Merced Citizen Advisory Focus Group Meeting – February 25, 2026

The Citizen Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) met on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:04 PM in the City Council Chamber to continue discussions on the General Plan update, focusing on existing conditions, community assets, issues, and opportunities. The meeting included a presentation from the consultant team, a review of the January 28 community workshop, and facilitated discussion on five topics: issues, assets, opportunities, lessons from the past, and hopes for the future. The group also considered a consent calendar item and received an update on high-speed rail.

Consent Calendar

• E.1 (25-1039): The CAFG approved the minutes of October 8, 2025, with a correction to add Keith Ensminger as present and a recommendation that future minutes include more detail. The motion passed unanimously via roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public requested to speak during the public comment period. Deputy Mayor Quintero was present but did not address the group.

Discussion Items

• Existing Conditions & Community Engagement Update (F.1 26-174): Consultant Brent presented an overview of the General Plan timeline, noting that the Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook has been finalized and posted online. Lead planner Hannah Woolsey reported on the second community open house held January 28, 2026 (2-6 PM), which drew over 50 attendees. An online survey mirroring the workshop activities is open through March 16, 2026, in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
• High-Speed Rail Update: Planning Manager Sam reported no new developments as the authority has not provided direction on station location. Member Curtis Thomas noted the introduction of state Senate Bill 1411, which would lift expenditure caps on the high-speed rail authority, potentially affecting Merced. The group discussed the fluid legislative landscape.
• CAFG Discussion on Issues, Assets, Opportunities, and Vision: Members shared observations and priorities. Key themes included:
  • Issues: Unsafe bike/pedestrian infrastructure (especially West Childs Avenue), aging downtown infrastructure, northern sprawl, crime and public safety, food deserts in south Merced, lack of neighborhood retail, poor sidewalk conditions, need for better transit connectivity, and insufficient community outreach.
  • Assets: Downtown revitalization, Merced Mall, hometown feel, cultural diversity, UC Merced and Merced College, Bear Creek and parks, tourism potential (gateway to Yosemite), affordability, and strong community organizations.
  • Opportunities: Expanding UC Merced’s Biosafety Lab 3, encouraging entrepreneurship and “third places” (e.g., Joystick), using Bob Hart Square for events, improving transit with grid networks, leveraging the airport and existing transport modes, developing 16th Street and the southeast area, and fostering arts and culture.
  • Lessons from the Past: Avoid rapid boom-bust development (lessons from 2008), embrace creative alternatives (e.g., Merced Mall transformation), integrate public art early, and learn from other cities’ mistakes (traffic, unaffordability).
  • Future Vision: A city skyline visible from Highway 99, well-connected neighborhood centers, a stronger tourism economy, safer and more walkable communities, and preserving the small-town charm while growing.
• Next Steps: The consultant will synthesize all feedback (from the workshop, online survey, and tonight’s discussion) into a draft vision statement and guiding principles, to be presented at the next CAFG meeting. The vision will then go to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption, followed by policy drafting in summer 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: Minutes of October 8, 2025, approved with corrections and a recommendation for more detail (unanimous vote).
• Direction for General Plan: The CAFG’s input on issues, assets, opportunities, and future vision will inform the draft vision statement and guiding principles. The online survey remains open until March 16.
• Next Meeting: A draft vision statement will be presented at the next CAFG meeting (date to be determined). Staff will provide a schedule to members.
• Engagement Efforts: Staff will follow up with UC Merced’s labor center regarding potential survey collaboration and continue working with community organizations to boost outreach.