The Merced City Council met Jan. 5, 2026. Major items included introduction of a city ordinance to restrict pedestrian crossings outside crosswalks, council discussion of a formal subcommittee policy (Council Policy C‑8), consideration of a $112,026 DOJ grant to combat underage drinking, several consent approvals including a property transfer and the sale of the Merced Federal Building, and a report on a forthcoming pavement condition inventory.