Citrus Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Citrus Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Anticipated Litigation Discussion
The city says it faces significant exposure to litigation in one potential case. The details are confidential for now, but the outcome could eventually cost the city money or shape city policy.
Sacramento Groundwater Authority Second Amended Joint Powers Agreement
The council pumped the brakes on amending the groundwater authority agreement, with members questioning who really represents the city and whether fee shares based on 2012 census numbers are still fair.
Domestic violence response partnership
The city honored WEAVE's partnership with police, whose embedded advocate has handled about 714 cases and helped roughly 665 victims since May 2025.
Establishment of Youth Advisory Commission
Eight students will form the city's first-ever Youth Advisory Commission after a 2-1 confirmation vote. The dissent centered on excluding a non-resident applicant while schools don't have to be in Citrus Heights.
Sunrise Mall redevelopment
The city manager reported the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project is done, property sales are being attributed to the improvements, and an ICSC retail event at City Hall will showcase Sunrise Mall opportunities.
Police Department Annual Report and Crime Statistics
City roads saw 14 deaths and 114 serious injuries from 2020 to 2024, with Greenback Lane intersections the worst. The city is applying for two state safety grants this week for school-corridor improvements and citywide signage.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2027 Annual Action Plan
About $600,000 in federal money is headed to 240 ADA curb ramps, sidewalk repairs, drainage fixes, senior meals, after-school programs and the food closet. One councilmember questioned when the curb ramp work will finally be done.
Water District Rates, Infrastructure, and Billing Software Transition
The water district is replacing aging pipes under Project 2030, switching to smart meters that can flag leaks, and bringing two new groundwater wells online with aquifer storage for drought backup.
Neighborhood Beautification Grants
A Citrus Heights police officer will discuss how residents can help maintain property standards and keep neighborhoods clean and safe. Neighbors can submit specific questions ahead of time to get direct answers.
Replacement of Fire Station 23 on Greenback Lane
The city's 1965-era fire station is undersized and outdated for modern firefighting equipment and crew health standards. The replacement nearly quadruples the footprint and adds bays, dorms, and on-site fueling — keeping rapid emergency response in the neighborhood for decades to come.
Neighborhood Leadership Elections
Residents will hold elections to fill open officer positions and maintain active neighborhood leadership.
FY 2026/2027 Nonprofit Community Support Fund Allocations
The neighborhood group is set to discuss applying for annual city grants, which help fund local community projects and improvements.
Setback variance on a narrow parcel
The 150-foot-wide lot can't fit a working fire station with standard 20-foot side setbacks, so the commission granted relief down to about 4.4 feet on the east side — still leaving nearly 30 feet between the building and neighboring homes.
School Liaison Coordination for Area 1 Schools
The association is coordinating with local schools serving Neighborhood Area 1—Lichen, Grand Oaks, and Mesa—through PTA representatives.
Neighborhood Bank Account Closure and Donation
The association plans to close its bank account, which holds $114.37, and donate the remaining funds to REACH to help purchase a PA system.
Water Board Election
San Juan Water Board candidates recently went head-to-head at a neighborhood forum to debate water rights, regional relations, and potential district mergers. If you pay a water bill or care about local control over your tap, this under-the-radar race directly impacts you.
Opposition to AB 626 Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO)
The council voted to oppose state legislation that would permit home-based restaurants in residential neighborhoods, citing concerns over food safety, fire hazards, and neighborhood nuisance issues.
Winter Storm Preparation and El Nino Readiness
City staff assured residents that Citrus Heights is well-prepared for heavy winter rains and a potentially historic El Nino season. The city manages extensive drainage infrastructure, creek cleanup, and expanded sandbag pickup locations to prevent flooding.
Residential Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Contract Renewal
Republic Services announced that the City is moving forward with a new 10-year waste collection contract without opening it up to competitive bids.
State Housing Mandates and Local Zoning Control
The council discussed the ongoing erosion of local zoning control by the state legislature and voted to support a League of California Cities resolution seeking to study and advocate for constitutional or legislative remedies.
Animal Services Facility Improvements
The city is investing over $500,000 in tenant improvements at Old Auburn Road to partner with Fieldhaven Feline Center for local cat sheltering, spay/neuter, and reunification services.
Chamber of Commerce Grant Funding
The council approved a $30,000 grant to help the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce fund community events, business programs, and leadership training.
Madison Avenue Resurfacing and Regional Road Collaboration
The city partnered with Sacramento County to repave Madison Avenue between San Juan and Fair oaks, improving safety and ride quality. Officials highlighted how multi-agency cooperation helps tackle shared border roads.
Adoption of Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCA)
Citrus Heights is joining a state program that allows cities to use simplified bidding processes for smaller public works and maintenance projects, saving time and money.
Police Department Organizational Restructuring
Citrus Heights is cutting nine positions—including dissolving the motorcycle traffic unit and eliminating some management roles—to deal with slower tax revenue growth and rising costs. City leaders stressed that emergency patrol staffing remains fully protected and crime rates are at an all-time low.
National Night Out Community Event
Neighborhood Area 1 is gearing up for National Night Out on August 4 at Lichen TK-8 School. Volunteers and donations are currently being sought to support food and coordination.
Retirement of Senior Planner Allison Bermudez
Longtime Senior Planner Allison Bermudez was honored by the city and commission for her 26 and a half years of dedicated service to Citrus Heights.
El Saloncito Banquet Hall Use Permit
A new 3,000-square-foot banquet hall called "El Saloncito" is coming to Greenback Lane, bringing private event space to an existing shopping center. The project utilizes shared parking agreements and is designed to operate without disrupting nearby businesses or residents.
Annual Assessment Districts and Lighting Levies
The city conducted public hearings and renewed annual maintenance assessments for landscaping, lighting, and delinquent solid waste charges.
Employee Compensation and Labor Agreements
The city council approved multi-year labor contracts and salary adjustments for police officers, police employees, and unrepresented staff, providing a 3.8% cost-of-living increase and market equity adjustments.
Greenback Lane Parking Restrictions and Accessibility
Residents from the 6900 block of Greenback Lane urged the council to preserve street parking, raising concerns about walking distances, disabled accessibility, and property values if parking is eliminated.
Mid-Cycle Budget and General Fund Forecast
The city reviewed its strong reserve balances, ongoing street funding allocations, and flat sales tax trends, emphasizing fiscal prudence.
City Hall Updates
Stay in the loop with the latest Citrus Heights City Hall updates to see how local decisions might shake up your neighborhood. It's a quick rundown of what city officials are working on right now.
Sayonara Drive Name Retention
The city evaluated whether to rename Sayonara Drive as part of ongoing neighborhood revitalization. After surveying residents and new Habitat for Humanity homeowners, the council decided to keep the historic name.
Election Results
The latest primary election results are in, showing which local candidates are advancing in Citrus Heights races. It's time to see who's staying in the running to represent your neighborhood.
Massage Establishment Regulations
Police and planning departments proposed updates to local massage establishment rules to crack down on illicit activity while supporting legitimate health professionals. The council generally supported tightening operational standards, enhancing enforcement tools, and aligning with surrounding cities like Roseville and Sacramento County.
Gateway Activation Project and Trail Connectivity
The city is moving forward with connecting local walking and biking trails through roundabouts and pedestrian improvements along Old Auburn Road, creating a seamless 70-mile regional loop.
Red-Light Camera Photo Enforcement Program Renewal
The city renewed its contract for red-light safety cameras at eight intersections to help prevent severe collisions and encourage safe driving habits.
Road Improvements and Crosswalk Removal
Citrus Heights is upgrading roads in the CHASEN neighborhoods, but they're also removing a crosswalk on Oak Ave. Get ready for some new paint and safety features at another intersection soon.
Water Lawsuit
Your tap water could be in jeopardy! The Citrus Heights Water District is suing their supplier because they're worried a recent water transfer wasn't properly checked and might mess with your water's reliability. They're fighting to keep your water flowing.
Career Fair
Heads up, Citrus Heights! There's a free career fair happening May 14th at Van Maren Park focused on skilled trades. Come check out cool equipment and explore local job openings.
State Assembly Election
Get ready, Citrus Heights! Your local Assembly race just became a major statewide showdown. This election will decide who represents you in Sacramento, so pay attention!
REACH Board Elections and Community Coordination
The Residents' Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights held its regular meeting to discuss neighborhood updates, upcoming community service events, and board elections.
Dog Park Plaque Theft, Water Lawsuit
Someone stole a plaque from the Citrus Heights dog park, and the volunteer group that maintains it needs help finding it or funding a replacement. Plus, a lawsuit over water transfers could change what comes out of your tap.
Election Ballot Drop-off Locations
Voting just got easier in Citrus Heights! You've got three convenient spots to drop off your mail-in ballots for the 2026 primary election, including a 24/7 option at City Hall. Make sure your vote counts!
Upcoming Infrastructure and Development Projects
General Services provided an update on ongoing road repaving, street repairs, and the nearly complete Auburn Boulevard project.
Temporary Sign Regulations in the Public Right-of-Way
The council discussed city regulations governing temporary signs in the public right-of-way, addressing issues with unauthorized political and commercial signs and agreeing to focus on public education.
Sunrise MarketPlace PBID 2025 Annual Report
Executive Director Kathy Lynn Carpenter presented the annual report for the Sunrise MarketPlace business improvement district, noting a significant decrease in transient activity and discussing challenges with juvenile loitering.
Annual Strategic Plan and Goal Setting
The City Council gathered to review past performance and set fresh goals for the city's future. Residents benefit from this roadmap, which guides how tax dollars and city resources are spent on services, roads, and public safety.
Sports Complex Development
Get ready for a massive sports complex to replace the old Sunrise Mall! The City Council just approved the project, so big changes are on the way for Citrus Heights.