About Arvin:

The City of Arvin, known as “The Garden in the Sun,” is situated in one of the most fertile and productive agricultural areas of California. This small city is committed to making huge strides to address challenges related to air quality, clean energy and economic development.   

• Population: 20,328 (2015)
• Location: Kern County
• Area: 4.9 square miles
• Disadvantaged community: 25%
• Poverty rate: 27.5%
• Median household income: $36,789
• Language other than English spoken at home: 88.2%

BOOST Activities:

• Identify grant opportunities and provide application assistance for housing, clean energy, economic development and climate projects
• Explore opportunities for solar installation on all city buildings
• Expand clean energy opportunities in the community
• Facilitate placement of CivicSpark Fellow 

BOOST Successes:

ILG helped the City of Arvin plan the Arvin Clean Energy Fair. The energy fair was postponed due to COVID-19, but is still slated to be held once restrictions are lifted. Through a partnership with GRID Alternatives, the BOOST Program brought free solar installations to low-income community members and expanded clean transportation opportunities by piloting a clean mobility needs assessment. ILG connected Arvin with Self Help Enterprises to apply for and administer CARES Act funding to local businesses and residents to prevent continued economic disruption and displacement in a severely disadvantaged community. Arvin was awarded approximately $300,000 in CARES Act funding and CDBG Coronavirus Response funding.