Merced · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Merced public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Road Funding Shortfall
The city's streets are in 'fair' shape, but keeping them there costs about $20 million a year — and Measure C and V only cover about $3 million of it. Staff estimates a $20-30 million shortfall just on the road projects already in design.
Downtown parking
Business owners and shoppers say there's nowhere to park downtown. The council debated whether to study the problem with a small ad hoc committee or as a full council, and ultimately asked staff to bring back a study session with old parking studies before deciding next steps.
Road pavement projects update
McKee Road is finally under construction, and the R Street intersection and BNSF quiet zone projects are moving ahead with Measure C money. The council will set priorities in June.
Downtown parking shortage
Council Member Harris says downtown workers are hogging parking spots and wants an ad hoc committee to look at options — diagonal parking, metered or time-limited parking — with a discussion set for November 2.
Highway 59 widening and Black Rascal Creek bridge
The council redirected $4 million in Measure V funds to fully fund the unsafe Black Rascal Bridge replacement, with another $4 million programmed for 2028-29. The Highway 59 widening is delayed and still needs an estimated $12-14 million more.
Bicycle and pedestrian safety policy
Residents warned about kids riding bikes recklessly into traffic and playing chicken with cars. The mayor promised a council discussion at the June 15 or July 6 meeting.
Traffic concerns at Yosemite Parkway and Parsons Avenue
Commissioners questioned whether cars turning left into the new store would back up traffic at a busy corner near an apartment complex and Taco Bell. Engineering had reviewed the site, but the left-turn lane question went unanswered.
Traffic signal synchronization
The city accepted $246,000 in extra grant funds to complete additional intersections in the signal synchronization project along R, M, G, Yosemite and Olive, reducing congestion and idling.
R Street/Olive Avenue Intersection Improvement
$1.37 million in federal exchange funds will add a second left-turn lane, bike lanes, and a multi-use path at R Street and Olive, cutting wait times by 17 seconds per cycle.
South Merced Investment and Specific Plan
Advocates want $350,000 for a South Merced community-specific plan and $5 million for local street improvements, citing the area's disadvantaged-community status. Council heard that the Canal and Childs project retains $815,000 in congressional funding.
Crosswalk removal on 16th Street near Bob Hart Square
A commissioner raised concern that a downtown crosswalk was removed quickly without commission input, and asked how crosswalk decisions get made and how the commission can weigh in earlier.
Safe routes to school grant
The city is applying for roughly $7.9 million in state money for Hawk crossings, sidewalks, beacons and lighting near up to 14 schools. The local match is $885,000 from Measure B.
Measure V Road Spending Transparency
A resident asked exactly how much Measure V money has gone to local street repairs versus regional projects like the Atwater-Merced Expressway, and when the public will see an updated pavement priority list. Staff pointed her to the city engineer and upcoming budget discussions.
High-Speed Rail Draft 2026 Business Plan Comment Letter
A resident warned that SB 1411 could remove the $500 million cap on HSR spending outside the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, and flagged the rail authority's interest in station-area tax capture — both with big implications for Merced.
Federal Funding for Local Infrastructure
The city has collected about $3 million from FEMA for the January and March 2023 storms, with some admin reimbursements still to come at project closeout.
Campus Parkway extension
Commissioners asked how the new development connects to Campus Parkway. The regional segment from Yosemite Avenue to the project is an MCAG-led project dependent on funding; the applicant will build the portion through the site.