BAKERSFIELD, Cali. — It was standing room only Wednesday night in downtown Bakersfield as local residents and business owners addressed the city council over concerns of homelessness throughout the city.

Before city officials presented their strategic plan regarding homelessness, the council unanimously approved a new city logo and branding. The new branding is centered around the phrase "The Sound of Something Better."

The Council acknowledged the growing crisis of homelessness in the city and greater Bakersfield citing a November 7, 2018 meeting when they declared a homeless crisis in Bakersfield.

City officials presented 4 action steps for the council's approval.

1. Downtown Cleaning -- directing staff to return to Council with a contract for Downtown cleaning service.
2. Private Security -- that will work in conjunction with the Bakersfield Police Department and report to new zone officials with BPD. The staff will return to Council with a contract for private security services.
3. Homeless Collaborative -- Direct staff to return to Council with a bugdet appropriation ($155,000) to support the new staff for the Homeless Collaborative.
4. Emergency Shelter -- Direct staff to return to Council with a purchase or Lease Contract for a recommendation property.

City Council unanimously approved the next steps to be presented at the next meeting on Wednesday, September 25th, 2019.