By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights is actively executing its strategy to retain, support, and grow local businesses, the Economic Development and Community Engagement Department said in an update to the City Council last month.
In a six-month progress update given by the department, Director Meghan Huber said the city has made strides in implementing initiatives under the Business Retention and Expansion section of the adopted Economic Development Work Plan. These efforts are focused on keeping key employers rooted in the community, fostering job stability, and creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive, the city said.
One of the most visible and immediate steps taken was the reintroduction of Business Welcome Kits in June 2025. Toolkits were mailed to all new businesses opening a physical location in Citrus Heights and serve as an important first connection between business owners and the city, department representatives said.
Each kit includes a personalized welcome letter, direct contact information for the city’s Economic Development staff, and a collection of resources from regional partners such as the Sacramento Sewer District, SMUD, the Small Business Administration, the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, the Citrus Heights Police Department’s Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program and others. Huber said as of Sept. 24, more than 160 kits have been distributed, offering timely guidance and relationship-building from day one.
The city is also preparing to distribute its first Annual Business Survey to help the city understand local business needs. Huber said the survey marks the beginning of a formal benchmarking process to gather insights on business climate, workforce challenges, satisfaction with city services, and overall engagement. The results will provide essential data to inform future programming and policy decisions, Huber said.
To recognize and celebrate local businesses, the city is also introducing a new Quarterly Business Recognition Program. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, one business per quarter will be honored with a City Council proclamation. Recognition will fall into one of four categories: People’s Pick, Legacy Business, Top of the Trade, and Blight to Bright.
This initiative helps to promote civic pride and highlights the unique stories and successes of the local business community, the city said. Additional award categories are expected to roll out in 2026.
The City’s “Love Local” campaign has remained active, particularly in supporting businesses affected by the Auburn Boulevard Phase 2 construction. As part of this outreach, 20 local businesses have been featured on the City’s website, social media channels, and newsletter. A new dedicated “Love Local” website has also been created to showcase local businesses.
A cornerstone of the Business Retention and Expansion strategy is direct outreach. The Work Plan set a goal of conducting 50 business retention visits per year, and so far, 28 visits have already been completed, placing the city well on track to exceed its annual target, Huber said. Much of this early success can be attributed to focused engagement with businesses along the Auburn Boulevard Phase 2 corridor, where timely outreach helped identify challenges from the construction project, strengthen relationships, and connect businesses with support services.
Looking at the broader objectives laid out in the Work Plan’s implementation framework, the city aims to maintain a 95 percent retention rate among its top 50 employers, measure and improve overall business satisfaction to reach a 4.5 out of 5 rating, and continue its commitment to proactive communication and support.
