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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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The city's 1965-era fire station is undersized and outdated for modern firefighting equipment and crew health standards.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Infrastructure and Development Projects
General Services provided an update on ongoing road repaving, street repairs, and the nearly complete Auburn Boulevard project.
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.
Royal Stage Performing Arts Center Tenancy
Dozens of community members and patrons advocated for the protection and retention of the Royal Stage theatre group within the Sunrise Mall redevelopment plans.
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.
Sylvan Road Lot Split and Veteran Center Parking Impacts
A proposal to split a lot at 6941 Sylvan Road raised concerns from local veterans who rely on the vacant property for overflow parking during events at the nearby Veterans Community Center. The Planning Commission voted to continue the item so the owner and the veterans can discuss potential solutions.
Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project Funding
The council approved a $20,000 history and arts grant to help build a 95% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Calvary Cemetery. Project organizers reported raising $250,000 in cash and securing $4.4 million in total commitments toward a $7.6 million total project value.
Commercial Property Reoccupancy Program Ordinance
The city created a new program to monitor vacant commercial buildings, requiring registration and safety standards to prevent blight and keep storefronts ready for new businesses.
Sayonara Drive Habitat for Humanity Housing Project
Habitat for Humanity is making great progress on a 26-home affordable housing development on Sayonara Drive, with phase one wrapping up and phase three applications opening soon.
City Leadership
Citrus Heights just picked new leaders, but they're only in the hot seat for a super short time – just three months! Get ready, because another leadership shake-up is already on the horizon.