Development News for Downey, California

City Manager's Office Selected as FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, Launches New App, and Establishes AI Policy

The City Manager's office presented its accomplishments, including being selected as an official 2026 FIFA World Cup fan zone, with preparations underway for an event on June 20th. They received authorization to negotiate the redevelopment of the Rancho Los Santos South campus. The Public Information office reached 300,000 social media followers and launched the 'Downey Connect' app to enhance resident engagement. Other accomplishments include the completion of the 'Welcome to Downey' mural, the groundbreaking for the Downey Avenue Gateway sign, and the establishment of an AI policy. The IT division completed workstation replacements and migrated to Microsoft Office 365, and enhanced cybersecurity operations. Future goals include implementing the Arts Master Plan, exploring digital billboards, implementing phase three of the city's strategic plan, preparing for the 2026 LA Olympics by potentially hosting countries, updating the city website for ADA compliance, beginning phase one of the security master plan, and transitioning to a .gov website by 2029. The office is also exploring the 'All-American City' application process.

City Manager's Office Selected as FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, Launches New App, and Establishes AI Policy

The City Manager's office presented its accomplishments, including being selected as an official 2026 FIFA World Cup fan zone, with preparations underway for an event on June 20th. They received authorization to negotiate the redevelopment of the Rancho Los Santos South campus. The Public Information office reached 300,000 social media followers and launched the 'Downey Connect' app to enhance resident engagement. Other accomplishments include the completion of the 'Welcome to Downey' mural, the groundbreaking for the Downey Avenue Gateway sign, and the establishment of an AI policy. The IT division completed workstation replacements and migrated to Microsoft Office 365, and enhanced cybersecurity operations. Future goals include implementing the Arts Master Plan, exploring digital billboards, implementing phase three of the city's strategic plan, preparing for the 2026 LA Olympics by potentially hosting countries, updating the city website for ADA compliance, beginning phase one of the security master plan, and transitioning to a .gov website by 2029. The office is also exploring the 'All-American City' application process.

Parks Department Expands Pickleball Courts, Launches Mascot, and Plans Park Renovations and Master Plan Update

The Parks and Recreation Department reported on several accomplishments, including launching a new mascot, Apollo, and hosting over 30 community events that engaged thousands. They successfully installed four new pickleball courts at Independence Park, bringing the total to eight with temporary courts, and have seen over 500 reservations since July. The department transitioned the park ranger program from the Police Department, filling four positions focused on observation and reporting, stationed at parks with frequent issues like Rio San Gabriel and Dennis the Menace Park. Future goals include completing park renovations, notably Rio San Gabriel Park after a three-year process, and initiating a 10-year master plan update with extensive community engagement. Security cameras are being installed in parks, with plans to cover all parks within five years, though some council members expressed concern about the timeline. The department also discussed the status of lights at Ferman Park, expected to complete next summer, and considered potential locations for new dog parks. Visitor numbers to parks exceeded 2 million annually, with specific parks like Wilderness and Ferman Park seeing 50,000 visitors each in April. The department's budget is $7 million from the general fund and over $12 million from other funds (golf course, theater, transit). Council members raised concerns about park bathroom cleanliness and the need for more janitorial services.

City Clerk's Office Reports on Election Management, Public Records, and Municipal Code Maintenance

The City Clerk's office presented its goals and accomplishments, including managing municipal elections, processing public records requests, managing city council meeting agendas, and maintaining the city's municipal code. Accomplishments include full implementation of agenda management software, updating the records retention schedule, processing approximately 1,300 public records requests and 60 subpoenas, collaborating on the election systems matter with the City Attorney, and transcribing approximately 50 council meeting minutes. The office consists of two full-time positions supported by the general fund. Future goals include managing the November 3rd municipal election for districts 2 and 4, collaborating with the City Attorney on SP77 mandates, and completing the biannual review and update of the city's conflict of interest code. Council members expressed appreciation for the office's extensive work, noting the high volume of requests and the critical role in managing elections and records.