Los Banos, CA (March 2026) — Merced County officials are inviting residents to attend a public workshop later this month as part of the county’s effort to update its Local Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a document used to identify disaster risks and guide strategies to reduce long-term damage from natural hazards.
According to the Merced County Office of Emergency Services, the public meeting will take place Monday, March 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Sam Pipes Room at the Merced Civic Center, located at 678 W. 18th Street in Merced.
County officials say the meeting is intended to inform residents about the planning process and gather community feedback about hazards affecting communities across the county.
The hazard mitigation plan evaluates risks from a range of natural threats that could impact Merced County, including flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, and other emergency events. The update will help identify projects and strategies aimed at reducing potential damage to homes, infrastructure, and public resources.
Merced County is preparing the updated plan in coordination with its incorporated cities, including Los Banos, Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, and Merced. The plan is designed to help local governments better prepare for emergencies while strengthening long-term community resilience.
County officials emphasize that community participation is an important part of the planning process. Input from residents can help identify local risks, highlight vulnerable areas, and ensure the final plan reflects conditions across different parts of the county.
Maintaining an updated hazard mitigation plan is also important for local jurisdictions because it can affect eligibility for certain federal disaster mitigation funding programs, which help communities invest in projects aimed at reducing disaster impacts before they occur.
Residents who are unable to attend the meeting in person may still provide feedback through an online survey hosted by Merced County, which will remain open through March 31.
Additional information about the planning process can be obtained through the Merced County Office of Emergency Services.
