How is the City of Downey performing in delivering essential city services to our community?
We all know Downey is a great place to live, do business, raise a family and retire. A recent survey
of residents indicates that 74% of Downey residents rate Downey as having a better quality of life
than other neighboring cities. However, this survey also indicates that over 75% of residents
believe that crime has increased in our city and only 65% of our residents feel safe in our City.

When it comes to public services, what are the City of Downey’s top priorities?
The City of Downey is one of the few cities in the area that still provides safety services through
its own local police and fire departments to provide the highest level of safety measures to our
residents.

Over 70% of local calls to the Downey Fire Department are related to medical emergencies, and
last year our city saw a 5-year high in reported property crimes including robberies, burglaries
and auto thefts. Maintaining our own police and fire departments is critical to keeping our city
safe and maintaining the quality of life for our citizens.
 

A strong parks and recreation system, including city-funded after-school and summer
recreational programs and gang prevention programs provide kids in our community with safe
and supervised activities that keep our children off the streets, away from gangs and out of
trouble.
 

The quality of neighborhood streets and roads is critical to reduce traffic congestion, maintain
safe neighborhoods and keep our commercial areas appealing places to shop at Downey’s local
businesses. 

Why do we need Measure D?
Over the past year, the City has reviewed several options to protect our essential city services.
After reviewing options, the Downey City Council voted to place Measure D, the Downey Public
Safety and Local Control Measure, on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Measure D provides locally
controlled revenue entirely dedicated to support our city-run fire and police departments and
maintain our excellent quality of live here in Downey.

How would Measure D help local residents and our community?
Measure D will generate funding to help fund the following essential city services:

• Maintain 911 emergency response times

• Prevent crimes, including theft and burglaries

• Maintain city parks and playgrounds

• Repair potholes and city streets

• Maintain services and programs for youth, families and seniors​
   

Could the State or LA County cut or take this local funding?
No. All Measure D funds will be legally required to be spent in Downey, ensuring that our tax
dollars are used locally, with no money going to Sacramento.

How do we know funds will be spent wisely?
Measure D is fiscally accountable:

•  All funds stay local and cannot be taken by the state or LA County

•  Funds will be used to protect essential city services

•  An independent citizens’ oversight committee will review funding expenditures

•  Annual audits will be completed to ensure funds are spent as promised

How much revenue would Measure D generate?
Measure D would generate $6 million per year in stable, locally controlled funding for city
services and emergency response in Downey.

How much will the measure cost to residents?
If approved by local voters, Measure D would enact a one-quarter cent increase to our
transactions use tax, commonly known as the sales tax, and would be paid by local residents as
well as those who come to our city to shop. This measure would add, for example, 25¢ to a
$100 purchase or $2.50 on a $1,000 purchase. Food and medicine are exempted from sales tax.
Significant portions of our local sales taxes are paid by residents from other cities who shop in
our community. Increasing the rate by one-quarter cent (or by 25¢ on the purchase of $100)
would provide $6 million annually to help support public safety and essential city services.

When can I vote for Measure D?
Measure D will be on the November 5, 2024 ballot. All California voters will receive their ballots
the week of October 7th.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure D?
All registered voters within the City of Downey will be eligible to vote on Measure D.

What level of support does Measure D need to pass?
Measure D needs a majority vote (50% + 1) of those who vote on the measure in order to pass.

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Has the City of Downey recently passed a sales tax measure like this before? ​

Yes. In 2016, our community passed Measure S to provide critical funding for City needs. Thanks to Measure S, the City completed a $60.8 million neighborhood capital improvement program to modernize City facilities. Specifically, building 4 new fire stations; modernizing 7 City parks with irrigation replacement, turf renovation, parking lot upgrades, ADA improvements, new basketball courts, upgraded walking trails, new shelters, ball field lighting, new playgrounds with rubberized resurfacing; modernization of the Downey City Library; and facility improvements to the Downey Police Station, Rio Hondo Golf Course, the Downey Theatre Civic Center, and the City Public Parking structure. 

 

Measure S has also funded 28 Public Safety personnel, including 12 new police officers, and much needed public safety equipment. While Measure S has fulfilled its promise, it has only brought Public Safety needs to pre-recession  (2008/2009) levels. In 2024, much more is needed to provide the services that the Downey community has come to expect and deserve. 

​

Measure S has an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee that reviews Measure S expenditures, independent financial audit reports, and prepares an annual report to the community.

 

More information regarding Measure S can be located at: https://www.downeyca.org/our-city/measure-s. 

How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?
If you are unsure if you are registered to vote or do not receive your absentee ballot the week
of October 7, please contact the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters at (800) 815-2666 or
visit www.lavote.net.