6th Cycle Housing Element 2023-2031

The City of Bakersfield is seeking to amend its General Plan by updating the 6th Cycle Housing Element for the period 2023 to 2031, which serves as a policy framework to identify current and future housing needs and to establish strategies and programs to meet those needs across all income levels. This amendment is a regulatory and planning update that does not involve any physical construction, development, or land use changes, nor does it propose or approve any specific projects. The focus is solely on refining policy direction to align with state housing mandates and regional objectives, ensuring the city remains compliant with housing element requirements without triggering environmental review under CEQA, since no physical changes to the environment are anticipated. The initiative is led by the City of Bakersfield in California, with Jose Fernandez, Associate Planner, serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries. The update is part of the state-mandated cycle for housing planning, requiring municipalities to regularly assess housing demand and develop actionable policies to address shortages and inequities. While the Housing Element itself is a non-developmental document, its adoption is critical for the city’s eligibility for state funding and compliance with housing law. The project was posted on September 5, 2025, and related information can be accessed through the state’s CEQANet portal, though no solicitation number or NAICS code has been assigned as this is a forecasted planning action, not a bidding or procurement event.