HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 18 - Akoma Unity Center AgreementLease Renewal Negotiations with
Akoma Unity Center, Inc.
Tanya Romo, Deputy City Manager
Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
April 15, 2026
Background
On July 1, 2018, the City authorized an agreement with Akoma Unity Center for use of
Anne Shirrells Community Center from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.
On January 15, 2020, the City authorized an amendment extending the lease agreement
for Three (3) years with Two (2) One-year options extending the lease through June 30,
2026.
Current lease rate is set at $2,000 per month.
Akoma Unity Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth and
families through a wide range of supportive programs and services. These services are offered
at low or no cost to ensure accessibility for the community.
Akoma currently operates under a funding and operating agreement with the San Bernardino
City Unified School District, providing services to students through June 2026. The organization
plans to return to the School Board to seek an extension of this agreement and continue
delivering critical support to students and families.
Services include, but are not limited to:
•Afterschool Programming & Summer Day Camps
•Mentorships
•Agricultural Lab
•Community Garden
•Teen Mental Health Support
•Robotics Program
Community Impact
Akoma Unity Center seeks a new multi-year lease agreement to continue operations
at the Anne Shirrells Community Center and meet grant funding requirements.
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council authorizes the City Manager to
proceed with lease renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center.
•The City Manager’s office recommends proceeding based on a combination
of the services being provided, the Center desiring to continue, the
partnership with the school and the level of rent received.
Alternate Option: If the Council elects to pursue a Request for Proposals (RFP)
process, staff recommends approving a six-month lease extension to ensure
programs and services continue during the process.
Request & Recommendation
Questions?