YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A team of young “ambassadors” has begun walking downtown streets to assist visitors and residents, build relationships with businesses and keep the area clean and safe.
The Downtown Ambassador program – unveiled Friday during a press conference – is a collaboration between the city and Economic Action Group. It is modeled after similar programs in other cities.
Two ambassadors have already been hired for the part-time paid positions. They will work roughly 25 hours a week, walking downtown streets to pick up litter, answer the questions of visitors, learn the needs of business owners and serve as the eyes and ears of police.
The ambassadors will wear uniforms – navy blue pants with polo jerseys – so that they are easily identifiable. While they will patrol the entire downtown, their initial focus will be on the West Federal and Phelps Street area, which has many bars and restaurants, plus the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and the DeYor Performing Arts Centre.
The goal is to keep the downtown beautiful and safe, monitor the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and keep the entertainment and nightlife district vibrant, according to Mayor Jamael Tito Brown.
The ambassadors are on duty during Dora hours: 4-11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays, with additional hours scheduled for special events.
The ambassador program is being coordinated by Jessica Robinson McNees of EAG, who also serves as the third ambassador. It was launched two weeks ago.
“Dayton, Cincinnati and Erie [Pa.] have all demonstrated success with this program,” she said.
Brown called it part of the long-term strategic plan for downtown improvement.
“Everywhere I travel, I see cities that have an ambassador program, and I talk to the mayor who tells me how important it is to have that downtown,” he said. “After all the investment and improvements we’ve made downtown, this is another layer to make sure we continue to invest in downtown.”
Councilman Julius Oliver, 1st Ward, which includes downtown, said the purpose of the ambassador program is to keep the area clean, safe and inviting.
Residents and visitors will know that there’s always somebody watching, he said.
“We heard the cry of businesses and the community,” Oliver added. “They want to feel safer, and we want you to understand that we hear you.”
The ambassador program is a partnership with the city police department, said Chief Carl Davis.
“It will provide a visible and approachable presence downtown,” he said. “They will serve as a liaison to visitors and businesses, offer assistance and information about attractions and services and help create a more welcome environment for all.”
Pictured at top: From left are Councilman Julius Oliver, Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, police Chief Carl Davis and Jessica Robinson McNees of Economic Action Group.