Things are looking up, but there are plenty of struggles ahead.
That was the message delivered by Chico City Manager Dave Burkland in his state of the city speech Tuesday afternoon.
During the speech the city manager pointed out that sales tax revenue was nearly double the projections, increasing by more than six percent in the last year. That increase was accompanied by a 2.6 percent drop in property tax and a sluggish construction industry.
Burkland says the city is working hard to attract new businesses, especially to the airport hangers left empty after the departure of Aero Union.
"At one time we had five hangers that they vacated. Right now, three of those are filled and the building they left behind, we have a tenant that is going to move into that building. They are all aviation manufacturing," Burkland said.
Burkland also said the city is in discussion with a couple of other businesses to fill the other two empty hangers.
He also said the new ownership at the Chico Mall is working to attract a sporting goods chain to the complex.
