City of Los Banos - Community & Economic Development

10/27/2026

West I Street Improvements: On to the Next Phase!

Following improvements to street corners for ADA accessibility, crews have moved into the next phase of the project: grinding the existing roadway in preparation for new asphalt paving!

🎥 Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilmember Deborah Lewis is on location with an update on the work happening between Arizona Avenue and West Pacheco Boulevard.

Traveling through the area? Traffic remains open in both directions, but vehicles are sharing one side of the roadway while work is underway.

Please expect delays, follow posted traffic controls, and use caution around construction crews.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work toward smoother, safer streets for everyone!

This project is funded in part by Measure V transportation funds.

10/23/2026

Presidential Estates East Specific Plan and Annexation: Current Status of the Proposal

We've received questions and concerns about the proposed Presidential Estates development and want to provide an update on where the project currently stands.

At this time, the Los Banos City Council has not approved this project.

The developer has submitted applications for annexation, a specific plan, and a vesting tentative tract map for approximately 111.7 acres northwest of Mercey Springs Road and Pioneer Road.

🔎 Where are we in the process?

The City has completed an Initial Study and released a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for public review. This environmental review process evaluates potential impacts related to topics such as traffic, air quality, noise, infrastructure, and public services.

The City has also encouraged the developer to conduct community outreach to help address questions and concerns raised by residents.

➡️ What happens next?

Once the public comment period closes, all comments will be compiled, reviewed, and responded to. If the comments lead to substantial changes to the environmental document, it may be released for another 30-day public review period.

The comments and responses will be made publicly available either during that additional review period or when the project moves forward to the Planning Commission.

No final decision has been made, and public hearings have not yet been scheduled.

📅 Want to provide input?

The public comment period for the environmental review has been extended through November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Review the public notice, supporting documents, and instructions for submitting comments here:
🔗 https://losbanos.org/public-notices/notice-of-intent-to-adopt-a-mitigated-negative-declaration-for-presidential-estates-specific-plan-and-annexation

We understand that proposed developments can raise important questions about the future of our community.

The City is committed to providing information and opportunities for public participation throughout the review process and will continue to share updates as they become available.

10/22/2026

We're paving the way for progress!

Yesterday, we celebrated more than the completion of two road improvement projects. We celebrated what can happen when local and regional agencies work together to move our community forward!

The City of Los Banos joined Merced County and the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Pioneer Road/Ortigalita Road Intersection Improvements and Pioneer Road Rehabilitation projects.

Together, these projects bring:
🚧 A new traffic signal to improve safety and traffic flow
🚧 2.9 miles of resurfaced roadway
🚧 Improved connectivity along an important transportation corridor

Even better? Both projects were completed ahead of schedule and under budget!

Made possible through Measure V funding and regional collaboration, these improvements are another step toward building a safer, better-connected Los Banos.

A special thank you to our City of Los Banos and Merced County Public Works teams for their hard work and dedication in helping bring these projects to completion. We're also grateful to our regional partners, contractors, and everyone who played a role in making this progress possible!

10/22/2026

Join us in welcoming and congratulating the newest additions and recently promoted members of our City of Los Banos team!

10/16/2026

Meet the people helping shape the future of Los Banos!

October is National Community Planning Month, and we’re giving a special shoutout to our Community & Economic Development team!

From answering questions about building an ADU or opening a new business to reviewing projects that shape our neighborhoods, this team works behind the scenes to help Los Banos grow and thrive.

Join us in thanking Stacy, Trish, Justin, Hailey, and Sandra for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community. 👏

Have a question about your project? Reach out to them at (209) 827-7000.

10/16/2026

In case you missed it! A new recreational opportunity is taking shape in Los Banos!

At last week's City Council meeting, a concept design for a new pump track at Meadowlands Basin Park, near Pacheco High School, was presented.

What's a pump track? It's a specially designed course with rolling hills and banked turns that allows riders to build momentum using their body movements rather than pedaling or pushing.

Designed for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and roller skates, the proposed pump track would provide a dedicated space for residents of all ages and skill levels to enjoy non-motorized wheeled recreation.

Proposed improvements include:
• Two asphalt pump track loops for beginner and intermediate riders
• Space for a variety of non-motorized wheeled activities
• Seating, pedestrian improvements, and landscaping

A concrete skate park and fencing are also being considered, depending on available funding and City Council approval.

The City has secured $177,952 in state grant funding to support the project. The pump track is entering the engineering phase, with construction anticipated to begin in late spring or summer 2027.

Want to learn more? View the full pump track concept and proposal here:https://losbanos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pump-Track-Project-Concept-Review.pdf

Images include an example of a pump track for illustrative purposes and conceptual renderings of the proposed Los Banos project. Final designs are subject to change.

10/16/2026

📣 Help Shape the Future of Economic Development in Los Banos!

The City of Los Banos is developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan, and we want to hear from YOU!
Join the Community Stakeholder Discussion with the Los Banos City Council and share your ideas on how we can strengthen our local economy, support businesses, create jobs, and enhance quality of life for our community.

📅 October 21, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Los Banos City Council Chambers
520 J Street, Los Banos, CA 93635

We encourage participation from:
✅ Local business owners
✅ Property owners, developers & investors
✅ Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Association members
✅ Major employers
✅ Agricultural industry representatives
✅ Community organizations
✅ Interested residents

Your input will help guide the future of economic development in Los Banos for years to come.
Together, we can build a stronger economic future for Los Banos!

StrongerTogether LosBanosCA CommunityEngagement SupportLocalBusiness EconomicGrowth

10/15/2026

Join us in recognizing our Code Enforcement team for their dedication to keeping Los Banos safe, clean, and beautiful!

Thank you for all you do to make a positive difference in our community!

Happy Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week!

Help us recognize the hardworking members of the Los Banos Police Department's Code Enforcement team!

Every day, our Code Enforcement Officers work to make Los Banos a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place to live.

Thank you to our Code Enforcement team for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to making a positive difference in our community!

10/07/2026

Each year, September 15 through October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Here in Los Banos, those cultures and traditions are part of the fabric of our community. One of those traditions will soon take center stage at the Los Banos Community Center.

Danza folklórica, or folklórico, celebrates Mexico’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through traditional dance. Different regions of Mexico have their own distinctive dances, music, costumes and movements, each reflecting the history and traditions of the communities from which they come.

Through Folklórico Yolotly Los Banos, local dancers will help carry those traditions forward: connecting with their roots, sharing their culture and passing it on to a new generation.

Interested in learning folklórico? Classes are being offered at the Los Banos Community Center! Registration is now open for November!

👉 Sign up for classes here: https://www.activekids.com/los-banos-ca/dance/classes/folklorico-yolotly-november-2026

10/06/2026

CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY!

The Los Banos City Council will meet on October 7 at 6 pm. Here are a few of the items on the agenda:

✓ Cell Tower Discussion
✓ Water Conservation information on new requirements for nonfunctional turf under Assembly Bill 1572
✓ Pump Track Project concept review
✓ Colorado Ballpark Renovation project phasing review and fiscal impact
✓ Southpointe Basin Park concept review

📍 Attend in person: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 J Street
💻 Participate via Zoom
▶️ Watch live on YouTube

View the full agenda and find links to Zoom and the City’s YouTube channel at: losbanos.org/city-government/mayor-city-council

We hope to see you there!