Merced County will hold a public meeting March 17 in Merced as part of its update to the Local Multi‑Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, a regional effort that includes the city of Gustine and five other incorporated cities across the county.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Merced Civic Center’s Sam Pipes Room, where residents can learn about the plan, ask questions and share experiences with natural and human‑caused hazards. The update aims to identify local risks — including flooding, wildfires, extreme heat and other threats — and outline long‑term strategies to reduce impacts on people, property and infrastructure.

County officials say public input is a key part of the planning process, which is required for jurisdictions to remain eligible for certain types of federal disaster‑mitigation funding. The plan serves as a long‑range guide for strengthening community resilience and reducing repetitive losses from disasters, according to the Merced County Office of Emergency Services.

Merced County last updated the plan in 2021, and the current revision reflects new data, emerging risks and changing conditions across the region. The participating cities include Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos and Merced.

The county has also published hazard‑mitigation resources online, including background on the planning process, participating agencies and previous plan documents.

Residents attending the March 17 meeting will receive an overview of the project and have the opportunity to provide input that will help shape the final plan. A community survey is also available for those unable to attend.

For more information, residents may contact Morgan Leon, community resilience analyst with the Merced County Office of Emergency Services, at (209) 385‑7548.