The City is proud of the many positive and productive partnerships that have been built with other governmental agencies and non-profits.  For example, the city has worked in partnership with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District since incorporation to enhance park and recreation services within the community.  San Juan Unified School District and the city have collaborated on traffic safety projects, facility enhancements, new amenities, and school safety issues.  In addition, the city has worked with Sylvan Oaks Library to provide annual funding to enhance library hours for the community at large. 

Specifically, the Administrative Services Department is responsible for facilitating and managing many of these intergovernmental projects and the department provides support for special projects on an as needed basis.  In addition, the department facilitates the Citrus Heights Collaborative.  A number of these partnerships help to enhance the "quality of life" for Citrus Heights residents.

What does "quality of life" mean?

The term "Quality of Life"  is one that means something different to everyone.  Generally speaking, it refers to one's overall enjoyment of life and their ability to do so.  Factors influencing quality of life include satisfying the basic necessities in life, such as shelter, nourishment, and health.  Other factors might include access to transportation, culture, recreational activities, environmental quality, and educational experiences.  Clean neighborhoods, safe streets, good schools, and recreational amenities are all part of a positive quality of life.  In general, providing a nice place for people to live and enjoy their day-to-day life is significant in terms of promoting a quality of life.

Why is this important to the City?

Enhancing the quality of life in the Citrus Heights community was one of the prime motivating factors for incorporation in 1997.  As a large urbanized unincorporated area, the Citrus Heights community needed to define itself and develop a greater sense of place.  Through strategic partnerships with other local service providers and community events, the city has been a significant catalyst for enhancing the quality of life in Citrus Heights.

Community Partnerships

Since incorporation, the city has initiated a number of initiatives through partnerships to improve the quality of life in Citrus Heights. Examples include:

• Citrus Heights Collaborative - A monthly meeting of public agencies and non-profit organizations that serve Citrus Heights, the Collaborative is an excellent resource for exchanging information, establishing partnerships, forming cooperative relationships for grant applications, and more.  The Collaborative focuses on enhancing social services, human services and programs to the Citrus Heights community. Participation is open.  The Collaborative generally meets on the 2nd Friday of the month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Citrus Heights Civic Center.  For additional information, contact Collaborative@citrusheights.net.

• School Partnerships - In an effort to promote the enhancement of education in Citrus Heights and the quality of schools, the city has been actively engaged in education and school issues since shortly after incorporation.  The city has a close working relationship with San Juan Unified School District at all levels ranging from the elected representatives to program managers to principals.  Regular meetings occur between city elected officials and staff and local principals and district administrators. 

• Park Partnerships - The city recognizes the value of high quality recreational services and park amenities on overall community quality of life.  Since incorporation, the city has maintained a very strong partnership-oriented relationship with the local provider of parks and recreation services, Sunrise Recreation & Park District.  Examples of this partnership include the city's investment of over $1 million in improvements for Citrus Heights parks and funding for the construction of the skate park complex.

• Library Partnerships - Access to books and a public library are another aspect of a healthy, quality community.  The City has partnered with the Sacramento Public Library to enhance library hours, technology, and programs.