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.