June 7, 2026 - Merced County has received official notice from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that the County’s 2024-2032 Housing Element was approved, marking a significant milestone in the County’s long-term planning efforts.

The Housing Element is a crucial planning document that identifies and analyzes existing and projected housing needs in order to preserve, improve, and develop housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community. It is one of seven required elements of the County’s General Plan and carries unique statutory requirements that necessitate extensive planning, analysis, and public engagement.

State law requires local jurisdictions to update their Housing Elements every eight years and demonstrate sufficient zoned capacity for housing to accommodate the number of units identified in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the County’s Housing Element during its May 19, 2026 meeting.

“This approval reflects the tremendous work of County staff, our community partners, and residents who participated throughout the planning process,” said Chairman Daron McDaniel of the Merced County Board of Supervisors. “As our County continues to grow, it is essential that we thoughtfully plan for housing opportunities that meet the needs of current and future residents. I want to specifically thank HCD, Senator Anna Caballero, as well as our Community and Economic Development Department and broader team of professionals for their dedication to this project.”

Moving forward, County staff will continue monitoring and reporting on the programs and policies outlined in the Housing Element to ensure Merced County remains prepared to address the housing needs of a growing and changing population.

In addition to supporting long-range planning efforts, HCD approval opens the door to a variety of federal, state, and regional funding opportunities that can help support housing, infrastructure, and community development projects throughout the County.

“The approval of our Housing Element demonstrates Merced County’s commitment to responsible planning and compliance with state requirements,” said Merced County Executive Officer Mark J. Hendrickson. “Just as importantly, this certification strengthens our competitiveness for critical grant funding that can help us leverage additional resources and investments for the benefit of our residents and communities.”

For more information about the Merced County Housing Element, visit the Merced County Community and Economic Development Department page on the County website.

Source: Merced County