Merced County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Approves UC Merced Annexation into the City of Merced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Merced, Calif [July 18, 2024] – The City of Merced is pleased to announce the successful approval of the annexation of the University of California, Merced campus into the City of Merced by the Merced County Local Agency Formation Commission, which has approval authority over annexations. This momentous decision encompasses approximately 1,040 acres of the UC Merced campus, along with a crucial two-mile stretch of Bellevue Road, culminating in 1,140 acres being incorporated into the city.
The annexation signifies a strategic, planned, and logical progression of urban expansion, reinforcing the City’s commitment to fostering efficient delivery of urban services and bolstering the overall growth of the community. By integrating UC Merced into the City of Merced, the City aims to enhance collaboration and streamline services, ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and residents alike.
Mayor Matthew Serratto commented, “This annexation is pivotal in Merced’s journey towards sustained economic growth and development. By bringing UC Merced within city limits, we are expanding our geographical boundaries and strengthening our community’s educational and infrastructural framework. This decision reflects our dedication to promoting efficient urban planning and delivering top-notch services to all residents.”
"We are pleased that LAFCo has approved the city’s application for the annexation of UC Merced. It has been a true collaborative effort to get us to this point and we are grateful to our city partners for their commitment and hard work. Being annexed to the city is an integral piece of the long-term strategic plans for both the university and the City of Merced,” said UC Merced chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “This strengthens our partnership with the city and will enhance opportunities for students, faculty and the entire community as we build a brighter future for Merced together.”
City Manager Scott McBride added, “The annexation will pave the way for more cohesive planning and development between the City of Merced and UC Merced. This partnership will enable us to better address the needs of the university and the community, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and urban vitality.”
Following a 30-day administrative review process, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will officially record the annexation.
The City of Merced is committed to ensuring that this annexation translates into tangible benefits for all stakeholders. Plans are underway to enhance infrastructure, streamline public services, and promote sustainable development within the newly annexed area.
About the City of Merced
The City of Merced is a vibrant community committed to economic growth, urban development, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Through strategic planning and community partnerships, Merced continues to thrive as a hub for education, innovation, and cultural diversity.
About the University of California, Merced Campus
UC Merced opened to undergraduates in 2005 as the newest campus in the University of California system and is the youngest university to earn a Carnegie research classification. A top-ranked public research university and the fastest-growing public university in the nation, UC Merced is on the cutting edge of sustainability in campus construction and design and supports high-achieving and dedicated students from the underserved Central Valley and throughout California.
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Flachman, Public Information Officer
City of Merced
(209) 564-0235
flachmanj@cityofmerced.org
Sam Yniguez, Director of Public Relations
UC Merced
(209) 658-2165
syniguez@ucmerced.edu