May is Bike Month

Bike month is a month-long celebration held in May. Whether you commute to work, tear up the trails in Upper Park, or cruise through Lower Bidwell, our beautiful city has a plethora of trails, routes, events, and offerings for folks of all ages and abilities looking to get on a bike.

In January, the City of Chico announced the renewal of its Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award from the League of American Bicyclists.

This recognition places Chico among over 450 communities nationwide that are dedicated to creating safer streets and improving bicycling opportunities for everyone. It highlights Chico's ongoing commitment to developing transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities while promoting healthier, more sustainable transportation choices.

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Mayor's Minute

Mayor Kasey Reynolds' video series is your go-to for quick updates about what's happening in Chico. Watch the latest episode here, or follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for more updates.

Utility Box Wraps Coming to Chico

The City of Chico’s Art Commission is getting a creative boost with PowerUp Public Art — a new initiative to wrap local utility boxes in original artwork by Chico-area artists. Inspired by similar programs in other cities, the project brings vibrant, accessible art into everyday public spaces.

So far, half of the 15 available utility boxes are already spoken for, with commitments from the Chico Art Center, MONCA, Shubert’s, and a local artist. Each wrap costs under $500, with the final price depending on box size. Participants can choose their location (if still available) and select their artwork.

Organized by the Chico Arts Commission, the program has seen overwhelming enthusiasm from the arts community. Over 70 pieces have been submitted, highlighting Butte County with a range of landscapes, abstracts, photography, and florals. “This project makes art more accessible,” says Ciara Barsotti part of the ad hoc committee formed by the Chico Arts Commission. “It’s like a public art tour—only it’s something people can enjoy every day.” Barsotti says they would like to expand to utility boxes outside of the downtown to allow more artists to participate.

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City of Chico Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Highlights

As the City Council considers the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, it is a great time to review some of the many accomplishments from 2024-2025.

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT:

Affordable Housing Projects Underway in Chico

The City of Chico continues to make significant progress in addressing affordable housing needs, thanks to Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding allocated after the 2018 Camp Fire. Of the $32.5 million awarded to the City through this program, three major housing projects are currently under construction and nearing completion.

Bar Triangle, 2225 Bar Triangle, Chico

This multifamily project will provide 70 new residential units, including a manager’s unit. The six-building complex includes a community building and a tot lot for families. Funded with over $14.4 million in City CDBG-DR funds, tax credit financing, and 25 project-based vouchers, the project is about 70% complete and expected to open in January 2026.

Developer: Affordable Housing Development Corporation | Contractor: Sunseri Construction

Cussick Apartments, 616 W. East Avenue, Chico (pictured above)

Offering 75 units (including a manager’s unit), Cussick Apartments will feature a community building and an on-site childcare center. The project is approximately 76% complete, with an expected finish in June/July 2025. It is funded by City and County CDBG-DR, along with state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

Developer & Contractor: Danco Communities

Oleander Community Housing – 2324 Esplanade, Chico

Designed as permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness with severe mental illness, Oleander will include 38 units, a community center, multipurpose room, gardens, and a dog park. With a 15-year services commitment from Butte County Behavioral Health, the project is nearly 92% complete and set to open in May 2025.

Developer & Contractor: The Pacific Companies

These projects reflect Chico’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and expanding access to quality, affordable housing.

LINK TO HOUSING

Be Ready Butte!

Fire Season is upon us and it's a good idea to be ready in case of wildfires. Be Ready Butte is a great resource to help you prepare for a potential emergency.

Butte County has established individual evacuation zones throughout the County, including within the city limits of Chico. These zones will be used during fires, floods, and other emergencies requiring evacuations. Each zone has a different number. It is important to know your zone, and other important zones, such as where family members live, schools, etc. You can find out what zone you live in by viewing the Evacuation Zone Map. You can also call 2-1-1 or text 898211 for assistance in finding your zone.

To receive notifications during an emergency, the public is encouraged to sign up for CodeRED. This emergency notification system will alert you by landline or mobile phone of evacuation orders and warnings referring to specific evacuation zones.

Congratulations 2025 Graduates!

Congratulations to the graduates from Chico State, Butte College, and our local high schools. We are proud of the accomplishments of the many talented students in our community!

Memorial Day Weekend Brings the Silver Dollar Fair

The 2025 Silver Dollar Fair is back Thursday May 22nd- Monday May 26th. Spend Memorial Weekend kicking off the summer with carnival rides, fair food, games, and more! This year, the Junior Livestock Auction will take place June 14th, there will only be a live auction.

For more information and tickets visit: https://www.silverdollarfair.org/

For more information on the Junior Livestock Auction and to become a buyer visit:

https://www.silverdollarfair.org/p/about/junior-livestock-auction-information