Bakersfield City Council - May 13th, 2026 Meetings

The City of Bakersfield City Council held a regular meeting on May 13, 2026, which included significant discussions on housing and sewer infrastructure funding. A major focus was the presentation and review of the city's certified sixth cycle housing element, highlighting the challenges of meeting state-mandated housing unit goals and compliance-driven policy changes. Staff reported a need for approximately $26 million in funding and additional staffing to address these housing goals and compliance requirements. The council also conducted a public hearing on a proposed sewer rate increase, which would raise rates from $247 to $875 annually over five years to address aging infrastructure, capital improvement costs, and regulatory burdens. The rate increase faced public opposition due to concerns about affordability, especially for seniors and renters. Alternative proposals, including bond financing to reduce rate hikes, were presented by county representatives. The council voted to continue the sewer rate discussion to allow further staff analysis of alternative scenarios. Additionally, the council considered amendments to the permanent local housing allocation 5-year plan to direct funds toward affordable housing development. No final vote on the sewer rate increase was taken at this meeting, but motions related to housing element compliance and public hearing procedures were approved.