Bakersfield, California Development News

Public Input Sought on $500,000 Tree Planting Funds and General Plan Deadline Extension

The City Council meeting included public comments regarding the allocation of $500,000 for tree planting. Eddie Lane from the Sierra Club advocated for the funds to be placed in a separate urban greening capital expenditure account with monthly reporting and for a community-based plan to be developed through the Safe and Neighborhoods Committee, emphasizing public input and community settings. He suggested a plan could be developed by October 15th and requested a report on funds used for tree planting in 2025-2026. Abby Power, a policy advocate with the Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, expressed support for community listening sessions and including community input in the plan for the $500,000 tree planting funds. She suggested holding multiple accessible meetings (e.g., 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) in community centers or schools, with virtual participation options. Power also commented on the General Plan, requesting an extension of the comment deadline due to its late release and requesting translations into Spanish and Punjabi.