Interested in Merced County's Future?

Then attend this meeting.

The Board of Supervisors will host a joint study session with the Planning Commission on Tuesday to discuss the county's ongoing effort to update its general plan. T

he general plan is a state-mandated document that lays out county policies on growth, development, transportation, housing, jobs, agriculture, land conservation and public safety. In short, the plan is meant to provide a vision for the county's 20-year future.

 The county last updated its general plan 18 years ago. County officials launched the recent update effort in 2006 and expect it to end with the adoption of a new general plan in 2009.

Tuesday's meeting will provide both an update on the county's progress and a chance for the public to comment on the update. It will include a discussion of public comments already received from various community and focus group meetings. County residents are encouraged to attend.

The session will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the board's chambers located on the third floor of the Merced County Administration Building, 2222 M Street.