Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Selection of City of Merced Representatives to Participate in the May 2026 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 12 - 15, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Selecting to send two City Council members and one staff member to the One Voice Conference May 12 - 15, 2026; and,
B. Setting proposed priorities to submit to Merced County Association of Governments by December 1, 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 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
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.
For the 2026 program, staff suggests continuing with the following established goals, which have been in place since 2018:
• City of Merced Representation: Traditionally, two council members participate, supported by a staff member. It’s recommended that attendees have previous experience serving on the city council.
• Active Participation: Delegates are expected to fully engage in all meetings and activities throughout the event.
• Setting Priorities: Establish policy priorities that align with current federal opportunities.
• Project/Issue Coordination: Collaborate closely with staff from our local Congressional representatives to develop a list of key projects and issues.
• Submission Deadline: Policy priorities for 2026 must be submitted by December 1, 2025.
The City’s proposed One Voice priorities include:
• Highway 59 Widening Project: Request support from DOT for project advancement
• Bear Creek Flood Infrastructure Project: Total project cost $114 million
• Public Safety Capital Project Funding: $12 million
• Merced Yosemite Airport Runway Project: $6 million
• Mission Road and SR 59 Intersection Improvements
• Public Safety Communications Infrastructure Upgrades
• Community Park 42
• Hawk Training Facility
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget within the General Fund. $5000 is budgeted for FY 25/26 City Council travel and meeting account line to attend One Voice. $2500 budget for a City Manager Office staff member would be from the City Manager’s travel and meeting account line.
ATTACHMENTS
None.