City of Elk Grove
Newsletter
September October 2026 / Volume 26 / Issue 5
Grand Opening October 10
A New Chapter Begins: Grand Opening of the New Elk Grove Library For more than a century, the Elk Grove Library has been a cornerstone of the community, evolving alongside the city it serves. Now, a new chapter begins. The City of Elk Grove and Sacramento Public Library (SPL) have transformed the former Rite Aid building at 9260 Elk Grove Boulevard into a modern, one-story library designed to better meet the needs of today’s residents. The new 18,000-square-foot library replaces the previous branch, offering easier access, expanded amenities, and more space for learning, creativity, and community connections. The $15.3 million project was funded through a $7 million state grant along with local funding sources and features: • • • • • •
A welcoming children’s area with an outdoor patio An expanded teen space A makerspace and Library of Things collection Three study rooms A larger meeting room More parking, new restrooms, and a convenient book locker
We’ve Got History Started as a stage stop along the historic Lincoln Highway in 1850, Elk Grove has become a vibrant city home to more than 180,000 people. The last full week in September is recognized as Elk Grove History Week. Join local organizations in celebrating Elk Grove’s storied past and proud heritage. Look for details on History Week events at activities at elkgrove.gov/historyweek.
Join SPL, Elk Grove officials, and your neighbors as we celebrate this exciting milestone during the official grand opening: Saturday, October 10 10:30am – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 11am- Library Opens 11am-1pm – Grand Opening Activities
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Anti-Bullying Campaign Mental 4 Health in an Unequal World Give Your Jack-o’-Lantern a Second Life Elk Grove Services New Bicycle, E-Bike and Scooter Safety Ordinance Trick-or-treating isn’t just for the kids Local Events
Strong Quality of Life in Elk Grove More Ways to Participate in Council Meetings
Beyond Books: Former Library Building Being Reimagined The opening of the new Elk Grove library is paving the way for the City to consider new and exciting uses for its former location on Historic Main Street. Residents are invited to help shape what that building will be used for next through a new community-driven effort called “Beyond Books.” Attend a community workshop or participate in the online survey to contribute to the conversation. Feedback gathered throughout the process will help inform recommendations presented to the City Council early next year.
Community Workshops
All meetings will be held at District56 (8230 Civic Center Drive) Wednesday, September 2 3-5 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 16 6-8 p.m. View more information about the Elk Grove Library Reuse Project and provide your feedback online at elkgrove.gov/8900.
elkgrove.gov
Youth Commission Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign
Breaking Barriers: Mental Health in an Unequal World
The City of Elk Grove Youth Commission is launching a new anti-bullying campaign this October, coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month, to encourage young people to speak up, support one another, and know they are never alone.
Mental health knows no boundaries, but sociocultural differences can create unique challenges to accessing care. The City’s Diversity and Inclusion Commission is exploring these disparities through its Cultural Connections speaker series, “Breaking Barriers: Mental Health in an Unequal World.”
Remove candles, decorations, paint, glitter, or other non-organic materials before disposing of your pumpkin. Plain pumpkins can be placed in your green organics cart along with yard trimmings and food scraps, where they’ll be composted into valuable soil products instead of producing methane emissions in a landfill.
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To learn more about the Youth Commission and its anti-bullying efforts or to register for the Path to Positivity event, visit elkgrove.gov/youthcommission.
This event will feature local panelists representing different backgrounds who will share their experience with mental health, accessing care, and navigating stigma. Guests will be introduced to techniques for addressing these challenges and guided through self-care exercises
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The initiative will make its public debut during the Youth Commission’s Path to Positivity event on October 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at District56. Registration is required and limited to 100 Elk Grove students. Produced in partnership with Together We Heal Community, a local non-profit organization, event participants will have a chance to learn more about the campaign and discover ways to maintain and support mental wellness.
After the Halloween fun is over, don’t let your jacko’-lantern end up in the landfill. Pumpkins are 100% compostable, making them a simple way to reduce waste and support a more sustainable community.
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Centered around the message “Let’s Talk About It: You Are Not Alone,” the campaign encourages youth to start conversations, seek help, and support friends who may be experiencing bullying.
Give Your Jack-o’-Lantern a Second Life
October 10 is globally recognized as World Mental Health Day, a time to encourage conversations about mental health, challenge stigma, and highlight the importance of mental well-being.
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The campaign was developed in response to the November 2024 Youth Needs Assessment, where middle school students identified bullying as their top concern. Bullying also ranked among the most significant issues for high school students, along with broader mental health challenges.
“Breaking Barriers: Mental Health in an Unequal World”
If your pumpkin is still in good condition, consider repurposing it by saving the seeds for roasting or placing cut pieces in your yard as a seasonal treat for local wildlife, where appropriate.
Wednesday, October 7 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Small actions can make a big difference. By composting your jack-o’-lantern, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and supporting a cleaner, greener Elk Grove.
District56
The event is free and open to everyone. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Elk Grove Services elkgrove.gov/residents Ask Elk Grove (916) 691-CITY (2489)
Email: askelkgrove@elkgrove.gov or call the City Information Line: TTY/TDD (888) 435-6092 TTY/TDD (California Relay) 711
Popular Services
Affordable Housing Services Animal Services (Pet Licensing & Microchipping) Building Permits City Maintenance e-tran / e-van (bus & paratransit) Renters Helpline/Fair Housing Report a Code Enforcement Violation Special Waste Collection Center
Emergency Services
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Fire-Medical-Police Emergency Police Non-Emergency Fire Department (Non-Emergency) 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance (Street Hazards, Flooding, Traffic Signals, Streetlights) Poison Control
(916) 478-2254 (916) 687-3042 (916) 478-2235 (916) 687-3005 (916) 683-8726 (916) 389-7877 (916) 687-3023 (916) 478-2228 911 (916) 714-5115 (916) 405-7100 (916) 687-3005 (800) 222-1222
Utilities
Elk Grove Water District Electricity (SMUD) Gas (PG&E) Recycling and Waste (Republic Services) Sacramento County Water Agency Sacramento Area Sewer District
Things to Do
City of Elk Grove Produced Events Cosumnes Community Services District Parks and Recreation Elk Grove Aquatics Center Explore Elk Grove Senior Center of Elk Grove Teen Center USA Wackford Community & Aquatics Complex
Education
California Northstate University Cosumnes River College Elk Grove Unified School District Sacramento Public Library
(916) 685-3556 (888) 742-7683 (800) 743-5000 (916) 635-2500 (916) 875-7014 (916) 875-6730 elkgrove.gov/allevents (916) 405-5600 (916) 883-2782 exploreelkgrove.com (916) 685-3160 (916) 686-6942 (916) 405-5600 cnsu.edu crc.losrios.edu egusd.net (916) 264-2700
Mobile App for Reporting Citywide Issues Download SeeClickFix • Potholes • Graffiti • Litter
• Streetlight outages • Storm drain issues • Code violations and more!
For the desktop version, visit elkgrove.gov/seeclickfix
There’s a New Bicycle, E-Bike and Scooter Safety Ordinance As more people choose bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, and other personal transportation devices to get around Elk Grove, the City has updated its local ordinance to promote safer travel for everyone who uses our streets, sidewalks, and shared-use trails. The new ordinance, now in effect, modernizes the City’s regulations and establishes clear expectations for riders to help reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The changes are intended to improve safety and encourage responsible riding.
sep/oct events
Event details can change. For these and other event listings visit elkgrove.gov/events Pitch Elk Grove September 3, District56
What You Need to Know:
Sidewalk Riding E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. They may only be ridden on sidewalks where signs specifically indicate riding is permitted. Riders should use designated bike lanes, bikeways, or roadways whenever possible and always be aware of posted signage. 15 MPH Speed Limit on Shared-Use Trails A maximum speed limit of 15 mph now applies on Class I shared-use bike paths. These trails are used by people of all ages, including walkers, runners, families with strollers, and cyclists. Slower speeds help everyone safely enjoy these popular community spaces. Pedestrians Have the Right of Way Whenever riding where pedestrians are present, riders must yield the right of way, slow down as needed, and provide an audible warning before passing someone traveling in the same direction. New Rules for E-Bikes and Electric Scooters The ordinance establishes regulations specific to e-bikes, electric scooters, and other personal transportation devices, including where certain devices may operate and restrictions on higher-powered devices. Reckless Riding Unsafe behaviors such as racing, stunt riding, or operating with disregard for the safety of others are prohibited on public property.
Diversity Dining Week September 4-13, DiversityDiningWeek.org Haunted History Tour September 25, Old Town Plaza
Education Before Enforcement
The City of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Police Department are committed to helping residents understand the new rules through education and outreach. In the past month and in the future, you’ll see informational videos, social media posts, community presentations, and educational materials designed to answer questions and help riders understand the changes. While education will remain the priority, the ordinance also provides officers with additional enforcement tools for riders who repeatedly operate in a dangerous or unlawful manner, particularly when those actions place others at risk.
3&4 ELK GROVE OCTOBER ELK GROVE PARK
GIANT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
FREE ADMISSION $20 PARKING
Whether you’re commuting to work, riding to school, or enjoying one of Elk Grove’s many trails, understanding these updated regulations will help keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone. For additional information, frequently asked questions, and educational resources, visit elkgrove.gov/ebikelaws.
Trick-or-treating isn’t just for the kids Explore Elk Grove’s annual Hallo-Wine Trail is a celebration of our city’s wine scene. Visit participating wineries October 29 through November 1 for discounts on bottles and other spooky specials. Register for free at ExploreElkGrove.com.
CosumnesCSD.gov/GPF •
@ElkGroveGPF
Franklin High School Band Invitational October 10, Franklin High School International Peace Festival October 18, District56 Hallo-Palooza & Trunk or Treat October 30, District56
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City of Elk Grove 8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758
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City facilities will be closed in observance of: Labor Day Monday, September 7
city meetings
The Elk Grove City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month unless noted otherwise. Visit elkgrove.gov/councilmeeting or scan code to watch live or archived meetings and view agendas. Recordings of City Council meetings are also available on Metro Cable Channel 14. All commission and committee meeting dates are available if you scan code or visit elkgrove.gov/citymeetings.
city council
Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen bsinghallen@elkgrove.gov
Vice Mayor Darren Suen | District 1 dsuen@elkgrove.gov Councilmember Rod Brewer | District 2 rbrewer@elkgrove.gov Councilmember Kevin Spease | District 3 kspease@elkgrove.gov Councilmember Sergio Robles | District 4 srobles@elkgrove.gov General Council Inquiries/Questions: citycouncil@elkgrove.gov.
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Kristyn Nelson Public Affairs Manager knelson@elkgrove.gov Lupe Murrietta Graphics & Multimedia Program Manager lmurrietta@elkgrove.gov
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city holidays
8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 478-2206 elkgrove.gov SCAN ME with your smart phone for up-to-date information
about the City of Elk Grove.
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Questions, concerns, or complaints may be forwarded to the City’s ADA Coordinator.
89% 84% 90% 78% Quality of life
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Parks and Recreation
Health and Wellness
The 2026 rate of satisfaction results in percentages.
Resident Survey Highlights Strong Quality of Life in Elk Grove Elk Grove residents continue to rate Elk Grove highly as a great place to live, according to the results of the 2026 National Community Survey (NCS). The City of Elk Grove has collaborated with the National Research Center and Polco to conduct the NCS every two years since 2009. Consistent use of this statistically valid survey allows the city to measure its performance against similar markers over time. A total of 5,000 randomly selected households were invited to participate in the survey this year, resulting in 432 completed responses. An online open-participation option yielded 253 additional responses. The 2026 results show strong satisfaction with overall quality of life, safety, parks, recreation, public services, and the city’s appearance, with many ratings exceeding national benchmarks. Last conducted in 2024, residents reported notable improvements in areas such as parks, fitness opportunities, public information services, transportation, adult educational opportunities, and community pride. The survey also identified opportunities for improvement, including traffic flow and signal timing, code enforcement, and Elk Grove as a place to work and visit. These results will help guide future planning and service improvements. To explore the complete survey findings and detailed results, visit elkgrove.gov/citysurvey.
There Are Now More Ways to Participate in Elk Grove City Council Meetings Recent changes to state law have added a new option for residents to provide live audio public comment remotely through Zoom, in addition to speaking in person at City Hall. If you’d rather share your thoughts before the meeting, you can also submit written comments by email by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Those comments will be provided to the City Council and posted online. Whether you speak in person or remotely, you’ll generally have up to three minutes to comment on each agenda item, giving everyone an opportunity to participate. Visit elkgrove.gov/citycouncil to view meeting agendas, watch meetings live, and learn more about the different ways to participate.