From left are Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Citrus Heights communication officer Marisa Brown, Economic Development Director Meghan Huber, Citrus Heights management analyst Alicia Aguirre, Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick and Citrus Heights city manager Ash Feeney. 

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney took center stage at the ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Citrus Heights Event Center, as he shared his strategic vision for the city’s growth and development. The event, sponsored by the City of Citrus Heights, brought together business leaders, city officials and community advocates.

Marisa Brown, communications officer for the City of Citrus Heights, kicked off the luncheon with an update on the city's latest efforts to support local businesses. Brown highlighted the city’s increasingly active presence on social media, aiming to amplify the voices of both new and long-established businesses.

“We’re doing an amazing campaign called Love Local, which really highlights our local businesses,” said Brown. “If you want to see your business on our Citrus Heights social media channels, find me and let’s figure out a good day for me to come out, take some pictures, get some video content and share your business with our residents. Our channels are your channels.”

Marisa Brown (left) and Alicia Aguirre (right) represented the City of Citrus Heights, the luncheon’s sponsor.

Brown also spoke about the city's two newsletters: the Business Bulletin, which delivers timely information to business leaders, and the general City News newsletter, aimed at keeping residents informed. She emphasized the city’s commitment to promoting local events through an online community calendar.

Management analyst with the City of Citrus Heights, Alicia Aguirre, discussed the city’s Economic Development Work Plan, which focuses on business attraction, retention and expansion.

“We’re working on building up vacant spaces and targeting key business sectors,” Aguirre explained. “We’re also working hard to ensure small businesses get the support they need, whether that’s through funding alternatives or marketing initiatives.”

The luncheon featured an engaging interview between Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick and Citrus Heights City Manager Feeney, who discussed the city’s vision for growth and the importance of strategic planning. Feeney, who took on the role in January 2022, spoke passionately about the city’s recent achievements, including receiving the prestigious Helen Putnam Award for the city’s CARE Campaign.

Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney took center stage at the ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Citrus Heights Event Center for a dynamic conversation with Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick.

“Our city received the award for our clean and safe community efforts and that’s something we’re really proud of,” Feeney said. “It’s not just about the award but also the feedback we’re getting from residents and businesses telling us that they’ve noticed the difference.”

Feeney shared his philosophy on leadership, drawing parallels between his approach to managing the city and gardening.

“When you’re pruning a plant, it’s all about making intentional cuts to promote new growth,” Feeney said. “We take the same approach with the city’s budget: prioritizing what will have the most impact.”

The discussion also covered the city’s investments in infrastructure and public safety. Feeney pointed to recent improvements on key roads such as Sunrise Boulevard and the ongoing transformation of Auburn Boulevard. He also highlighted the city’s efforts to ensure business areas are safe and secure.

“The city has been proactive in addressing organized retail theft and supporting businesses with grants to enhance safety,” Feeney said. “We’ve also re-established our problem-oriented policing unit to work directly with businesses and neighborhoods.”

The Citrus Heights Chamber welcomed its new members at the ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The topic of the Sunrise Mall redevelopment was also raised, with Feeney noting that the city is actively working to bring the area to life in line with the Sunrise Tomorrow plan.

“We’ve been in regular meetings with the property owners and we’re looking for the right partners to help us realize the development potential of the site,” he said.

As the conversation turned to community collaboration, Feeney underscored the importance of the partnership between the city and the Chamber of Commerce.

“The relationship between local government and the chamber has been thriving,” he said. “We work together to ensure that businesses have the support they need, whether that’s through direct advocacy or addressing specific concerns.”

The luncheon wrapped up with a rapid-fire Q&A, where Feeney was asked to share his vision for the future of Citrus Heights. When asked about what kind of business he would like to see in the city, Feeney responded, “I’d love to see a regional draw, something like the Sunrise Mall once was. A business that attracts people from all over.”

The ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon provided a space for dialogue between the city and its business community, with a focus on continued growth, collaboration and support for local businesses.

As Feeney said in closing, “You can’t force growth but you can definitely set the conditions for it.”