MISSION STATEMENT
The Mayor and Council members work together as a team, representing all Merced constituents, in order to make Merced a city which:
Maintains a high quality of life for its citizens;
Demonstrates a positive attitude and approach in dealing with all segments of the community; Shows sensitivity and awareness of community needs and issues; Respects the diversity of its community;
Develops creative and affordable solutions and alternatives to meet community needs; Is service-oriented, efficient, and progressive in its approach to problem resolution and use of resources;
Offers economic development opportunities beneficial to its citizens; Maximizes teamwork and encourages individual involvement and personal growth, so that the community achieves its goals and contributes to society as a whole; and, Creates and maintains an enjoyable atmosphere in which to live and work. 2025/2026
MERCED CITY COUNCIL
GOALS AND PRIORITIES
CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
The following City Council subcommittees provide focused oversight and strategic recommendations to inform the City ofMerced’s decisions in key areas such as public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and housing Budget - Reviews the city’s annual budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and financial sustainabilityDowntown - Focuses on downtown revitalization to boost economy, livability, and community engagementEconomic Development - Works on business attraction, job creation, and fostering economic growth.Ethics and Governance - Ensures transparency, ethical behavior, and accountability in city government.Finance - Oversees the city’s budget, financial health, and fiscal policies.Housing and Planning - Focuses on housing development, zoning, and urban growth management.Public Safety - Addresses policing, fire services, and emergency preparedness.Public Works - Oversees infrastructure, roadways, utilities, and facility maintenance.Recreation and Parks - Focuses on parks, recreational programs, and community spaces.South Merced - Addresses issues specific to the South Merced area, including infrastructure and economic development.Transportation - Reviews engineering aspects of public infrastructure projects.Utilities - Oversees the provision, maintenance, and planning of essential utility services
GOVERNANCE
Foster community well-being, inclusive services, and enhanced quality of life in Merced. 5-Year Strategic PlanTree City, Prohousing City, All America City Financial Stability PlanEnsure the city’s long-term financial healthDevelop strategies to reduce costs or increase revenueRevise city utility ratesAdjust user and application fees Transparency & Open CommunicationOpen communication with residents 2025/2026
MERCED CITY COUNCIL
GOALS AND PRIORITIES
Ethics & Governance InitiativesPromote ethical leadership and practicesReview Council Code of Conduct Public Document ArchiveMake resolutions, ordinances, and contracts accessible In-House Hiring & DevelopmentExpand internal expertise (Legal Counsel, Engineering) Reinvest in Transparent, Ethical LeadershipEnsure accountability and trust in leadership Subcommittees
Ethics and Governance
Budget
Utilities
QUALITY OF LIFE
Improve Merced’s quality of life through enhanced services, housing, infrastructure, parks, open space, and transportation.
Affordable Housing Development
Support housing growth by facilitating the acquisition of development grants for affordable housing projects and
focusing on targeted infill development.
Support affordable housing initiatives and smart growth strategies
General Plan Update
Integrate updated housing element with long-term
community goals
Align land use, transportation, and infrastructure
planning
Support business development through streamlined
permitting and zoning flexibility
Housing Element
Review codes and standards to promote prohousing
policies
Pedestrian & Traffic Safety and Infrastructure
Improvements
Enhance safety and usability through improved
signage, crossings, enforcement, and lighting in
parks and streets.
Crosswalks: Elevated & Bike Lane Separation
Enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety
Lights: Park & Street Improvements
Safety and usability through improved lighting
Subcommittees
Public Safety
Housing & Planning
Transportation
QUALITY OF LIFE
Enhance Merced’s quality of life by fostering vibrant parks, accessible open spaces, and enriching community services for all.
Parks: Cleanliness & SafetyImprove maintenance, lighting, and access Improved Park MaintenanceBackboards, ivy removal, general upkeep Parks & Open SpaceCreation and long-term care of green spaces Dog Park DevelopmentBuild or upgrade facilities for pets Fahrens Bike Park DevelopmentRecreational expansion for cyclists Park ImprovementsOptions to support ongoing investments in upgradesand the completion of new parks Subcommittees
Recreation & Parks
Public Safety
South Merced
Downtown
Arts & Entertainment ExpansionExpand cultural programming and events to engage thecommunity.Foster local art initiatives and enhance the city’s visualappeal.Support the development and promotion of artsdistricts.
Youth & Teen ActivitiesExpand programs and recreational opportunities Recreation/Public Safety PartnershipJoint programs with recreation for safer spaces Recreation Access & EquityEnsure availability of services across all neighborhoods Community FacilitiesYouth, senior, and multigenerational centers
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Boost economic growth by supporting local businesses, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and tourism.
Economic RoundtableFacilitate dialogue among businesses, investors, andcontractors Grocery Store AccessSupport the development of additional groceryoptions to improve affordability through marketcompetition Business Park InvestmentSupport infrastructure to attract development Downtown & Small Business DevelopmentRevitalize and promote local commerceSupport existing businesses with growth planning Job Creation Centers & Business ClustersCreate pathways for local employmentEncourage innovation and employment hubsSupport workforce development initiatives Tourism Development (TBID)Strengthen marketing and events to boost tourism Business Recruitment StrategyAttract key industries to the regionProfessional support to guide strategyExpand local healthcare and wellness services Jumpstart Local EconomySupport growth through sales tax generation Conduct Business SurveysEngage with retailers, developers, property owners High-Speed Rail ProjectContinue support and development Street Vendor OrdinanceClarify rules for safe and fair commerce Living ExpensesStrategies to improve affordability
UC Merced CollaborationEnhance economic synergy with the university Subcommittees
Economic Development
South Merced
PUBLIC SAFETY
Strengthen community safety through responsive services, integrated policing, and active engagement.
Safe DowntownExpand DART and law enforcement visibility Homelessness CoordinationStrategic services for transient populations Department Leadership StabilityEnsure strong and consistent leadership Real-Time Crime CenterModern monitoring and prevention strategies Mobile & Pole Camera InstallationsProtect infrastructure and improve security Crime Prevention StrategiesProactive community-based solutions School District SafetyCollaborate to ensure student protection Community Services Officers ExpansionAdd staff for non-sworn enforcement roles Promote Pedestrian and Road Safety
Implement traffic calming measures like speed humps
and road narrowing to reduce speeding.
Support red light cameras and traffic law enforcement
to improve driver compliance.
Crosswalk and pedestrian safety tools
Improve signage, crossings, enforcement
Coffee and Campus Parkway ADA & Pedestrian
Crossing
New Police & Fire Station Planning
Prepare for future service needs
Fire & Police Equipment Replacement
Accelerate upgrade cycles
Code Enforcement Strengthening
Improve neighborhood safety and compliance
Red Light Camera Expansion
Continue use to promote road safety
Subcommittee
Public Safety
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Strategically invest in community development, including CIP initiatives, to enhance Merced's quality of life.
Roads: Comprehensive MaintenanceCitywide upgrades and resurfacingRoads and infrastructure improvements to support growthand ensure a strong transportation base for commerce Greywater Pilot ProgramEnvironmental resource conservation More Public Restrooms & Drinking FountainsEnhance accessibility and sanitation Campus Parkway ProjectsSupport community access and infrastructure Core Infrastructure InvestmentPrioritize essential services and reliability Planning & Infrastructure FocusEfficient land use, vibrant neighborhoods, and balancedinvestment across city services Community Investment through Strategic PlanningAlign budgeting with resident needs Community Engagement ProjectsInvolve residents in city beautification and upkeep Charging Stations ExpansionSupport for electric vehicle infrastructure Street for Safety & LivabilityImprove neighborhood walkability Welcome to Merced Arch ProjectIconic signage for civic pride Subcommittees
Public Safety
Transportation
South Merced
Planning
Utilities