The Mayor and Council Members work together as a team, representing all Merced constituents, in order to make Merced a city which:

• Maintains a high quality of life for its citizens;
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and approach in dealing with all segments of the community;
• Shows sensitivity and awareness of community needs and issues;
• Respects the diversity of its community;
• Develops creative and affordable solutions and alternatives to meet community needs;
• Is service-oriented, efficient, and progressive in its approach to problem resolution and use of resources;
• Offers economic development opportunities beneficial to its citizens;
• Maximizes teamwork and encourages individual involvement and personal growth, so that the community achieves its goals and contributes to society as a whole; and
• Creates and maintains an enjoyable atmosphere in which to live and work.