FAQs

Paramount maintains a high quality of life for local residents through robust city services that help residents succeed and thrive in their communities.

Yes. In a recent survey, research showed that about 66% of residents believe Paramount provides a better quality of life than other neighboring cities because of its commitment to:

• Public safety
• Well-maintained streets and roads
• Safe, clean parks and other public areas
• A vibrant local business climate
• Services that enhance quality of life for Paramount residents

Crime in Paramount has steadily dropped over the years due to the City’s proactive public safety efforts. Mostly notably, gang related crimes have dropped by 94%.

In less than a decade, Paramount has invested in numerous successful infrastructure projects that have helped increase median home values by nearly 95%. The complete remodeling of Downtown, expansion and remodeling of Dills Park and creation of the Splash Zone are just few examples of infrastructure projects that have made Paramount a more attractive city to live in.

Paramount’s top priority is maintaining quality of life and public safety for all residents, while remaining committed to long-term financial stability. It is a thriving city despite the setbacks due to State takeaways of $6 million per year from eliminating local redevelopment funds, rising costs of Sheriff’s services, as well as costs for outsourcing.

Paramount takes pride in its track record of being fiscally responsible and has one of the lowest employee-to-resident ratios in the area. The City’s efforts in eliminating full-time positions by 25%, reforming employee pension, reducing employee benefits, organizational restructuring and building partnerships with entities like Long Beach Transit and the YMCA have been substantially successful in addressing financial challenges.

While the City has successfully managed its budget, it needs a more long-term revenue enhancement to avoid a budget deficit of $3 – $4 million by 2025. That is why the City Council has placed a 0.75% sales tax increase on the March 3, 2020 ballot.

If approved by voters, additional locally-controlled sales tax revenue would:

• Maintain levels of public safety, including maintaining Sheriff patrols and school safety officers
• Repair streets, sidewalks and potholes
• Address homelessness in our community
• Prevent cuts to youth violence prevention and after school programs
• Prevent cuts to senior programs
• Keep parks and other public areas safe and clean
• Provide quick responses to 9-1-1 emergencies
• Maintain programs to attract new businesses and restaurants

Yes. Currently, Paramount receives one tenth of the revenues collected from the 9.5% sales tax – the rest goes to the state and county. If approved by voters, 100% of the 0.75 increase in sales tax will stay in Paramount.

LA County’s Measure H, intended for Countywide homeless programs, has collected about $4 million from Paramount since July 2017. To date, the City has received about $26,000 in return. Current taxes are largely being used to benefit homelessness programs outside of Paramount.