By Sara Beth Williams–
During the City of Citrus Heights’ recent strategic planning meeting with the Citrus Heights City Council, the city listed dozens of accomplishments through 2025, including multiple successes in economic development, community engagement, public safety and roads and construction.
Below is a summary of the listed accomplishments from the city’s agenda packet for the March 18 Strategic Planning Meeting.
Roads and Construction:
In May 2025, the city resurfaced Sunrise Boulevard from Madison Avenue to Greenback Lane to “improve safety and ride quality.”
In June, Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento, having partnered with the city, broke ground on the first phase of a 26-home Habitat for Humanity project on Sayonara Drive.
Also in June, the city launched the Home Repair Loan Program to assist with health and safety repairs for qualifying households, and adopted a two-year budget, including $4 million dedicated to street improvements.
In September, the city resurfaced Dewey Drive-Van Maren Lane, and added pedestrian and roadway safety enhancements.
In October, 70 ADA curb ramps were constructed, utilizing more than $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.
Overall, 977,095 square feet of street resurfacing was completed, 48,470 feet of storm pipe and drainage structures were cleaned,
and 2,039 trees were serviced and maintained.
Public Safety
In March 2025, the Police Department instated its Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) unit, focused on addressing chronic community concerns. In April, the police department collected 115 pounds of unused medications during National Drug Takeback Day.
In July, a planned modernization of the Police Emergency Communications Center was completed.
In October the Citrus Heights Police Department collected another 132 pounds of medication at Drug Takeback Day.
In July, and on New Year’s Eve, the police department utilized drones and targeted patrols to reduce illegal fireworks activity
Overall, 2,672 arrests were conducted, 3,770 traffic citations were issued, and 11 chronic nuisance enforcement cases were filed.
As well, 43.85 tons of trash was removed citywide and 1,111 abandoned shopping carts were. retrieved
Community Engagement:
In January 2025, the city launched the first-ever Neighborhood Area Awareness Month to highlight community identity and pride, and launched the Home Repair Grant Program supporting low
income mobile home households with health and safety repairs.
In February, the city awarded three Distinguished Service Medals to Citrus Heights Police Department officers and introduced Youth in Government programming to build future civic leadership.
In March, the city was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 7th consecutive year. The city also partnered with Bradshaw Animal Shelter to offer free dog vaccines, microchipping, and wellness care.
In April, the city launched the first Chip-In Hall of Fame Awards, honoring outstanding volunteers.
In May the city hosted its fourth annual Tools of the Trade public works education event, held its annual spring Chip-in Day, and participated in a joint-city Big Day of Service for the first time.
In June, the city kicked off its City Scoop ice cream social summer event series and hosted its annual Stars and Stripes Independence Day celebration at Van Maren Park, drawing thousands.
In August, city and police department staff visited neighbors at over 13 National Night Out events held throughout the city, and in September, the city debuted “Citrus Nights”, a new concert in the park community event.
In September, the city distributed $133,000 in Community Support Funding to local nonprofits and launched the inaugural Business of Distinction Awards to spotlight exemplary local businesses.
In October, the city hosted another Chip In volunteer day, and designated a new Citrus Heights Arts District along Auburn Boulevard. The city also hosted an inaugural Art in City Hall pop-up gallery in partnership with nonprofit Citrus Heights Arts, celebrating local artists.
The city’s Block Party Trailer was deployed six times throughout the community.
Economic Development:
In February 2025, the city approved a three-year Economic Development Work Plan, advancing business attraction, retention, marketing, and placemakin0g throughout the city.
In April, the City Council rejected an owner-initiated Sunrise Tomorrow Amendment request to add industrial uses and Drive thru approvals for the Sunrise Mall property, thus “reaffirming the adopted Sunrise Tomorrow Plan.” The city also rebranded the Citrus Heights Community Center to the Citrus Heights Event Center.
In May, in cooperation with the Sacramento County health department and Sacramento Metro Fire District, completed an inspection of the Sunrise Mall’s main building due to outstanding code violations and fines.
In June, the city launched the Love Local shop and dine campaign featuring Auburn Boulevard businesses.
In July, the city filed a lawsuit against majority owner of Sunrise Mall Namdar Realty due to outstanding safety violations and hundreds of thousands in fines.
In November, the city allocated $634,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to nonprofits and infrastructure.
Overall, 800 business licenses were processed, 29 ADU permits and 3,269 building permits were issued, and 9,529 building inspections were completed.
A full list can be viewed in the city’s Strategic Planning Meeting agenda packet.
