"State of the city is strong" says mayor in annual address

Mayor Claudia Frometa gives her “State of the City” address on Thursday. (PHOTO BY ALEX DOMINGUEZ)

DOWNEY - Despite coming out of a tumultuous several months, Mayor Claudia M. Frometa announced that “the state of the city is strong” at her State of the City address on Thursday.

The event was put on by the Downey Chamber of Commerce at the Rio Hondo Event Center.

During her speech, Frometa enthused that the gaps in the city’s executive positions had been filled over the span of six months.

“We as a city, we’ve gone through a tremendous transition over the last several months,” said Frometa. “Again, I am pleased to tell you that in spite of the craziness, and in spite of the uncertainty that we’ve lived over the past year, I am grateful to have a city manager and an executive team that are top-notch. They’re committed and dedicated to making our city, to turning back the tide, and making our city the strong city that it has always been.”

The city council’s overarching goals include fiscal responsibility, efficiency and adaptability, economic vibrancy, quality of life, safety and infrastructure, and public engagement.

Downey remains fiscally solvent, having passed its 11th consecutive balanced budget, consisting of a $115 million general fund, $118 million in appropriations, and $9 million secured in grants.

“This year’s budget focuses on code enforcement, economic development, public works improvements, alleys, streets, and youth programming,” said Frometa.

Public safety continues to be the city’s biggest expenditure.

Although somewhat light on upcoming announcements, the Mayor did highlight the arrivals of the Chicken Coop and Shake Shack restaurants, anticipated to open in fall this year and in 2024, respectively.

A new Honda World car dealership is also impending, though an opening date has not yet been announced.

On the continued development of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus, Frometa made the city’s intentions clear.

“We need housing,” said Frometa. “We are looking at housing developments in that particular area.”

While within city limits, the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus is County-owned land.

This year’s address also served as a birthday celebration of sorts, as Downey officially saw its 150th anniversary last Friday.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Senator Bob Archuletta, and Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco all were on hand to give statements to the city congratulating it on its success, longevity, and impact on the surrounding communities and the region.

“Downey, you are a beacon of light,” said Hahn. “People want to come here, they want to live here, they want to raise their families here, and that really speaks to the kind of city that you are.”