Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: 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 13 -16, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Selecting to send two City Council members and one staff member to the One Voice Conference May 13 - 16, 2025; and,
B. Setting proposed priorities to submit to Merced County Association of Governments by October 1, 2024.
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
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 2025 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 representa...
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