About One VoiceWhy “One Voice”? One Voice is a coalition of business Due to its smaller population, the San Joaquin Valley has rarely been able to secure needed funding from state and federal programs, which are usually paid on a per capita (population) basis. But, with growth for the valley projected to double or, in some areas, even triple, the Governing Board of the Merced County Association of Governments decided it was time to be more proactive in legislative affairs. The Board asked staff to develop a program where all Merced County interests could combine their efforts to advocate for issues of regional importance. In August 2004, ”One Voice” was born. Representatives from the public and private sectors were invited to help form a program where our combined efforts would build awareness of Merced County among state and federal legislators, and where we could bring much-needed funding to our county. One Voice Purpose:
How are issues chosen? Issues are chosen through brainstorming sessions at our meetings, interviews with various groups in the county, and a consideration of what types of programs are likely to be funded. Out of an initial list of 100 possible projects, 7-8 are chosen for the year. Has the program been successful? In 2005, our Congressman and Senators placed requests for $13.4 million in appropriations. Not all projects were accepted into the appropriations bills, but we did receive:
A couple of these projects had been advocated by other county groups and elected officials, and One Voice was glad to lend our combined voices to help these efforts. In 2006, we only received one appropriations request: $400,000 for the next phase of studies on Campus Parkway. According to MCAG’s federal lobbyist, not only were fewer requests granted, but the bulk of appropriations were granted to those legislators who faced a challenge in the upcoming election. In 2007, we received $500,000 for the Los Banos Bypass. In 2008, One Voice lent its support to the Merced County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDCO) in several meetings with the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. This resulted in a $110,000 grant, which was awarded in April 2008. The grant will be used to establish a Regional Certified Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, MCEDCO was invited to apply for another $60 million to establish the Innovation Place Network, two incubator centers for entrepreneurs in Merced and Los Banos. In 2009:
Other benefits: The relationship-building part of the program with legislators, staff, and key agencies cannot be measured in dollars. More and more decision-makers are becoming aware that California is more than just Hollywood, and that Merced County has needs and issues that are quite different from many other areas. Who can join One Voice? One Voice is open to all residents of Merced County. We begin our year’s program in August and meet monthly through December. Those who wish to travel to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. pay their own travel expenses. Sponsors pay for many of the meals and receptions to which legislators and staff are invited. During the visits and at any other time the One Voice name is used, delegates must agree to promote only those issues chosen by the One Voice group. |
representatives, elected officials, and city and county staff, who travel to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to present issues of regional significance to federal and state legislators.