Comprehensive Planning

The Comprehensive Planning Work Program deals with those work elements of the MCAG operation not directly related to transportation, although transportation may be involved in each of the Comprehensive Planning Work Elements.

MCAG has responsibilities in addition to transportation planning related designations. These include; 1) provides administrative staff services to the Solid Waste Advisory Board, 2) implementing the source reduction and recycling Public Education and information Program for the SWAB, 3) providing planning assistance to member jurisdictions, 4) providing information services as the State Census Affiliate Data Center, 5) providing a coordinating structure for programs jointly sponsored by MCAG member governments, and 6) providing administrative services as the E.O. 12372 Clearinghouse (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs), and providing community planning services to MCAG member governments.

Budget and Overall Work Program (OWP)

Comprehensive Planning Work Elements

• 1810 - Grant Development
• 1815 - Grant Administration
• 1824 - Continuum of Care Plan Update
• 1953 - Los Banos Neighborhood Stabilization Program Down Payment Assistance Program Administration
• 1975 - Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA)
• 1980 - Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) / 511
• 1986 - Atwater/Merced Expressway Project
• 1990 - One Voice Legislative Program
• 2100 - Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
• 2200 - Solid Waste Policy Board Regional Recycling & Public Education Program
• 2210 - CALRECYCLE Grant Funded Jurisdiction Projects
• 3100 - Transit Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) for Merced County Transit Administration
• 4100 - Merced Data Special Services (MDSS)
• 6100 - Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) Management Activities

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

MCAG actively seeks public opinion on work programs and projects at all stages of the development process, and verifies that process with technical advisory meetings, and attendance at member entity 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.

MCAG has an active Citizens Advisory Committee to provide a forum for citizen input into programs and projects of MCAG, as well as a Social Services Transportation Advisory Council as required by SB 498 (Greene). MCAG also brings transportation issues to MCAG Board meetings, encouraging comments from the entire MCAG governing body. Verification of public input and MCAG policy option recommendations are carried out by the MCAG Technical Review Board (composed of City Managers and County Executive Officer), and the Technical Planning Committee (composed of public works and planning staff).

In response to SAFETEA-LU regulation, the MCAG Governing Board approved new guidelines for MCAG’s citizen participation process. The participation strategy provides guidance for transportation planning and programming activities conducted by MCAG.