LOS BANOS, CA. — A special public meeting was held Monday, April 14, 2025, at Los Banos City Hall to discuss the progress and oversight of Measure P, a $46 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2024. The bond, which does not increase existing tax rates, is dedicated to funding long-term improvements at Merced College’s Los Banos Campus.
Measure P was approved with strong community support and extends an existing bond measure at the same tax rate of $17 per $100,000 of assessed property value. According to Merced College, the measure is expected to generate around $3 million annually, all of which will be invested in facilities, programs, and student services at the Los Banos Campus.
Among the key priorities of Measure P is the construction of a new Career Technical Education (CTE) building designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, computer information systems, welding, manufacturing, and skilled trades. In addition, the campus will expand and modernize classrooms and labs to support science, math, engineering, and technology courses. This expansion is intended to help local students complete their first two years of college affordably and smoothly transfer to four-year universities.
Measure P also places a strong emphasis on support services for students. Plans include the expansion of academic counseling, tutoring, career placement, and university transfer services, with a particular focus on supporting veterans and foster youth.
At Monday’s meeting, committee members reviewed the current status of planning efforts and confirmed that the development of the new CTE facility remains a top priority. The proposed building will include modern instructional spaces tailored to hands-on workforce training. Plans also include upgrades to general classrooms and campus technology infrastructure to better support STEM education.
The committee discussed early planning steps and reviewed a preliminary project timeline, outlining the phases of design, bidding, and eventual construction. While exact dates have yet to be finalized, members emphasized the importance of moving efficiently while maintaining transparency throughout the process.
Financial oversight was another major point of discussion. The committee affirmed that Measure P funds will be used solely for the Los Banos Campus. To ensure fiscal accountability, an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee is being established, and regular audits will be conducted. No Measure P funds will go toward administrative salaries or district offices.
The Los Banos Campus has already seen substantial growth in recent years, including the opening of a Child Development Center and the expansion of its welding program. College leaders see Measure P as a vital next step in continuing that momentum, improving both educational opportunities and the local workforce pipeline.
Community members are encouraged to attend future Measure P meetings and stay engaged in the planning process. Details about upcoming meetings and project updates can be found on the City of Los Banos Public Meetings page.
