Citrus Heights business district celebrating 25th anniversary, amid renewal effort

Sentinel staff report–
The Sunrise MarketPlace Business Improvement District is marking its 25th anniversary in Citrus Heights with a year-long celebration, while simultaneously navigating a critical renewal process for the district to continue in operation.

Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said in an email to The Sentinel that monthly giveaways will be promoted on the district’s social media pages throughout the year, with a focus on encouraging shoppers to “actively support local businesses and enjoy the celebration.”

She said February will feature a “Month of Love” campaign, spotlighting local jeweler Kenny G & Company, which opened its first store in Citrus Heights in 1997. Shoppers will have an opportunity to win a $2500 gift card to Kenny G & Company, as well as a $250 Valentine’s Day Gift Card Package to district businesses, Carpenter said.

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The executive director said Sunrise MarketPlace is currently in the petition phase of its renewal effort. Efforts are currently underway to seek signed petitions from property owners representing over 50% of the district’s assessment, with that phase targeted for completion by late February or mid-March.

Carpenter called renewal “critical” for the district, noting that failure to secure renewal would lead to the district’s closure by year-end.

The Sunrise MarketPlace is made up of 400-plus businesses in the Sunrise-Greenback commercial corridor and was formed as a Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) in 1999. The district plays a supportive and marketing role for businesses, along with hosting events and funding security and cleanup efforts in the district.

Funding for the district comes from a property tax assessment paid by each of the roughly 80 property owners in the district, rather than being paid directly by business owners or coming from the city’s General Fund. Similar to a homeowners association, each property owner helps fund the PBID and has a say in how that money will be spent to benefit their specific area.

The arrangement has made PBIDs increasingly popular among cities as a way to enhance commercial areas while not raising taxes on residents. However, property owners can be harder to convince, as it means increased taxes on their properties, which can also be passed down in the form of increased rent for the businesses occupying the properties.

In order for the tax to be levied, a majority of property owners in the district have to vote in favor of paying the assessment, with renewal votes historically coming up every three to seven years.