Citrus Heights council designates Auburn Boulevard as official Arts District

The Citrus Heights City Council voted to establish an official Citrus Heights Arts District stretching along Auburn Boulevard, approving a resolution to encourage public art, partnerships with local organizations and programs to promote economic development.

City Clerk Amy Van presented staff recommendations developed by the Arts & Culture 2x2 committee and staff, outlining a proposed boundary from the Sylvan Community Center north to the city limit and a set of action items including artist partnerships, a call for an Arts District logo, public bench art concepts, and use of existing economic development grant funds. "Designating a Citrus Heights Arts District would provide a framework to encourage creative investment by artists and local businesses, promote cultural tourism and support local economic development," staff told the council.

Council Member Schafer moved to adopt "Resolution 2025: City Council of Citrus Heights, California, in support of designating the Citrus Heights Arts District," and the motion was seconded and approved with 'Aye' votes recorded. After the vote, council members expressed enthusiasm about murals already installed along Auburn Boulevard and the potential for the district to activate underused spaces.

The resolution asks staff to pursue partnerships with local groups such as Citrus Heights Arts and the Chamber of Commerce and to consider state cultural certification in the future. Council directed staff to develop a menu of options for signage, installations and events and to return with implementation details and potential funding sources drawn from economic development and arts grant allocations.

Council flagged next steps will include a community launch and further discussion of design standards, property-owner participation in public-bench art and outreach to commercial stakeholders.

The council adopted the resolution at the meeting and celebrated the new designation.