Merced · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Merced public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.