Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Merced public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in roads with high priority
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.