Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Why is the City moving to a 4/10 Work Schedule?

The City recently surveyed surrounding cities and found that many cities are operating on a 4/10 work schedule. These cities have found that a 4-day work week has boosted morale  and offer employees a greater sense of work/life balance.

Additionally, the City has observed the daily public traffic at Downey City Hall and other administrative offices, and found that Friday is consistently the slowest day of the week.

The change to 4/10 work schedule will expand the hours of operation at City Hall and other administrative offices to 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. giving the public more time to utilize City Hall services before and after typical business hours from Monday – Thursday, with little to no impact in serving our customers.

 When does this go into effect?

The 4/10 work schedule will be implemented July 6, 2026.

 What services will remain open on Friday?

Existing services such as Police and Fire Services, and Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey City Library, and Parks and Recreation programming will not be impacted and will continue as normal. 

 How will this affect residents' access to in-person services at City Hall and other administrative offices?

The City's expanded operating hours from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. M-Th, would provide the public a greater opportunity to access in-person services.

 Does this schedule change help with recruitment?

Applicants  are increasingly seeking a greater level of flexibility from employers. Having an extra day off each week is attractive to potential employees and could be of value to current employees who are seeking a greater work-life balance and/or one less day of commuting. 

 Will this generate a cost savings?

A shift to a 4/10 work schedule could reduce operational costs as some agencies have seen a reduction in overtime and energy usage costs.

 How can I access City Hall and other administrative offices services on Fridays?

Many City services remain available online 24/7 at www.downeyca.org, including:  

• City Clerk services including claim forms can be found on the City Clerk's page. Public Records Requests can be submitted through the Public Records Request portal.
• Business license applications are available through the Business Licensing page 
• Accela Plan Check portals portal 
• Building Inspection scheduling page
• Building permit information page
• Code enforcement complaints
• Fire Permits page 
• Public Works permit page
• Submit a maintenance request (Streets, Facilities, Graffiti Removal and Water) here
• Report homeless encampments or housing resources can be found here
• Water billing management
• Alarm Permit can be obtained here
• Yard sale permits information 
• Film permits can be found here
• Special Event process