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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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The city's 1965-era fire station is undersized and outdated for modern firefighting equipment and crew health standards.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.
Neighborhood Leadership Elections
Residents will hold elections to fill open officer positions and maintain active neighborhood leadership.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.