Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Discussion to Select Dates for the 2027 Community Town Halls and Strategic Planning Session to Provide Input on the Development of the Fiscal Year 2027/28 Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is requesting dates for the 2027 Community Town Halls and Council Strategic Planning Session to provide input on the development of the Fiscal Year 2027/28 Annual Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Providing staff with dates and a format for three Community Town Hall meetings during the 26-27 Fiscal Year; and
B. Providing a preferred date for the Strategic Planning Session during the 26-27 Fiscal Year.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter City of Merced, Sec. 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026/27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City Council conducts annual community meetings to receive public input on city operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and consider ideas for new or enhanced programs. The results of these meetings are used by the City Council to develop priorities that guide the development of the annual budget.
Council traditionally holds meetings in South, Central and North Merced. Each year the location of these sites rotates between Districts, with the annual rotation between Districts 1, 3 and 5 and Districts 2, 4 and 6. Staff is again seeking direction from the City Council on the format of Town Halls and to select dates that work best for convening to assist in outreach to the community and securing the necessary facilities.
In addition to Town Hall direction, staff is also seeking direction on holding a Strategic Planning Session to allow for the development of the Fiscal Year 2027/28 Council Goals & Priorities.
Considering that community participation is needed for all the above activities, January and February calendar is attached to ensure that the City’s virtual platforms are available, and translations services can be provided.
In summary, staff is seeking dates for Community Town Halls and the date for holding the Strategic Planning Session. Once dates are approved, staff will develop an outreach and engagement strategy to ensure that the Community is aware of the upcoming opportunities to provide input.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. January and February Calendars 2027