Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Continued Selection of City of Merced Representatives to Participate in the May 2025 One Voice Program and Approval of Priority Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council to decide City Representatives to participate in the One Voice Program scheduled for May 13th -16th, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion selecting an additional City Council member to attend the One Voice Conference May 13th -16th, 2025
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
None.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
During the September 16, 2024, City Council Meeting, Council engaged in discussions regarding representation for the May 2025 One Voice Trip, Council Member Shane Smith agreed to attend as one of the representatives. The Council also confirmed that Senior Management Analyst Jennifer Flachman will participate to provide support for the elected officials.
The City Council now needs to select an additional representative to join Council Member Smith on the trip.
The One Voice program is an initiative for the City of Merced and Merced County, focused on advancing regional priorities with federal legislators and agencies during an annual outreach to Washington, D.C. The goal of this program is to secure additional federal funding and support for new or revised legislation that benefits our region, with the assistance of MCAG’s federal advocate, Townsend Public Affairs.
The City’s 2025 priorities include:
• Priority policy/project #1: Merced Loop (Highway 59 widening project and Mission Ave Widening Project)
• Priority policy/project #2: Public Safety Facility Project - Station 56
• Priority policy/project #3: Airport Terminal & Fuel Farm Replacement Projects
• Priority policy/project #4: Passenger Rail Project - Relocation of Community Centers
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available in the adopted Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget within the General Fund. $5,000 is budgeted for FY 24/25 City Council travel and meeting account line to attend One Voice. $2,500 budget for Senior Management Analyst staff member would be from the City Manager’s travel and meeting account line.
ATTACHMENTS
None.