Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst and Leah Brown, Senior Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Accepting a California Air Resources Board Community Planning and Capacity Building Grant for the Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project, Appropriating $499,725.60 Grant Funds, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Grant Agreement and Related Documents
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution accepting and appropriating $499,725.60 in grant funding from the California Air Resources Board Community Planning and Capacity Building (CARB) Grant Program for the Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-34, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, accepting a California Air Resources Board Community Planning and Capacity Building Grant for the Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the Grant Agreement; and,
B. Accepting grant funds in the amount of $499,725.60 from the CARB Grant Program; and,
C. Increasing revenue in the amount of $499,725.60 and appropriating the same in Fund 3000-Development Services; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
F. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff, identify specific findings; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future City Council Meeting (date and time to be specified in Council motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This action is consistent with the City Council adopted Goals and Priorities, Infrastructure and Public Safety, Economic Development and Quality of Life.
DISCUSSION
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Community Planning and Capacity Building Grant Program provides funding to support community-led planning efforts in disadvantaged and low-income communities throughout California. The program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that invests Cap-and-Invest proceeds in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, increase transportation equity, and strengthen local communities.
The City of Merced submitted an application for the Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project on February 10, 2026, as the lead applicant in partnership with Valley Onward and Merced Lao Family Community. The proposed project focuses on South Merced, an area that includes disadvantaged and low-income communities and faces challenges related to transportation safety, accessibility, connectivity, and access to essential services.
The Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project was developed to create a community-driven framework for improving mobility, safety, and quality of life through extensive public engagement and data-driven planning. The project will engage residents, community-based organizations, and stakeholders to identify transportation barriers and community priorities and develop strategies that improve access to schools, employment centers, parks, healthcare facilities, transit services, and other key destinations.
Grant-funded activities are anticipated to include community outreach and engagement; transportation safety and mobility assessments; data collection and analysis; evaluation of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and accessibility needs; development of equitable transportation and neighborhood connectivity strategies; and preparation of implementation-ready recommendations for future capital projects and funding opportunities. The grant also requires data collection, evaluation, and reporting throughout project implementation to measure outcomes and support future investments.
The grant also includes funding for a full-time Administrative Analyst position to help manage and coordinate the project. Creation of the position will be brought to the City Council for approval under a separate resolution at a future meeting. The position will be fully funded through the grant during the term and will not impact the General Fund.
CARB has awarded the City $499,725.60 for implementation of the planning project. The grant term is anticipated to begin in June 2026, with project activities scheduled for completion by October 2027 and all grant funds expended by January 31, 2028, in accordance with program requirements.
Acceptance of the grant will allow the City to advance planning efforts in South Merced without relying on General Fund resources while strengthening partnerships with community organizations and residents. The resulting planning documents and recommendations will position the City to pursue future funding opportunities for transportation, safety, accessibility, and neighborhood improvement projects identified through the community engagement process.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Receipt of the $499,725.60 grant award will allow the City to complete the Connect South Merced Safety and Mobility Planning Project without the use of other City funds. In addition, the grant includes funding for a full-time Administrative Analyst position to support project administration and coordination. Establishment of the position will be presented to the City Council for approval under a separate resolution at a future meeting. The position will be fully funded through the grant and will not impact the General Fund. Once the grant has expired the position would need to be funded by Development Services, other funding source or delete the position.
Staff recommends accepting grant funds from CARB and authorization for the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and related documents necessary to implement the project.
This item requires five affirmative votes for approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. COM_CARB_Application_Form
2. CARB Grant Resolution 2026-34
3. Merced Award Offer Letter
4. City of Merced Letter of Acceptance
5. City of Merced CARB Narrative
6. City of Merced CARB Budget