By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights leaders reported continued progress in community relations, public safety, and fiscal stability during the annual State of the City Address held on Nov. 6.
During the address, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and City Manager Ash Feeney maintained a tone of positivity, optimism, and gratitude throughout their messages to the community, noting declines in crime alongside a balanced budget and increased efforts in community and business engagement.
Both thanked business leaders, local and regional partners, city council members, and city staff and leaders by name for their leadership and hard work helping the city advance its goals.
“Their work embodies what it means to serve with pride and purpose,” Karpinski-Costa said.
In her message, Karpinski Costa laid out multiple accomplishments in community engagement and stronger business recognition and support, including the implementation of an Economic Development Work Plan, a “Love Local” social media campaign that has helped highlight businesses, various grants awarded to businesses and nonprofits, the launch of Neighborhood Association Awareness month, the establishment of an official Arts District on Auburn Boulevard, inaugural events such as “Citrus Nights,” and inaugural participation in The Big Day of Service.
Karpinski-Costa also highlighted future endeavors, including bringing FieldHaven Feline Center to Citrus Heights, and outlined some of the progress and intentional planning the city has done in order to advance redevelopment plans for the Sunrise Mall property.
Related: Could this Colorado mall offer hope for Sunrise Mall redevelopment?
The mayor reaffirmed the city and community’s vision for the Sunrise Tomorrow redevelopment plan and refreshed the community on the purpose and impact of the council’s study trip to Lakewood, Colorado, to visit the Belmar Shopping District.
“[The Belmar Mall] was torn down and rebuilt into an urban village, generating substantial cash flow to the city and demonstrating to us what the Sunrise Tomorrow plan could be,” the mayor said.
Feeney also touched on the “once-in-a-generation” redevelopment opportunity and impact the future development of the Sunrise Mall site will have on future residents. The city manager spoke honestly but optimistically regarding the fines levied against the property, and the proactive steps the city is taking to prepare the property for future reinvestment.
In his portion of the address, Feeney outlined the city’s accomplishments in relation to fiscal stability and public safety, highlighting the city’s balanced budget, downward trends in crime and homelessness encampments, and the rise in proactive public safety efforts.
Feeney reported that the Citrus Heights Police Department reestablished their Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Unit in January, allowing for more proactive enforcement. Drug-related arrests have increased by 83 percent from 2023 to 2024 and by an additional 19 percent so far in 2025, Feeney said, while illegal camping-related incidents have decreased by 44 percent.
“Public safety remains central to the identity and the quality of life here in Citrus Heights,” Feeney said.
Feeney also highlighted ongoing local endeavors, such as the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project, which continues to advocate for and raise funds toward the construction of a permanent Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Citrus Heights. The long vision for the site of the memorial wall also includes additional memorials honoring servicemen in other wars and conflicts.
“Just as we honor our past, we’re also investing in our future,” Feeney said.
Related: Plans moving forward for $3M replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Citrus Heights
During the evening, Byers Gymnastics was the first business to receive a quarterly award from the city in its inaugural Business Distinction Awards program. The awards program seeks to highlight businesses quarterly based on popular vote that reflect various themes. This quarter’s theme involved civic pride.
The city also recognized its first annual Chip-In Volunteer Award to Janet Harry, who was given the award in April during Volunteer Appreciation Week.
