By Sara Beth Williams–
Results from the latest FlashVote survey issued by the City of Citrus Heights in March show that road conditions, public safety and security, and community cleanliness continue to rank as top priorities for the majority of residents.
Out of 400 responses overall, survey results show that 53 percent of respondents perceive the city to be trending in a better direction as a place to live. Nineteen percent of respondents said the city was trending worse, and 28 percent said they were not sure.
Physical safety and security are listed as the top priorities of residents, with 86 percent of respondents saying this was one of the most important aspects of Citrus Heights, while 72 percent said they felt the conditions of streets and sidewalks were important.
Seventy-one percent also selected community cleanliness and visual appeal as another important aspect of Citrus Heights, and 49 percent selected “range of shopping and dining options” as another important part of Citrus Heights. Only 16 percent of respondents selected local events and entertainment as an important aspect in Citrus Heights. Respondents were allowed to select four choices.
Residents were also asked about what strengths they felt Citrus Heights had, and 49 percent of residents said they felt it was easy to get around town, while 41 percent said the range of dining and shopping options was a strength. Thirty-eight percent of respondents also said physical safety and security were a strength. Only 10 percent of respondents indicated the condition of streets and sidewalks as a strength. Residents were allowed to choose as many options as listed.
In a March 2025 FlashVote Survey on Quality of Life in Citrus Heights, 85 percent of respondents said physical safety and security were the most important aspects of Citrus Heights. Additionally, 69 percent indicated that both the condition of streets and sidewalks and community cleanliness and visual appeal were also important.
At the end of the survey, 174 respondents left comments on a range of topics, from roads, public safety, homelessness, and blight to the redevelopment of Sunrise Mall, restaurants, and shopping options.
Road conditions and traffic concerns were frequently mentioned, with many residents repeatedly calling for potholes to be repaired, residential streets repaved, and aging pavement addressed on major corridors, including Madison Avenue, Auburn Boulevard, Greenback Lane, and neighborhood streets.
Commenters also raised concerns about faded lane markings, uneven pavement, missing sidewalks, narrow traffic lanes, and visibility issues during nighttime or rainy conditions. Several specifically asked for more reflective paint, improved medians, additional street lighting, and sidewalk expansion in under-served areas.
Residents also reported speeding and called for more traffic enforcement, speed tables, and police presence. Some objected to recent bike lane additions or sidewalk widening projects they said narrowed vehicle lanes, while others requested more bike lanes, trails, and walkable infrastructure.
The future of Sunrise Mall redevelopment generated strong opinions, but many residents urged the city to move faster on redevelopment after years of delay. Many expressed support for mixed-use development that would include destination retail, entertainment, public gathering spaces, and housing.
The proposed sports complex drew both enthusiasm and skepticism. Some residents called it exciting and potentially transformative, while others questioned whether it would succeed economically or attract enough visitors.
Some commenters said Citrus Heights needs more sit-down restaurants, upscale dining, and destination shopping. Repeated suggestions included national chains such as Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Cracker Barrel, while others preferred locally owned restaurants instead of additional drive-thrus or fast food.
Residents also called for more family attractions, concerts, teen gathering places, senior activities, mini golf, arcades, trails, and adult-oriented community events. Several said Citrus Heights needs more places for recreation and entertainment if it hopes to compete with nearby communities.
Homelessness and neighborhood safety were also frequently mentioned concerns, with many residents saying visible encampments, loitering, trash, and public disorder remain major issues in parts of the city.
Several respondents called for more strict enforcement of existing laws involving illegal camping, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, property neglect, and nuisance activity. Others focused on neighborhood blight, asking for stronger code enforcement related to overgrown yards, junk cars, deteriorating homes, neglected rentals, and vacant commercial properties.
Police and city services drew both praise and criticism. Many residents expressed strong support for the Citrus Heights Police Department and said they appreciate visible cleanup efforts and emergency response, while others said they want more patrols, stronger traffic enforcement, and greater police presence in business districts and residential neighborhoods.
City services such as debris cleanup and pothole reporting and response through the SeeClickFix app were praised by several residents. Waste collection also drew comments, with some residents criticizing Republic Services and calling for changes to refuse service or stronger enforcement against illegal dumping.
A significant number of comments expressed appreciation for recent city improvements. Longtime residents frequently referenced visible progress since incorporation and praised community events, road work, beautification, and city responsiveness.
Others criticized city leadership, transparency, or spending priorities, with some saying residents feel unheard or that decisions are being made too slowly or by the wrong people.
Several comments encouraged stronger neighborhood engagement, more outreach, and continued public involvement through neighborhood meetings and city communication.
To participate in FlashVote surveys, residents can visit the city’s website to sign up.
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