Title
Agenda Item:
Briefing and Discussion about the Downtown Ambassador Program
Body
Issue:
Information regarding the current state of the Downtown Ambassador Program will be presented
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager's Recommendation:
N/A
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, CP&D, 360.709.2790
Presenter(s):
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, CP&D, 360.709.2790
Heather Moore, Executive Director, Capital Recovery Center, 360.357.2582
Rob Richards, Program Manager, Capital Recovery Center, 360.357.2582
Background and Analysis:
In August, 2012, the Downtown Ambassador Program was established. City Council originally allocated $50,000 for the program which funded a 6-month pilot project. Council decided to continue funding the program for 2013 to the amount of $110,000. The Parking and Business Improvement Area board allocated an additional $36,500 toward the program.
The Downtown Ambassador program consists of two main elements: The Ambassadors and the Clean Team. Ambassadors act as good-will ambassadors assisting downtown users with directions and information. Ambassadors are also trained to provide social service referrals.
The Clean Team focuses on keeping Downtown Olympia clean. Their primary duties include: sweeping sidewalks, graffiti abatement, overflowing trash cans, and emptying/sorting the contents of pedestrian recycle cans.
The Downtown Ambassador Program operates 7-days a week and can be contacted on their dispatch line: 360.570.3900.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Downtown Ambassador Program is part of the Downtown Project, a multi-directional approach to creating a safe and welcome environment for all users of downtown.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A