I.VI Major Goals

The Merced 2015 General Plan aims to achieve the following goals as well as many others.

Expansion of the urban limit line (SUDP area) to accommodate expected growth

Preservation of prime agricultural land around the City

Continuation of the predominantly north-south growth pattern

Expansion of the "Sphere of Influence" (ultimate urban growth boundary) to include rural residential centers east of the City and the UC campus site/Smith Trust property

A joint City/County planning effort for the area around the future University of California, Merced campus

Economic Development: Planning well in advance for industrial/business park uses and for the infrastructure needed to support such development

A flexible and efficient circulation system which can accommodate all modes of transportation (private cars, public transit, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.)

Mixed-use, transit- and pedestrian-friendly "urban villages" with direct access to commercial centers from surrounding neighborhoods

Location of higher densities along transit corridors

A diversity of housing types and opportunities

Housing affordability

"Sustainable Development" = The efficient use and management of land and other natural resources in order to conserve them for the use of present and future generations