MAYOR’S CORNER: Building a safer, stronger, more connected Downey
Hello Downey! Summer continues to be a busy and productive season in the City of Downey. Your City Council remains focused on making strategic investments that improve public safety, strengthen our neighborhoods, support our local economy, and preserve the exceptional quality of life our residents deserve and have come to expect.
I am pleased to share several important updates on the work happening throughout our community. First, our new hours at City Hall are Monday through Thursday, 7am to 6pm. City Hall is closed on Fridays.
Investing in Safer Streets
One of the most significant actions we took earlier this week was the City Council’s adoption of a three-year Street Lighting Installation Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 through 2028-2029.
This important plan will fund improvements on the 50 highest-ranking street segments throughout Downey through our existing $500,000 annual Citywide Streetlight Capital Improvement Program. Over the next three years, the City will install 246 new streetlights—approximately 85 new streetlights each year—bringing improved visibility and enhanced safety to 50 neighborhood street blocks.
Earlier this year, in March, the City Council also approved the construction of 16 new solar-powered streetlights, further expanding our investment in energy-efficient infrastructure while improving public safety.
Well-lit neighborhoods improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians, enhance emergency response, and help residents feel safer while walking through their neighborhoods. These investments reflect our commitment to making Downey an even safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
On the increase use of E-Bikes, Safety and Enforcement
The popularity of electric bikes continues to grow throughout our city. With that growth comes the responsibility to ensure these motorized bikes are operated safely and lawfully.
The Downey Police Department launched a community education campaign to help residents better understand California’s e-bike laws. Many of the higher-powered e-bikes seen on our streets actually meet the legal definition of electric motorcycles and are therefore subject to specific licensing, registration, and operational requirements.
Education remains our first priority, but irresponsible or unlawful operation that puts others at risk will not be tolerated. Downey PD will continue enforcing applicable traffic laws to protect pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and everyone who shares our roadways.
Introducing the Mayor’s Small Business Spotlight
I am excited to announce a new initiative: The Mayor’s Small Business Spotlight.
Family-owned small businesses are the backbone of every thriving local economy. Beyond creating jobs and generating revenue, they provide long-term economic stability, strengthen community identity, and build wealth that stays right here in our community.
This month, we started highlighting family-owned local businesses on the City of Downey’s social media platforms. I encourage everyone to follow along and, whenever possible, support the businesses that have invested in our city for generations.
Back-to-School Safety
As another school year approaches, I ask everyone to help make the return to school a safe one for our students and residents alike.
Our Downey PD will increase traffic enforcement around our schools to ensure drivers obey speed limits, stop for pedestrians, and follow all traffic laws in school zones.
Please slow down, remain alert, and be especially mindful of students walking and bicycling to school. A few extra moments of patience can help prevent a tragedy.
Supporting Safe Business Districts
We received complaints from businesses located near certain smoke shops regarding loitering, indecent behavior, and criminal activity occurring around these establishments.
Let me be clear: Downey has zero tolerance for criminal activity or public nuisances that negatively impact neighboring businesses and residents. No business owner or patron should feel intimidated or held hostage because unlawful activity is occurring nearby.
The City, in partnership with the Downey PD and Code Enforcement, will continue addressing these concerns proactively to ensure our commercial corridors remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
Continue to Enjoy Our Parks Responsibly
July is Parks make Life Better month, and Downey is fortunate to have some of the finest parks in Southern California. Whether you’re attending a youth sporting event, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking an evening walk, I encourage everyone to continue enjoying these beautiful public spaces responsibly. Thanks to Measure S, several million dollars were reinvested in our parks for our community’s enjoyment.
Please help keep our parks clean by disposing of trash properly and leaving them just as beautiful as you found them.
I look forward to seeing our residents at our last Summer Concert of the season at Furman Park, next week Wednesday, August 5th at 6:30 pm with the music of our Downey Symphony.
Help Keep Downey Beautiful
Keeping Downey clean is everyone’s responsibility. If you notice illegally dumped furniture, mattresses, appliances, or other bulky items, please report them using the Downey App or by contacting the appropriate City service.
Helpful City Resources
• Illegal Dumping: 562-904-7194
• Code Enforcement: 562-904-2392
• Graffiti Hotline: 562-923-4484
• Shopping Cart Retrieval: 888-233-2278
• Athens Services (Trash & Recycling): 888-336-6100
• Dial-A-Ride: 562-904-7215
Every report helps us maintain the clean, attractive neighborhoods that make Downey such a wonderful place to call home.
Staying Safe During the Summer Heat
Southern California summers can bring periods of extreme heat (as we have seen these last couple of weeks). Please remember to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those who may be especially vulnerable. Whenever excessive heat is forecasted, the City will open extended-hour cooling centers at the Downey City Library and the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center to provide residents with a safe, air-conditioned place to stay cool.
Celebrating Leadership and Service
This month, I had the privilege of attending the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund’s 43rd Annual Conference and 50th Anniversary Celebration as the organization’s Immediate Past President. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the country who are committed to public service and to celebrate five decades of developing and supporting Latino leadership.
I was especially honored to join fellow past NALEO presidents for a special photograph: Junior E. Maldonado, City Clerk of Hudson County, New Jersey; Michele Martinez, former Santa Ana Councilmember; Raymond G. Sanchez, Former Speaker, New Mexico House of Representatives, Pauline Medrano, Dallas County Treasurer; and current President Brian Colón of New Mexico. Together, we celebrated NALEO’s remarkable legacy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening civic engagement and empowering the next generation of public servants.
Moving Downey Forward Together
Downey continues to thrive because of the partnership between our residents, businesses, City staff, public safety personnel, volunteers, and community organizations. Every improvement we make—whether installing new streetlights, supporting our local businesses, enhancing public safety, protecting our neighborhoods, or keeping our city clean—is possible because we work together.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. It is an honor to serve as your 50th Mayor. Together, we will continue building a safer and stronger Downey. #engagedcommunitiesarestrongcommunities, #mayorscorner, #mayorfrometa