County authorizes negotiations with Downey for south Rancho development
Photo by Eric Pierce
DOWNEY – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously authorized negotiations with the City of Downey for a potential development project at the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus.
The action, approved during the Board’s regular meeting Tuesday, allows the city to enter into negotiations with the county’s Chief Executive Office on an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement for a portion of the county-owned property.
The Rancho Los Amigos South Campus is located within Downey and is part of the larger Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center campus. County and city officials have identified the site as a long-term opportunity for community-oriented development consistent with local and regional planning goals.
The property is also located near the planned Southeast Gateway Line, which officials say could improve future transportation access to the area.
Downey Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said the authorization reflects years of collaboration between the city and county and marks a key step forward in planning efforts for South Downey. She said city leaders look forward to working with county officials to explore development options that support economic vitality and quality of life in the area.
“The City of Downey looks forward to continuing to work closely with Los Angeles County to explore development opportunities that will enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our community in South Downey for generations to come,” said Frometa.
In recent years, the Downey City Council has taken several actions related to the South Campus, including forming a Rancho South Campus Ad Hoc Committee in 2023, approving an exclusive negotiation agreement with Lewis Land Developers LLC for design and potential development, and adopting a resolution of intention to form an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.
The proposed district would focus primarily on the South Campus and explore capturing future property tax growth to help fund infrastructure and community priorities.
Negotiations between the city and county are expected to further define the scope, timing, and potential uses of the site.