Submit Date: Jul 28, 2026
First Name
Middle
Initial
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Employer
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Street Address
Suite or Apt
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City of Merced - Boards & Commissions
Profile
Are you 18 years of age or older? (Required)
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you live within the City Limits of Merced? (Required)
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter in the City of Merced? (Required)
Yes
No
Which Council district do you live in?
*
District 6
Are you currently serving on a Board or Commission? If so, please list:
No
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Highest Level of Education Completed:
*
Bachelor's Degree
Jose
L
Nava
Zoox, Inc
R&D Robotaxi Operations
Supervisor
Jose L Nava
Communication
The City of Merced uses email as a preferred method of communication regarding your application.
Is this acceptable to you?
Yes
No
If you selected no, please identify how you would like to be contacted:
Interests & Experiences
Tell us about yourself, and why you are applying for this particular Board or Commission:
My background bridges the intersection of public policy, operational leadership, and community engagement. Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and am actively pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations, which has provided me with a strong foundation in governance, systemic analysis, and civic responsibility. Professionally, my career in the autonomous vehicle industry—specifically through leadership roles as a Vehicle Operations Supervisor at Zoox and a Specialist at Plus AI—has honed my ability to manage complex, forward-looking projects within highly regulated environments.
I am
applying for these specific boards and commissions because I want to translate my diverse experience into dedicated public service across several critical areas of our community’s development:
Infrastructure & Transportation (Regional Airport Authority & Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission): My hands-on experience in modern transit and autonomous vehicle operations required a meticulous focus on traffic patterns, human behavior, and shared-road safety. This operational insight equips me to help optimize regional logistics, improve passenger experiences, and advocate for safer, more integrated transportation networks for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Accountability & Regulation (Building/Housing
Appeals & Tax Transparency): Navigating the AV sector demands strict adherence to safety codes, hazard mitigation, and regulatory compliance—skills that translate directly to evaluating building appeals and structural standards. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to ethical governance, a value reflected in my personal stance to only accept grassroots donations in any political endeavor. I would bring this rigorous demand for data tracking, clarity, and fiscal responsibility to ensure public funds are overseen with the highest level of scrutiny.
Community Vibrancy (Arts and Culture Advisory): Beyond my professional life, I am an active creator and cultural enthusiast—from studying Chinese history and the Mandarin language to engaging in 3D printing and digital content creation. I believe a thriving city requires inclusive programs that celebrate both traditional heritage and emerging forms of creative expression, and I want to bring this modern perspective to our cultural initiatives.
Ultimately, whether evaluating complex infrastructure, ensuring fiscal transparency, or fostering community culture, my goal is to balance high-level policy theory with on-the- ground operational realities. I am eager to bring my analytical rigor and passion for civic improvement to the city, ensuring our local initiatives are both visionary and practically executable.
Please list your current employer and relevant volunteer experience.
Current employer: Zoox — Robotaxi R&D Shift Supervisor (Aug 2025 – Present), Atwater, CA Jose L Nava
What is your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of this Board or Commission?
My understanding is that city boards and commissions serve as a vital bridge between the public and local government, providing specialized oversight and advisory guidance. While the specific scopes of the boards I am applying for vary—ranging from transportation infrastructure (Regional Airport, Bicycle and Pedestrian) and safety compliance (Building and Housing Appeals) to fiscal accountability (Tax Transparency) and civic vitality (Arts and Culture)—the core responsibilities share a unified purpose.
First, these commissions act as
independent evaluating bodies, tasked with objectively reviewing data, regulatory codes, budgets, and transit plans to ensure city actions align with the public interest and voter mandates. Second, they are responsible for listening to community stakeholders and translating that feedback into actionable, principled recommendations for city leadership.
Ultimately, my understanding is that a commissioner’s role is to ensure ethical governance, provide rigorous oversight, and help shape long-term policies that make our community safer, more transparent, and more deeply connected.
Do you have experience or special knowledge pertaining to this Board or Commission?
Yes, my professional background, academic training, and civic interests provide me with specialized knowledge directly relevant to the distinct needs of these commissions.
Transportation & Infrastructure (Airport / Bicycle & Pedestrian) Through my roles as a Vehicle Operations Supervisor at Zoox and a Specialist at Plus AI, I have extensive, on-the- ground experience with advanced transit logistics. Testing and deploying autonomous technology requires a rigorous, analytical understanding of shared road dynamics, traffic flow, and the behavioral patterns of pedestrians and cyclists. This specialized knowledge of how humans, vehicles, and infrastructure interact translates directly to planning safer, more connected active transit routes and managing complex regional transportation hubs like the airport.
Compliance & Accountability (Building/Housing Appeals & Tax Transparency) My academic foundation—holding a BA in Political Science and currently pursuing an MA in International Relations—centers on regulatory frameworks, governance, and institutional accountability. Professionally, operating in the highly regulated autonomous vehicle sector demands meticulous adherence to safety codes, hazard mitigation, and exact data tracking.
I am highly experienced in evaluating complex regulations and maintaining strict operational compliance, which is essential for the Building and Housing Board of Appeals. Furthermore, my commitment to civic integrity—driven by a core belief in financial transparency and grassroots accountability—aligns perfectly with the rigorous, independent scrutiny required to oversee Measure C and Measure Y funds.
Arts & Culture I bring a distinct perspective to
the arts that bridges modern technology and cultural heritage. As an active creator, I am deeply involved in modern making—including 3D printing and digital content development.
Alongside this, I have a sustained dedication to cultural studies, specifically through my ongoing study of Chinese history and the Mandarin language. This combination of traditional cultural appreciation and modern, technology-driven creative experience gives me a broad, inclusive understanding of how our city can support both heritage programs and emerging artistic platforms.
Any other comments you would like to add that may assist the City Council in their decision?
I would like to reiterate my deep commitment to our local community. As someone who was born and raised here in Merced, and who completed my undergraduate studies nearby at Fresno State, I am profoundly invested in the long-term success, safety, and cultural vibrancy of our city.
My professional and academic journeys have been defined by adaptability and a willingness to tackle complex challenges—whether that means ensuring the safe, ethical deployment of autonomous technologies on our public roads, or analyzing complex policy frameworks in my graduate studies. I am eager to bring this same analytical rigor, forward-thinking perspective, and dedication to grassroots accountability to local government.
I am a firm believer in public service and would be honored to contribute my diverse skill set to whichever board or commission the City Council believes I can be of most value. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jose L Nava
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Requirements
Question applies to multiple boards
AB 1234 Ethics Training
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Attendance Policy
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Statement of Economic Interests - FPPC Form 700
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Oath of Office
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Public Scrutiny
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about this vacancy?
*
City Website
If you selected other, please indicate how you learned about the vacancy:
Demographics
Jose_Nava_July2026.pdf
Jose L Nava
Date of Birth
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Gender
Male
Submission
I declare under penalty of disqualification or termination that all statements in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledege.
JLN
Jose L Nava
Submit Date: Aug 05, 2026
First Name
Middle
Initial
Last Name
Employer
Job Title
Email Address
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
Street Address
Suite or Apt
City
State
Postal Code
City of Merced - Boards & Commissions
Profile
Are you 18 years of age or older? (Required)
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you live within the City Limits of Merced? (Required)
Yes
No
Question applies to multiple boards
Are you a registered voter in the City of Merced? (Required)
Yes
No
Which Council district do you live in?
*
District 6
Are you currently serving on a Board or Commission? If so, please list:
No
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Highest Level of Education Completed:
*
None Selected
Patricia
S
Lewis
Retired teacher
Patricia S Lewis
Upload a Resume
Communication
The City of Merced uses email as a preferred method of communication regarding your application.
Is this acceptable to you?
Yes
No
If you selected no, please identify how you would like to be contacted:
Interests & Experiences
Tell us about yourself, and why you are applying for this particular Board or Commission:
I walk daily along Fahrens Creek path observing walkers, bikers and motorized vehicles utilizing the trail. There are dangerous along the way with people who do not follow the safety rules.
We could use additional trash cans along the way as well as benches.
Please list your current employer and relevant volunteer experience.
Retired special needs teacher.
What is your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of this Board or Commission?
Not much other than listen to the community input and address the relevant issues. I do not fully understand all the responsibilities, I am willing to learn the appropriate role.
Do you have experience or special knowledge pertaining to this Board or Commission?
No - merely experience with the joy of walking and enjoying the many paths in Merced Any other comments you would like to add that may assist the City Council in their decision?
I have attempted a number of times to complete this form but there is a problem with the system as it will not accept my answer. I came by the office and explained the issue but was told it was too late to apply since the date had past.
I would still be interested in this board
seat.
Requirements
Question applies to multiple boards
AB 1234 Ethics Training
I Agree
*
Patricia S Lewis
Date of Birth
Question applies to multiple boards
Attendance Policy
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Statement of Economic Interests - FPPC Form 700
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Oath of Office
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
Public Scrutiny
I Agree
*
Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about this vacancy?
*
Other
If you selected other, please indicate how you learned about the vacancy:
Scott McBride answered some questions regarding several concerns I had Demographics
Ethnicity
Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Gender
Female
Submission
Patricia S Lewis
I declare under penalty of disqualification or termination that all statements in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledege.
PL
Patricia S Lewis