Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, Including the Following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, including the following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, including the following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement.
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ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended 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
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
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DISCUSSION
On January 8th, January 13th, and January 14, 2026, the City Council held Town Hall meetings to solicit input from the community regarding the upcoming FY 2026/2027 Budget and City workplan. Following the Town Halls, the City Council convened a Strategic Planning Session on January 31st to review and discuss various topics.
This year the City Council also received a report in January on the status of the current year Goals and Priorities. At the same meeting Departments provided their Draft Mission Goals and Objectives for the FY 2026/27 Budget to provide the council an early preview and for staff to get feedback on potential direction. Additionally, preliminary new Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s) were also shared for feedback.
Attached for City Council consideration are the proposed Goals and Priorities that were identified from the Strategic Planning Session. Once adopted, staff will work to ensure work planning aligns with priorities and other resources are in place to support the identified projects and initiatives.
City staff envisions the Goals and Priorities as cumulative meaning prior year items are still priorities and will continue to get attention since many are already in progress and funding is allocated for those specific capital projects.
The City Manager’s Recommended Budget will be presented to the City Council at its last regular meeting in May 2026. Public hearings will be held on the proposed budget during both regularly scheduled meetings in June 2026 with the budget being scheduled for consideration and potential adoption on June 15, 2026.
Summary of Proposed Goals & Priorities
The proposed FY 2026-2027 Goals & Priorities reflect the City Council’s shared commitment to maintaining a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community where residents and businesses can thrive. These priorities are based on feedback received during the Town Hall meetings and further discussed during the Strategic Planning Session.
Overall, the focus is on continuing to improve public safety, maintaining and investing in infrastructure, supporting housing and economic development, managing the City’s finances responsibly, and ensuring open and responsive governance.
Key priorities include:
• Improving safety in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces
• Maintaining streets, facilities, and infrastructure to support the community
• Expanding housing opportunities and supporting local economic growth
• Maintaining strong fiscal oversight and accountability
• Promoting transparency, communication, and community engagement
These priorities provide general direction for the City Council and will guide staff and resources as they prepare the FY 2026/2027 Budget and move forward with implementing projects and services over the coming year.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENT
1. 2026/2027 City Council Goals and Priorities