HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 077-2020RESOLUTION NO. 077-2020
RESOLUTION OF THE BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING A
TWO-YEAR EXTENSION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SB -743.
WHEREAS, the State of California is experiencing a growing number of homeless
citizens who cannot afford the cost of housing in the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is also struggling to provide affordable housing to
those in need of affordable housing opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in unemployment and
subsequent negative economic impacts that further adversely effect the vitality of the
City of Bakersfield, the Central Valley and the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the State of California, by implementing SB -743 on July 1, 2020, adds
additional costs to the construction of housing, exacerbating the housing crisis the State
is currently is struggling to resolve; and
WHEREAS, VMT builds impenetrable barriers to the creation of jobs, housing and
infrastructure development in communities because it imposes costly and unnecessary
requirements that new development must achieve an at least 15 percent reduction in
Vehicle Miles Traveled, as recommended by OPR in a technical advisory; and
WHEREAS, in making new housing more expensive by imposing Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT) reduction requirements, SB -743 will further limit the construction of
housing, including affordable housing, for the residents of California; and
WHEREAS, the California Building Industry Association estimates that 10,000
Californians are priced out of a home for each $1,000 added to the overall cost; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bakersfield is negatively impacted by the implementation of
the VMT standards created by SB -743 because of the additional construction costs
added to the price of housing and the subsequent adverse impact on homelessness,
affordable housing and the economic vitality of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bakersfield is compelled by duty and
honor to fight and oppose anything that might stand in the way of the prosperity of its
citizens, businesses and workers during this period of unprecedented crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Bakersfield City Council that
implementation of the VMT standard as recommended by Governor's Office of Planning
and Research should be delayed for two years so that the disastrous effects of the
COVID-19 recession have subsided enough to safely pursue a sensible path forward that
benefits Bakersfield citizens, businesses and workers, the Central Valley region and the
State of California overall.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the
Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting held on
JUN 2 6 2020 , by the following vote:
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
VE COUNCILMEMBER: RIVERAGNO/NZALES, WEIR, SMITH, FREEMAN, SULLIVAN, PARLIER
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: 1IVV
ABSTAIN'. COUNCILMEMBER:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER:
LIE DRIMAKIS, CMC
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of the
Council of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED JUN 2 6 2020
7
KAREN GOH
MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED as to form:
VIRGINIA GENNARO
City Attorne
By:
VIRIDIANA ALLARDO-KING /
Deputy City Attorney
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