by Sara Beth Williams–
A recent FlashVote survey conducted by the City of Citrus Heights revealed insight into how residents view blight management and visible homelessness across the city, as well as awareness and use of reporting tools.
The 48-hour flash survey was issued on Dec. 11 and closed on Dec. 13, 2025, drawing responses from almost 400 Citrus Heights residents over the two-day period.
When asked how well blight is being managed citywide, nearly half of respondents rated the city’s efforts as average. Forty eight percent selected “OK,” while 26 percent said blight management is “Good.” Only one percent rated it “Excellent.” On the negative side, 16 percent described blight management as “Bad,” and four percent said it was “Terrible.” Six percent said they were not sure.
Residents were also asked to compare current blight conditions to those of a year ago in the Sylvan Oaks Library area near Crosswoods Community Park. The largest share of respondents, 33 percent, said they were not sure or had not seen the area enough to judge changes. Among those who did express an opinion, more residents reported improvement than decline. Twenty two percent said blight has gotten a little better, and 16 percent said it has gotten a lot better. Twenty one percent said conditions are about the same as a year ago. By comparison, seven percent said blight has gotten a little worse, and just two percent said it has gotten a lot worse.
Another question focused on visible homelessness citywide and how it has changed compared to a year ago. The most common response was that residents see a little less visible homelessness now, selected by 36 percent of respondents. An additional 12 percent said they see a lot less.
Twenty seven percent said the situation appears about the same as it was a year ago. On the other hand, 11 percent said they see a little more homelessness now, and another 11 percent said they see a lot more. Only two percent said they were not sure.
The survey also asked whether residents have reported blight issues to the city in the past 12 months. Forty percent said they have seen blight but have not reported anything. Another 24 percent said they did not know they could report blight issues, and 14 percent said they have not seen any blight. Ten percent said they were not sure if they had seen blight.
Among those who did report issues, 10 percent said they used the SeeClickFix app, while smaller percentages reported issues by phone, website, email, or text.
Taken together, the survey results suggest that many residents view blight management in Citrus Heights as adequate, with signs of improvement in certain areas, while perceptions of visible homelessness lean slightly toward improvement or stability rather than worsening. At the same time, the responses highlight a gap in awareness and participation when it comes to reporting blight, with a large share of residents either unsure how to report issues or choosing not to do so despite noticing problems.
Over one hundred residents left comments on the survey, expressing concerns and frustrations regarding persistent problem areas and a desire for stronger or more consistent enforcement.
Those who commented frequently cited specific locations where blight, trash, encampments, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, and neglected properties continue to be visible, including Sunrise Mall, a home on Antelope Road and Lauppe Lane which has accumulated a large number of “junk” vehicles, and gas stations and restaurants at major intersections in the city.
Several commenters questioned whether code enforcement is proactive enough, with some calling for more regular neighborhood patrols, faster response times, and stricter application of existing rules, particularly for absentee landlords, rental properties, and long-standing eyesores.
Road conditions, potholes, and general infrastructure maintenance were also repeatedly mentioned, with some residents expressing concern that city resources are being misdirected while streets and public spaces deteriorate.
At the same time, many residents acknowledged improvements and expressed appreciation for city efforts. Several commenters praised the Beautification Crew, cleanup efforts, park maintenance, and the use of the SeeClickFix app, noting that the city is responsive when issues are reported. Others pointed to visible improvements around the Sylvan Oaks Library area, Crosswoods, Rusch Park, and along certain creek corridors, saying blight and homelessness appear less noticeable than in previous years.
Programs such as Citrus Heights HART, and partnerships with local churches were highlighted, with residents expressing gratitude for outreach efforts that focus on helping individuals rather than displacing them. A number of comments conveyed encouragement, saying the city appears to be heading in the right direction.
Homelessness emerged as the most emotionally charged theme in the comments, with a wide range of opinions. Some residents linked homelessness directly to blight and safety concerns, citing panhandling, drug use, and encampments near businesses, parks, and neighborhoods, while others cautioned against equating homelessness with blight altogether. Many commenters called for long term solutions, including shelters, affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse services, transitional housing, and alternative models such as tiny homes or reuse of vacant commercial spaces.
Others emphasized regional and state level responsibility, arguing the city cannot solve the problem alone. Across the spectrum of views, a common thread was a desire for clearer communication about what the city is doing, what resources are available, and how residents can both report issues and understand the broader strategy for addressing blight and homelessness in Citrus Heights.
