Serenity Anderson

The board conducted a housing and homeless workshop. Key discussion topics included an update on homeless management strategies, the results of the annual point-in-time count, challenges in providing affordable housing, and the effectiveness of street outreach efforts. The board also reviewed the impact of funding on service delivery and explored leveraging resources through managed care plans and Medi-Cal to reduce costs.

The board discussed several topics, including an update on federal air quality conformity and the strategy to utilize a regional budget for the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan. Additionally, the board reviewed the draft transportation network vulnerability assessment, which evaluates climate-related hazards and includes a cost-benefit analysis for flood mitigation on State Route 59, the development of a new operations and maintenance facility for an electrified bus fleet, and erosion control projects along Bear Creek.

The board meeting included reports on transportation project funding, updates on environmental compliance, and upcoming agency events. Key discussion topics included progress on highway infrastructure and intersection improvements, funding opportunities for transit and accessibility programs, and a review of the potential withdrawal from the Calvans Joint Powers Authority. Additionally, the board approved the recipient of the Anna Maria Fuentes scholarship.

The meeting featured presentations from Caltrans District 10 officials regarding the status of various infrastructure projects within Merced County. Key topics included updates on litter and graffiti removal efforts, availability of grant funding for transit and fisheries restoration, and details regarding specific construction and safety initiatives, such as pavement rehabilitation, the installation of roundabouts to address broadside collisions, and complete street improvements. The board also engaged in a question-and-answer session regarding specific highway projects in the town of Gustine.

The meeting provided a quarterly update on Regional Housing and Homelessness efforts, delivered by the County's Director of Housing and Homelessness Services. Key discussions included updates on the 100-Day Challenge, where 116 Children and Youth from 48 families were housed, highlighting the impact of affordable housing availability. The presentation also covered the release of the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Round Three funding. A significant portion of the session focused on reviewing jurisdictional plans for the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA), detailing strategies employed by various cities (Atwater, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced) to utilize PLHA funds for increasing affordable housing supply, providing rental assistance, and developing transitional or supportive housing projects, often leveraging other funding sources like Project Homekey and CDBG.