The Bakersfield City Council convened on June 11, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on housing, community services, and public safety funding. The meeting featured a series of public comments highlighting concerns over budget allocations and the impact on the community.

The first speaker, Mr. De La Rosa, emphasized the need for transparency regarding tax dollar usage, particularly in relation to the $852 million budget for operating and capital expenses. He pointed out a significant reduction in funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which dropped from $3 million to $500,000, raising alarms about the city's commitment to addressing the growing unhoused population.

Ash Huang, a representative from the ACLU, echoed these concerns, urging the council to allocate more funds to combat the housing crisis. Huang noted that the unhoused population in Bakersfield has tripled since 2018, attributing this increase to rising rents and a lack of affordable housing. Huang criticized the budget's disproportionate allocation to the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), which is set to receive a $12 million increase, while community development funding faces cuts.

Rosa, a resident of Ward 2, called for a more inclusive budget process, arguing that the current approach lacks transparency and fails to prioritize community needs. She urged the council to reconsider its budget priorities, which she believes favor policing over essential social services.

Several speakers, including Valeria Garcia and Dr. Nora Cisneros, reinforced the call for increased funding for mental health services, youth programs, and affordable housing. They criticized the reliance on police as a solution to social issues, advocating for a shift towards community-based support systems.

The meeting also included comments from local business owners, such as Daniel Betts, who requested continued funding for grant programs to support small businesses and community revitalization efforts.

In conclusion, the City Council meeting highlighted a growing concern among residents regarding budget priorities, particularly the allocation of funds towards policing versus community services. The public's call for increased investment in affordable housing and social programs reflects a desire for a more equitable approach to addressing the city's challenges. The council is expected to consider these public comments as they finalize the budget in the coming weeks.