Photo courtesy of City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Dear Citrus Heights Community, as we move through 2025, I’ve been reflecting on some key issues that impact our city and the ways we can continue working together to make Citrus Heights a safer, stronger, and more connected community. From public safety initiatives to opportunities for civic engagement, there are important updates I want to share with you—along with simple ways you can get involved.

Reinstating the Police Department’s POP Team

Public safety remains a top priority for our city, and we’re excited to share that the Citrus Heights Police Department has reinstated its Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Team. This team is dedicated to tackling persistent neighborhood issues, addressing community concerns, and working proactively to improve safety throughout our city. If you have ongoing concerns in your neighborhood, the POP Team is here to help find solutions. The POP Unit works closely with residents to address quality-of-life issues, ensuring a proactive response. To report concerns, email [email protected] or call non-emergency dispatch at (916) 727-5500. Your reports play a vital role in keeping Citrus Heights clean, safe, and thriving.

Pedestrian Safety & Reporting Solicitation in Medians

We are continuing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, but we need your help. If you see solicitation activity in medians—or someone simply standing in the roadway median, —please report this type of unlawful activity to non-emergency dispatch at (916) 727-5500. These activities create safety risks for both pedestrians and drivers and by working together, we can keep our streets safe.

Community Sentiment on Code Enforcement

We know that maintaining the look and feel of our neighborhoods is important to you, and recent FlashVote survey results provide valuable insights into community sentiment on code enforcement.

Desire for More Code Enforcement: 65% of respondents said the city needs more code enforcement, and only 3% felt there was too much enforcement.

Priority Areas for Improvement: 39% of respondents believe all areas—residential, commercial, and major corridors—need equal attention, while 20% specifically pointed to high-visibility corridors as a top priority.

Top Code Enforcement Issues: The highest-priority concerns include visibly abandoned and rundown commercial buildings (60%), residential junk and inoperable items in yards (53%), and commercial lot maintenance (46%).

This feedback is shaping our approach as we work to address community expectations. Our next step is to present staff recommendations at the City Council Strategic Planning Retreat on March 26, 2025. We encourage residents to stay engaged, continue sharing input, and help us refine our efforts to keep Citrus Heights a place where the well of community pride is always filling.

Make Your Voice Heard – Sign Up for FlashVote

Relatedly, your feedback is critical to shaping city programs and initiatives. One of the best ways to have a direct impact is by signing up for FlashVote, our quick and easy survey platform. By participating, you’ll receive short surveys—taking just a minute or two—to provide input on key city decisions. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the perfect time to get involved! Please visit our Flashvote website to register.

Strategic Planning Retreat – Your Council’s Vision for the Future

Each year, your City Council and Executive Team come together to set priorities and strategic objectives for the year ahead. This year’s Strategic Planning Retreat will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 8:30 a.m. at Citrus Heights City Hall.

This retreat is a key opportunity for city leaders to review community feedback, including recent FlashVote survey results on code enforcement and economic development, and determine priorities that will guide Citrus Heights’ future. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as we continue working toward a thriving, well-maintained, and vibrant city.

Thank you for your continued engagement in making Citrus Heights a great place to live, work, and thrive. Your participation helps shape the future of our community, and we appreciate your commitment to being part of the conversation.

From the desk of Citrus Heights City Manager Ashley Feeney, for those wanting the connectedness of a true community along with urban proximity, Citrus Heights, rooted in California's Capital Region, is a new city with the timeless values of resourcefulness and pragmatism, offering you the stability and support to realize your aspirations.