February 2025 Update:

Meet Chico's City Council
2024 Roadway Improvements Video
Chico Secures $12 Million for High-Speed Broadband
Chico Fire Combats Bidwell Mansion and Park Fires
SPOTLIGHT: Creekside Estates
Chico Animal Shelter - Free Adoptions in February
Butte 365 Events Calendar

Meet Chico's City Council

Congratulations to the City's newest Councilmembers! On Dec. 4, 2024, Councilmembers Katie Hawley (District 5), Bryce Goldstein (District 7), Mike O’Brien (District 1) and Dale Bennett (District 3) were sworn in to office. The full Council then elected Kasey Reynolds (District 2) as Mayor and Dale Bennett as Vice Mayor. Councilmembers Tom van Overbeek (District 6) and Addison Winslow (District 4) were not up for re-election.

To learn more about each of the seven Councilmembers and to obtain information on how to contact individual Councilmembers see the link below.

Vist Chico City Council Bios and Directory

2024 Public Works Roadway Improvements Wrap-up

2024 was a historic construction year for the City of Chico, awarding over $60 million in roadway construction projects! These vital projects will ensure safety and quality of life for Chico residents and businesses.

Chico Fire Combats Bidwell Mansion and Park Fires

Hats off to the City of Chico Fire Department! This small team should be recognized for their commitment, teamwork, dedication and professionalism in two major fire events this past year: the Park Fire and the Bidwell Mansion Fire.

During the Park Fire, the City's fire team worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, secure the park, protect homes, and ensure the safety of Chico residents. Similarly, the swift response to the Bidwell Mansion Fire on Dec. 11th showcased the expertise and determination of City firefighters, code enforcement officers, and fire investigation team. Their exceptional effort led to identification of a suspect responsible for the Bidwell Mansion Fire and is a testament to their pursuit of justice and safety.

“We are proud of our firefighters’ dedication and their role in keeping Chico safe,” said Chico’s Fire Chief, Steve Standridge. “Let’s continue to support our fire department as they protect our community and face increasing fire dangers every day. Our city fire team provides critical resources that enhance our ability to respond to the growing fire-related challenges our city faces.”

More firefighting photos and information can be found by visiting the Chico Fire Department's website at the link below.

Learn More about Chico Fire

City of Chico Secures $12 Million Grant to Transform Broadband Access

The City of Chico is excited to announce a $12,746,798.00 grant from the Federal Funding Account to bring high-speed fiber-optic internet to the Chapman Elementary School boundary area, marking a significant step toward closing the digital divide in our community. This transformative project has been years in the making and represents a vital investment in modern infrastructure.

Starting with $4.8 million in America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds during the pandemic, the City launched a pilot program to test innovative broadband technology. This pilot paved the way for additional federal funding, helping secure a total of $17 million for the underserved Chapman/Mulberry neighborhoods. With this investment, residents will have access to reliable, high-speed internet for just $40 per month—perfect for streaming, Telehealth, remote work, and online education.

This community-owned broadband network will deliver affordable, high-quality service that treats internet as a vital utility. Fiber is the future, and underground installation will ensure durability, reliability, and minimal disruption during construction.

See the full grant announcement and additional information on the City's broadband initiative on the City's website under the "Announcements" section: www.chico.ca.us.

Learn More about North Valley Fiber and Sign-Up for Updates

Chico Animal Shelter Free Adoption February

The Chico Animal Shelter is waving adoption fees during the month of February. The shelter is located at 2579 Fair Street and is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 4 pm, or by appointment.

Follow @ChicoAnimalShelter on social media for more information on pet adoption or click the link below to view available animals to adopt.

View Animals for Adoption

Spotlight on Creekside Place: A Critical Resource for Local Seniors

Creekside Place was developed in response to Chico’s pressing need for affordable senior housing, exacerbated by the Camp Fire and the rising cost of living. Nearly 86 percent of current residents previously lived in Butte County, with many being Camp Fire survivors. Another 10 percent came from nearby counties including Glenn, Tehama, and Shasta, and only a handful relocated from further away.

“Housing projects like Creekside Place play a critical role in addressing Chico’s need for affordable housing. This project is a great example of how smart planning and investment in housing can enhance our city’s livability and long-term growth," said Brendan Vieg. Director of Community Development for the City of Chico.

Butte365 is a year-round, arts and entertainment resource for all of Butte County. Visit Butte365 for a detailed calendar of what's happening in Chico and the surrounding areas.

Butte365 is an initiative of Explore Butte County, a non-profit destination marketing organization dedicated to growing and sustaining a flourishing and diverse tourism economy in Butte County, California.

Visit Butte 365

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