ABOUT THE CITY
The City of Downey, population 113,000, in an area of 12.5 square miles is situated 12 miles southeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center, five miles from Orange County, and about 10 miles from the beautiful Pacific coastline. Conveniently located near several major freeways, the City is an ideal home base from which to take advantage of the business resources and hundreds of cultural and recreational activities in Southern California. Downey offers a wide range of housing opportunities.
All parks and many recreation facilities are operated by the City. Almost 100 acres are devoted to 11 area parks, including fishing lakes at Wilderness Park, the Independence Park Tennis Center, and fitness courses at Furman and Apollo parks. For golf enthusiasts, there is the 18-hole Rio Hondo Golf Course or the Los Amigos Golf Course run by the County of Los Angeles.
Our Mission Statement
Continuously improve the quality of life for which the City of Downey is known by providing the best possible service to residents, businesses and staff in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
Our Values
Collaboration - working across disciplines, industries and leadership levels to achieve a common purpose
Credibility - earning the trust and reliance of others through consistent, accurate service and performance
Excellence - operating with conscientious, professional standards of service
Integrity - adhering to strong ethical values
Passion - an enthusiastic, proactive commitment to public service
Respect - courtesy and esteem in the fair treatment of all individuals
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Downey is a Charter city operating under the Council-Manager form of municipal government. The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body for the City. Council Members are elected at-large for four-year, overlapping terms of office.