Mayor's Corner: February 2025

Hello, Downey:

As we embrace the season of love and connection, it’s heartwarming to see our community coming together in new and dynamic ways. The City continues to move forward with exciting initiatives and engaging events. This month, we focused on enhancing city services, supporting local businesses, and fostering a vibrant, welcoming community.

Community Engagement

I invite everyone to participate in our upcoming City events.

Tax Services

Barbara J. Reilly Center – March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 from 9 am to 1 pm

Cal State Long Beach Basketball Game - Parks and Recreation Special Needs Social Outing

Cal State Long Beach – Saturday, March 8 at 3 pm

Registration Begins for Brunch with the Bunny

Parks & Recreation Administration Office or online – Monday, March 10

Shamrock Senior Quill Dance - $5 Admission

Barbara J. Reilly Center – Wednesday, March 12, from 4-6 pm

Health & Wellness Workshop 50+ - How to Qualify for Extra Help in Medicare Savings Programs

Barbara J. Reilly Center – Friday, March 14, from 10-11 am

For more information and to register, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 or visit www.downeyca.org/PR.

Keep Downey Beautiful Monthly Cleanups

Join our Keep Downey Beautiful monthly litter cleanup program and be part of the next event to help keep our community clean and attractive.

Behind St. Matthias High School

Consuelo St. and Paramount Blvd. - Saturday, March 8, from 9-10 am

(Students are eligible to receive documented volunteer hours. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16).

Public Safety

Public safety remains a top priority in Downey. Residents will soon see improved police response times, increased law enforcement visibility, and enhanced public safety services.

Measure D

Following a comprehensive assessment of the Downey Police Department, the City Council approved 17 new positions, including patrol officers, detectives, and forensic specialists.

Funded by Measure D, which takes effect on April 1, this expansion will enhance police response, strengthen community engagement, and improve public safety services. These investments, made possible by Downey voters, will help ensure a safer community.

Economic Development

Are you a new or existing business in Downey? The Economic Development Office is here to assist every step of the way, whether you’re navigating the business landscape, finding the perfect location, or accessing financial incentives. For more information, contact the Economic Development Office at (562) 904-7284 or aramirez@downeyca.org.

Consolidated Plan Survey

The City of Downey is preparing its 5-Year Consolidated Plan as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This plan will establish an investment strategy for utilizing funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investments Partnerships (HOME) programs to enhance the quality of life of residents. Please participate in this essential planning process by completing the survey: https://bit.ly/downeysurvey2025. Your feedback will help us identify and prioritize our community’s needs.

The survey is anonymous and will take about 5 minutes to complete. It will close on March 9, 2025.

Small Business Administration - Disaster Relief Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has multiple disaster loans for organizations and individuals directly impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Eligible businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters have until March 10, 2025, to apply for Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Home Disaster Loans. To learn more about these resources, please visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires or contact Beatriz Devis, SBA Specialist, at beatriz.devis@sba.gov. Please share this information with anyone impacted or displaced by the fires.

Community Development

Electronic Plan Check Submittal Update

To enhance services, the City has transitioned to a fully electronic plan check review (EPR) process as of January 1, 2025. All plan check submittals must now be submitted through the City’s online portal, Accela Citizen Access (ACA).

The Building Division’s EPR webpage offers a variety of resources, including short video tutorials and informational handouts, to guide users through:

Creating an ACA login and registering an account

Understanding required document submissions via the ACA portal

Requesting an inspection through ACA after plan approval and permit issuance

Plan Check and Permit Streamlining Update

The City has streamlined its Plan Check process, maintaining a 14-business-day turnaround time across all departments.

Plan Check and Permit Streamlining Tools:

Easily accessible checklists, handouts, and forms available online and at the public counter

Preliminary development and construction document review within the Planning and Building Divisions

Electronic plan submittal and review through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal

Electronic payment of Plan Check fees

For more information and resources, visit the Building Division webpage at www.downeyca.org/BuildingandSafety.

Development Activity Reports

The Community Development Department provides regular updates on ongoing projects and activities, including their current status. The report is divided into two sections:

Part One: Updates on Planning and Building Divisions’ projects and activities

Part Two: Updates from the Code Enforcement Division

For the latest reports, visit the City’s Development Review Reports page at www.downeyca.org/CDD-DevelopmentActivity.

Resources

Download the Downey App on your mobile device. Through the app, you can report incidents such as illegally dumped items, street repairs, trash issues, graffiti removal requests, neighborhood light repairs, and more.

Graffiti Hotline

(562) 923-4484

Abandoned Shopping Carts

(800) 252-4613

Illegal Dumping

(562) 904-7194

Homelessness Hotline

(562) 299-6770

Code Enforcement

The City of Downey is committed to keeping the community safe and welcoming for all. Proactive steps are taken to maintain clean and accessible public spaces, ensuring Downey remains vibrant for everyone. Here are ways you can help.

Download the City of Downey App: available on the Google and Apple app stores.

Submit a concern through the app and the appropriate City department will respond.

Thank you for your support. Stay connected by following our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cityofdowneyca and @discoverdowney.

Hector Sosa
Mayor, City of Downey