements such as enhanced street lighting and pedestrian safety on P Street. Clegg said the federal agency later unilaterally changed language in that contract and notified the city that the award was at risk of termination; the city has filed a protest and is pursuing an appeal process and has raised the issue with congressional and senate representatives.

A motion to approve item 7E3 was made and passed; the clerk recorded the motion as approved with Council member Arias absent.

Council members and staff said additional, similar agreements tied to the TCC program will appear on future agendas as the city implements the community engagement plan.