City of Chico
The City of Chico, situated in beautiful Northern California, lies on the northeast edge of the Sacramento Valley, in the midst of lush agricultural land. Founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, and incorporated in 1872, the City’s ideal locale provides convenient access to large metropolitan areas, such as the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento region, while offering a lower cost of living. Chico’s population, just over 93,000, makes it one of the largest cities north of Sacramento. Large local agencies, such as California State University – Chico, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Enloe Hospital, and the City of Chico have been a significant influence on the City and region, providing key employment and economic opportunities.
Home to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the nation, as well as a vibrant Downtown and City Plaza, Chico prides itself on a large variety of recreational and community opportunities throughout the year. Locals and out of town visitors are quick to remark on the sense of community and lively spirit that seems to permeate all of Chico, especially at the local famers’ markets or free concerts in the plaza that occur all summer long.
The City of Chico is a charter city with a City Council consisting of seven councilmembers. The City is a Council – Manager form of government, with the City Manager directly appointed by the Council. City Management has focused on building a strong team of individuals dedicated to serving the community at-large, while also focusing on economic development and emphasizing community involvement.
The mission statement of the City Manager’s Department clearly emphasizes the City’s continued commitment to expanding services and community efforts that enhance the City:
The mission of the City Manager’s Department is to provide professional leadership in the administration and execution of policies and objectives formulated by City Council; to develop and recommend alternative solutions to community problems for Council consideration; to plan and develop new programs to meet future needs of the City; to prepare the annual budget; and foster community pride in city government through excellent customer service and effective and efficient operations.
The City of Chico, situated in beautiful Northern California, lies on the northeast edge of the Sacramento Valley, in the midst of lush agricultural land. Founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, and incorporated in 1872, the City’s ideal locale provides convenient access to large metropolitan areas, such as the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento region, while offering a lower cost of living. Chico’s population, just over 93,000, makes it one of the largest cities north of Sacramento. Large local agencies, such as California State University – Chico, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Enloe Hospital, and the City of Chico have been a significant influence on the City and region, providing key employment and economic opportunities.
Home to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the nation, as well as a vibrant Downtown and City Plaza, Chico prides itself on a large variety of recreational and community opportunities throughout the year. Locals and out of town visitors are quick to remark on the sense of community and lively spirit that seems to permeate all of Chico, especially at the local famers’ markets or free concerts in the plaza that occur all summer long.
The City of Chico is a charter city with a City Council consisting of seven councilmembers. The City is a Council – Manager form of government, with the City Manager directly appointed by the Council. City Management has focused on building a strong team of individuals dedicated to serving the community at-large, while also focusing on economic development and emphasizing community involvement.
The mission statement of the City Manager’s Department clearly emphasizes the City’s continued commitment to expanding services and community efforts that enhance the City:
The mission of the City Manager’s Department is to provide professional leadership in the administration and execution of policies and objectives formulated by City Council; to develop and recommend alternative solutions to community problems for Council consideration; to plan and develop new programs to meet future needs of the City; to prepare the annual budget; and foster community pride in city government through excellent customer service and effective and efficient operations.