Dear Citrus Heights Community,

I want to share an important update on our shared vision for the Sunrise Mall property, also known as Sunrise Tomorrow.

Since the plan’s adoption in November 2021, the City of Citrus Heights has been committed to transforming this 100-acre site into a vibrant, mixed-use destination—featuring housing, hospitality, retail, entertainment, office space, and inviting public areas. This bold vision reflects what we’ve consistently heard from the community: that this central property should be a hub for connection, economic activity, and civic pride.

Reaffirming the Vision

Over the last couple of years, a local property owner had an option to purchase most of the Sunrise Mall with the intent of making amendments to the city-approved Sunrise Tomorrow vision which delayed activity while these amendments were considered.

This spring, the City Council denied a proposal from the property owner that would have stripped out many of the gathering spaces and introduced auto-oriented and storage uses inconsistent with the long-term plan. The City Council heard the community voice a desire to continue to strive for a more aspirational vision that current and future residents would be proud of. The Council’s decision reaffirmed a community commitment to the adopted vision for Sunrise Tomorrow—one that prioritizes high-quality redevelopment and long-term community benefit.

Listening to Our Community

We want to be clear: we hear you. Community members have voiced growing concerns about declining conditions at the Sunrise Mall. We share those concerns and are actively addressing them.

The City has received multiple complaints about unsafe conditions at the property. In response, staff obtained an inspection warrant, conducted a comprehensive assessment, and identified numerous health and safety violations. A formal Notice to Abate has been issued and remains in effect.

Enforcement and Accountability

Maintaining safety and appearance at this site is not optional for existing property owners. The City has issued more than $300,000 in code enforcement fines due to ongoing violations of municipal code standards. Regardless of occupancy or ownership status, we are committed to holding property owners accountable and protecting the community’s quality of life.

Engaging Ownership

While the Sunrise Mall is privately owned and divided among four separate property owners, Namdar Realty holds the majority of the site. In a recent and constructive development, Namdar leadership traveled to Citrus Heights to visit the site and meet with City officials. These conversations are important to ensuring alignment and future collaboration around shared expectations and reinvestment. As has been reported, we understand that Namdar is seeking to sell the property.

To any future buyer: Sunrise Tomorrow is the adopted and entitled vision for this site, which was recently reaffirmed with a full commitment to seeing it through. Any successful redevelopment will need to honor that vision and bring forward projects that align with the community’s expectations.

Even without ownership of the property, the City has taken proactive steps to lay the groundwork for redevelopment. That includes completing infrastructure planning, securing environmental clearance, approving a flexible parcel map, and streamlining zoning entitlements. These efforts make the site investment-ready and are especially helpful in attracting hospitality and entertainment partners.

The City is using the tools available to local governments to protect the community’s interests and move this project forward.

Our Commitment

This site means a great deal to all of us. While redevelopment of this scale is influenced by complex market factors, Citrus Heights is not standing still. We are listening to our community, enforcing the standards that matter, and continuing our efforts to bring new energy and investment to this critical corridor. Thank you for your ongoing engagement. With strong leadership, accountability, and community partnership, Sunrise Tomorrow remains a vision worth striving for—and delivering on.

In your service,