UC Merced annexation
After many years of planning, and now nearly two decades since its establishment, UC Merced and its surrounding properties have been fully approved for annexation into the City of Merced.
This massive milestone, approved by the Merced County Local Agency Formation Commission on July 18, opens the door to a huge number of future plans that can expand not only the university but also grow the city both physically and economically.
The big news was announced in a press release posted to the city’s website and social media pages. “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 release stated. “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.”
Credit goes to former Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced who sponsored AB3312 — state legislation that allowed the annexation process to go forward through a 2-mile road strip that connects the city to the campus, even if the territory in between is not “contiguous to the city” and as long as its “within the city’s sphere of influence.”
The idea was to bypass a normal-but-much-slower annexation process dependent on contiguous outward growth, and instead jumpstart the creation of a “university town” near the campus. After all, it’s been nearly 20 years since UC Merced opened in 2005, and there’s not a single store, restaurant, coffee shop or student apartment out there in those surrounding fields.
That’s all going to change now. AB3312 also allows for the properties directly adjacent to the campus to be annexed as well. Plans are in the works for housing and commercial developments, a business park, schools, parks and trails.
One development — dubbed the “University Community” — is moving along quickly by the sale of Virginia Smith Trust (VST) land that is located to the south of the campus along Lake Road. Managed by the Merced County Office of Education, the revenue produced will go to expand an already significant scholarship program for all high school students in the region. The VST project has received approvals from both the city and county, and the land annexation is expected to go before LAFCo in September.
Meanwhile, following a 30-day administrative review process, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will officially record the UC Merced annexation.
Reactions from leaders and residents have been overwhelmingly positive.
“This annexation is pivotal in Merced’s journey towards sustained economic growth and development,” said Mayor Matthew Serratto. “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.”
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said: “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. 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.”
Jose Medina, a lifelong local resident and UC Merced employee, jumped on Facebook to share a few words of positive feedback.
“Cheers to building the future in the heart of California,” he posted.