UC Merced to be annexed into city limits. What that means for students, residents

UC Merced, and a 2-mile strip of roadways that connect it to the City of Merced, are almost officially a part of the city.

On Thursday, July 18 the Local Agency Formation Commission of Merced County unanimously approved the annexation. After a 30-day administrative review process the annexation will be made official.

The current city limits are located at G Street. Annexation would include the UC Merced campus, as well as a 2-mile segment of Bellevue Road between G Street and Lake Road. Approximately 1,139 acres will be annexed into the city, which has a population of about 90,971 people.

“By bringing UC Merced within city limits, we are expanding our geographical boundaries and strengthening our community’s educational and infrastructural framework,” said Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto in a statement.

“This decision reflects our dedication to promoting efficient urban planning and delivering top-notch services to all residents.”

From the planning phases of UC Merced in 1995 annexation has been contemplated, but annexation has not been feasible due to the campus being located 2-miles from city limits.

In 2003, the city entered into an Urban Services Agreement with the UC Regents, which agreed to extend sewer and water lines to the campus.

Within this agreement, the university also signed an annexation agreement. Through this, the university agreed that when the city council deemed it was appropriate, Phase I of the campus to the city would be annexed.

Annexation was made possible in 2020 when then-Assemblymember Adam Gray passed legislation (AB 3312) making it easier.

“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,” UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said in a statement.

As of Fall 2023 UC Merced’s enrollment numbers were 8,373 undergrad students; 54% of those students are Hispanic and 22% Asian. There are also a total of 775 graduate students with an additional 1,626 employees.

For fall 2024, UC Merced received 33,000 applications which is a 12% increase from last year.

The students will be allowed to vote in Merced municipal elections if they list the campus as their residence.