Mayor's Corner: How to get involved in your community
Hello Downey, April is a month of momentum in Downey. Local projects are moving forward, and community events are in full swing. Whether discovering something new in the neighborhood or participating in a city initiative, there’s no better time to get involved and stay connected.
Community Engagement
Some of our community’s favorite events are here! We invite everyone to join these upcoming City events.
Special Needs Awareness & Resource Fair (*)
Apollo Park – Saturday, May 03, from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM
Summer Aquatics Registrations - Registration May 05 - $70 per resident, $74 non-residents (*)
Register at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior or the Parks and Recreation Department office.
Residents online and in-person registration begins at 8:30 AM
Non-resident and over-the-phone registration begins at 12:00 PM.
Café Quills, Father’s Day - Registration May 21 - $5 Admission (*)
In-person registration starting at 8:30 AM for residents and starting at 12:00 PM for non-residents and over-the-phone
Senior Manicures - Registration April 30 at 8:30 AM (*)
Barbara J. Riley Center - Wednesday, May 28, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
For more information and to register, contact:
(*) Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 or visit www.downeyca.org/PR.
Keep Downey Beautiful
The Keep Downey Beautiful program will host a cleanup to help keep our community clean and attractive.
Monthly Clean-Up: Independence Park
12334 Bellflower Blvd. - Saturday, May 10, from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM
(Students are eligible to receive documented volunteer hours. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16).
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 904-7102 or visit www.downeyca.org/kdb.
Finance
The City of Downey remains committed to responsible financial management, transparency, and best management practices.
Budget Awards
The City of Downey is proud to announce that it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Operating Budget Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Operating Budget. The CSMFO awarded Downey a score of 97 out of 100, notably higher than the state average of 84.6. This marks the 12th consecutive year the City has received both awards, demonstrating Downey’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship.
For more information and to view the City of Downey’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Operating Budget, visit www.downeyca.org/budget.
Public Safety
The Downey Fire Department continues to provide educational materials to encourage residents to take proactive safety measures in their homes.
Too toxic to trash!
To protect yourself, your family, and the environment, never dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in the trash or down the drain; instead, take it to a designated HHW collection site or event. Common materials are used motor oil, old paint, batteries, and cleaning products. For more information on FREE disposal locations and pop-up events, go to cleanla.lacounty.gov.
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.
Small Business Month
In recognition of Small Business Month this May, the City of Downey is hosting free workshops to equip small businesses and entrepreneurs with the knowledge to launch their businesses, access funding, and leverage valuable workforce resources. Workshop topics include:
• Starting a Business – May 14, 2025
• Access to Capital – May 21, 2025
• Workforce Resources – May 28, 2025
All workshops will be held at the Downey City Library from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Please register to attend at www.bit.ly/downeyedworkshops.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Office at (562) 904-7284 or aramirez@downeyca.org.
Community Development
Standardized Plan Check and Permit Streamlined Update
The City’s Plan Check turnaround time is 14 business days across all City Departments.
Plan Check and Permit Streamlining Tools
• Readily accessible checklists, hand-outs, and forms through the City’s website and at the public counter;
• Preliminary development/construction document review within the Planning and Building Divisions;
• Electronic plan submittal and review via ACA; and
• Electronic payment of Plan Check fees.
For more information, visit the Building Division webpage (Electronic Plan Check Submittal) at www.downeyca.org/BuildingandSafety.
Online Solar Permits through SolarApp+
The City of Downey is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions while enhancing the efficiency of the permitting process. Through our partnership with SolarAPP+, we are streamlining and expediting solar plan checks and permitting.
SolarAPP+ is an automated review system that ensures proposed Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems meet California’s building, electrical, and fire codes, providing near-instant permits for residential roof-mounted systems.
For project requirements, instructions, and tutorials on applying for an online PV solar permit, visit the Building Division webpage (Electronic Plan Check Submittal) at www.downeyca.org/BuildingandSafety.
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 our neighborhoods, ensuring Downey remains vibrant for everyone. Here are ways you can help.
How to Report a Code Violation
City of Downey Code Enforcement: Report bulky items, large trash/debris, and encampments on public property in the City of Downey.
(562) 904-2392
CodeEnf@downeyca.org
Downey App
Caltrans: Report bulky items, large trash/debris, and encampments at freeway/underpasses.
Online Customer Service Request: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
Union Pacific: Report bulky items, trash/debris, and encampments at railroad tracks.
(888) 877-7267
Online Communication Center: www.UP.com.notifyUP
A Quality Neighborhood Starts With You
To assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment, the City of Downey has put together a helpful resource guide. This guide offers valuable information on addressing common neighborhood concerns, including maintenance, safety, and property upkeep.
For more details on maintaining a quality neighborhood, download the brochure at www.downeyca.org/qualityneighborhood.
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