Hello Downey,

This year has been unprecedented for all of us. As Mayor it has been a challenging but rewarding experience to serve my City under these trying times. Our amazing City staff has worked diligently to do everything to keep our City services running without interruption. They have served as the driving force to provide and deliver services to our community. They are driven by a sense of duty, responsibility, and accountability. Throughout the year the City has continued to make strides and accomplishments to better our City. Below are some highlights of accomplishments made this year:

City Clerk Department

Entered into an agreement with Granicus, LLC for its Peak Agenda Management Software which will allow City staff to more efficiently produce and manage agendas
Processed over 530 Public Records Requests

Columbia Memorial Space Center

The Space Center and Cerritos College’s Teacher TRAC Program received a three year $275,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
Partnered with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science Film Academy to digitize its collection of aerospace films
Installed commemorative benches to highlight the achievements of North American Aviation and it’s contributors to America’s aerospace history

Community Development Department

Facilitated completion of the Kaiser Permanente five-story parking structure
Completed a multimillion dollar sale of the City owned land adjacent to the Promenade
Celebrated the ground breaking of the new Springhill Suites Marriot on Firestone Blvd
Completed the rehabilitation of 20 owner occupied homes through the Home Rehabilitation Program
Installed public arts pieces in Downtown Downey and Furman Park
Launched a Census campaign to share the importance of Downey’s contribution to the United States Census 2020
Construction of the Art Plaza at Southwest Corner of Downey Ave & 2nd Street will commence this month and is expected to be completed this October
Facilitated redevelopment of the southwest corner of Lakewood Blvd and Imperial Hwy for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant
Construction started on the adaptive reuse of theAvenue Theater for new downtown restaurants
Assisted 10 homeless families with rental vouchers
Worked with the County of Los Angeles for the review of the construction documents for the future sports fields at the Rancho South Campus

Finance Department

Due to the City’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility it resulted in maintaining its AA bond ratings
The City received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), as well as the California State of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Operation Budget Meritous Award
Secured a total of $10.4 million in grants

Fire Department

Unveiled the new Fire Memorial at the Downey Civic Center
Implemented new Mobile Data Computers (MDCS) in all first responders apparatus
Upgraded the Fire Department’s Record Management System (RMS) to maximize efficiency
Received Hazmat IQ training to help recognize and mitigate hazardous material incidents
Fire Station 2 & 4 improvements began this month with construction due to be completed in March 2021
Our Fire Department is currently providing mutual aid assistance to several wildland fires throughout the state and our firefighters are on the front lines with the COVID-19 pandemic, treating numerous CV-19+ patients daily

Information Technology

The City began an online training course “KnowBe4” for all employees

IT recognizes the importance of the newest technology be available to our staff and have upgraded over 450 computers and hope to complete all 500 computers by the end of October

Parks & Recreation Department

Launched a new Transit feature to the City’s Downey App that allows riders to plan their transit trips in real time
Provided over 23,000 Dial-A-Ride trips for seniors and persons with disabilities
In partnership with the Human Services Association the City has provided 1,675 meals a week to seniors at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center
Received a $15,000 grant from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to fund the senior meal program
Conducted daily phone calls and visited homes for the Senior Wellness Checks Program
The Downey Theatre held a virtual week long celebration for its 50th Anniversary

Police Department

Received $300,000 in Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Funds From the State of California
Developed a Tactical Medical Program where sworn officers receive 200 hours of additional training in emergency medical services
Received a specially equipped golf cart at Columbus High School to further its school safety efforts
The City’s Neighborhood Watch program has grown to 222 groups

Public Works

Completed $18 million in capital improvement projects throughout the City including landscaped medians along Paramount Blvd and Firestone Blvd
Installed electric vehicle charging stations at 6 locations in the City
Installed City entry monument signs at 5 locations in the City
Acquired a new asphalt patch truck to help maintain our City streets
Celebrated Arbor Day for the second consecutive year
Planted more than 2,800 new trees throughout the City
Installed rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the intersection of Brookshire Ave and Everest Street

Measure S Completed Projects

Apollo Park
Dennis the Menace Park
Discovery Sports Complex
Fire Station #1
Fire Station #3
Furman Park
Golden Park
Independence Park
Independence Park
Police Department
Rio Hondo Event Center

My council colleagues and our leadership team run on the City’s mission of “proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical and responsible manner.” Though this year continues to bring uncertainty, the only thing certain is that Downey continues to be the beacon of an ethically and well run government since its incorporation in 1956.

Sincerely,

Mayor Blanca Pacheco

Please scan the QR Code to view the City of Downey 2019/2020 Accomplishments Book:

Mayor's Corner: September 2020