Get Involved

MCAG wants to involve you in the decision-making process. We hope you will look to this site as your place to learn more about the Merced County Association of Governments and its many programs and projects, which impact all who live in Merced County. This site offers information that you need to make informed decisions, and offers opportunities for you to express your thoughts on the issues. 

We hope that, when you discover an issue of particular interest, you will get involved.  The best way to have a voice is through participating. Our publications, news releases, and workshop announcements list many opportunities for you to become involved. If you don’t see information you need, have general comments, or comments on the website, please contact us at (209) 723-3153 or info@mcagov.org.

Citizen Participation

In general

MCAG actively seeks public opinion on our work programs and projects at all stages of the development process. We then take your input to our technical advisory meetings, council, and subcommittee meetings. The purpose of MCAG’s citizen participation program is to ensure that the transportation planning process involves the general public and includes the traditionally underrepresented i.e. Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islander.

Public comments are also welcome at MCAG Governing Board meetings.  Our Governing Board includes an elected representative from each of the six cities and a supervisor from each of the five county districts. Verification of public input and MCAG policy option recommendations are carried out by the MCAG Technical Review Board (composed of City Managers and County Administrative Officer) and the Technical Planning Committee (composed of public works and planning staff).

Citizens Advisory Committees

We have an active Citizens Advisory Committee to provide a forum for resident input, as well as a Social Services Transportation Advisory Council. In 2007, in response to SAFETEA-LU regulation, the MCAG Governing Board approved new guidelines for MCAG’s citizen participation process.

San Joaquin Valley Regional Blueprint

MCAG is serving as the lead agency for the 8 San Joaquin Valley Planning Agencies in a valley-wide cooperative project. This is the second year of the Regional Blueprint project which will select a vision and preferred scenario for the Valley through the year 2050. To date, over 6,000 Valley residents have participated in workshops. There is still time to get involved. Go to the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint website for more information, or contact Lori Flanders at (209) 723-3153, ext. 318 or lori.flanders@mcagov.org.

One Voice

In August of each year, residents from all areas of Merced County, representing many industries, nonprofit agencies, education, elected officials, and key staff meet to select priority issues for Merced County. The public is invited to participate. Once issues are approved by the MCAG Governing Board, delegates travel, at their own expense, to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to discuss the issues with state and federal legislators. Even if you decide not to go on the trips, you may still participate in the project selection. For more information on One Voice, go to One Voice or contact Candice Steelman at (209) 723-3153, ext. 308 or candice.steelman@mcagov.org.