https://www.facebook.com/CityofCitrusHeights/videos/1099612350738634/
Sentinel staff report–
The City of Citrus Heights hosted its third annual State of the City address on Thursday last week, with Mayor Porsche Middleton highlighting month-by-month accomplishments from the past year and City Manager Ash Feeney giving a look at the future.
Middleton highlighted progress at Sunrise Mall, with the approval of a plan to guide redevelopment of the site and the most recent news of an application being submitted to the city showing a potential hotel at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. She also noted the city returning to its debt-free status, the launch of a new organic waste recycling program, and the award of a contract for the 2.9-mile Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail Project.
“I’m so proud of what we continue to build together. We continue to take charge of our own future, captain our own ship, manifest our own destiny,” said Middleton in closing her 20-minute speech. “There are still many challenges ahead yet, but our position is strong and our sense of true community is stronger… the best is yet to come.”
Following Middleton’s speech, the city manager shared a brief history of how he came to the top executive position in Citrus Heights and reflected on his first 100 days. Feeney shared his four-prong focus area work plan currently under way, with focus areas being: community connection, infrastructure, economic development, and community image.
Feeney also presented an update on the city’s budget and fiscal outlook, highlighting the help of American Rescue Plan Act dollars and the city finally receiving its share of property taxes after 25 years. He said the city will be putting more money towards roads, with an additional $2 million from the General Fund going towards infrastructure, beginning in fiscal year 2023, and another $4 million the following year.
The city manager also highlighted a new “beautification crew” to clean up blight and improve community image, as well as the city’s recent work to partner with CalTrans and regional partners to clean up homeless camps.
Feeney’s speech concluded with a short video of highlights from Sunday Funday, with comments from council members.
The 2022 State of the City address was held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Oct. 20, with the event also being live-streamed on the city’s Facebook page. A recording is viewable here.
