Cities

Block by Block employees work, no matter the season or weather, to ensure The District of Downtown Columbia is clean and welcoming to its visitors by doing all sorts of things that individuals like you and me may take for granted.  While there’s no cheese display to organize, the District Ambassadors of Block by Block are steadily laboring behind the scenes, in plain sight, by keeping the safety and sanitation of downtown a priority.  These Ambassadors remove graffiti from signs and buildings, sweep and power-wash sidewalks, dispose of trash from the various cans around The District, collect and recycle cigarette butts, track broken curbs, overflowing compactors, and any street or alleyway lights whose helpful illumination is found temporarily absent, and report these and other needed repairs to the City for restoration.

That’s not all.  District Ambassadors give directions, help connect people with resources, and regularly act as an initial point of contact for folks experiencing crisis.

The next time you visit The District, see if you can spot them in their distinctive ambassador jackets and hats, and maybe wonder over to share a simple word of appreciation for the essential work they do to keep Columbia’s downtown district a great experience year-round.

The DJP Downtown Ambassador Team serves to ensure a memorable and welcoming experience to those in the Downtown District. Employed through a contractural partnership with Block by Block, the Downtown Ambassadors start at 7 AM each morning providing direct, on-the-street connection seven days a week, proactively engaging the commuunity by providing the following services within The Downtown BID.

Provide Environmental Maintenance, Supplemental Safety, and Hospitality services.  Duties include litter control, weed abatement, graffiti and handbill removal, safety visibility patrols, personal safety escorts, crime prevention, intervention with “Quality of Life” crimes, and general hospitality services for visitors, workers, and residents of downtown Duluth, MN.

Info coming soon!

The team of specially-trained Ambassadors, attired in distinct uniforms, will serve to enrich the experience in downtown Grand Rapids by enhancing public safety efforts, supporting a high quality of life, and generally assisting residents, workers, and visitors.

They are trained as social service outreach professionals, capable of responding to concerns about public drunkenness, loitering, and homelessness in a swift and respectful manner.

The Ambassadors will provide directions, assistance, and information to downtown goers. They also are knowledgeable about local ordinances, prepared with radios, and will have a positive influence on downtown safety by serving as the “eyes and ears” for the Grand Rapids Police Department.

The Downtown Ambassadors are a dedicated team of dynamic and responsive professionals that keep Downtown clean, beautiful and welcoming.

Attired in bright orange and blue uniforms, the Ambassador team is comprised of local citizens who share a common affinity for Downtown and an intimate understanding of what’s happening around the neighborhood.

Downtown Ambassadors are on the job 7 days per week. Don’t hesitate to stop them for directions, information about events, places to eat, an umbrella escort when it’s raining or other assistance.

Hospitality Ambassadors providing visitors and residents with directions, retail, restaurant and event information happenings in the Seaport Neighborhood.

More info to come!

Our Ambassadors are in the streets from 6:45a til 7:45p, seven days a week. They do everything from litter and trash cleanup to give directions to helping you across the street. They are easy to stand out and long time Central Square patrons know to look up and down the street to spot them if there is a need.

As stewards for the neighborhood, they are a welcoming presence in the Square, working to connect at-risk neighbors with social services, provide assistance to shop owners, residents, and visitors, and maintain our shared public spaces.

A year-round Security program serves as additional ‘eyes and ears’ of local law enforcement deters unwanted activity. A seasonal hospitality program utilizes exceptionally outgoing and friendly people to actively engage the public and offer assistance in the form of visitors information, recommendations or even just taking a group picture. Block by Block provides ongoing consulting to the cleaning program, which is provided through a local workforce development program to provide supervision and guidance on environmental cleaning to maximize the WPOBs investment into cleaning.

Clean Services

Our waterfront is a treasure we all share. Our clean teams are committed to making sure all of our parks, public spaces, and promenades are clean, welcoming, and attractive. Here are just some of the services they provided this past year:

• 333,0111 Pounds of Litter Picked Up

• 2,618 Pieces of Graffiti Removed

• 626 Hours Spent Power Washing

• 24,668 Garbage Cans Cleaned

Safety Services

Our teams work to make sure everyone who visits the waterfront leaves with an impeccable impression of our wonderful city. Whether they are helping to snap a family photo or giving advice on the best lunch in town, our guides are there to make sure visitors and residents are happy, safe, and satisfied. Here are just some the services we offer to keep our Waterfront safe:

• 34,282 Guests Assisted

• 977 Segway Patrol Hours

• 3,041 Safety Escorts

• 75 First Aid Assists

Enjoy your experience in the somehow both quaint and exciting downtown of Paddock Shops. We know we do everyday. Block by Block ambassadors work closely with Paddock Shops management to create a pedestrian-friendly shopping environment. So, come take a stroll, say hello and enjoy the sunshine.

LDP Ambassadors are on the job 7 days a week starting at 7am. They provide public safety information, maintain contact with the business owners, provide information to visitors, shoppers, workers, and residents, and report potential or actual emergencies that might require Police, Fire, or EMS resources.

The Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) Ambassadors also provide supplemental cleaning for 25 miles of sidewalks and alleys within the boundaries of our 91 block service area in the heart of Downtown Louisville. This includes, but is not limited to: weed and graffiti removal, sidewalk pressure washing and removal of an average of 2,000 pounds of litter per week.

Need Ambassadors Assistance?
Call our Hotline: 502-664-8654

Our Ambassador program focuses on hospitality and safety services, litter, leaf, and graffiti abatement, and ad hoc special projects. The Hospitality and Safety Ambassadors provide friendly, smiling faces on the streets of Downtown during major conventions, events, and in support of our downtown attractions and businesses. Our Clean Team Ambassadors provide services that beautify and keep our streets clear of debris.

Customer friendly ambassadors dressed in purple patrol the District providing enhanced cleaning and safety services. While cleaning or patrolling they:
• Act as additional eyes and ears for police.
• Provide tourist information.
• Pick-up litter and debris and sweep the sidewalks.
• Paint infrastructure.
• Provide escort services and motorist assistance.
• Complete special projects to enhance Downtown.
• Engage and offer assistance to homeless and transients.

When it comes to keeping Downtown DSM clean and green, Operation Downtown Ambassadors go the extra mile. All across Downtown DSM, they manage litter, maintain trash receptacles, power wash sidewalks and remove weeds. They also remove graffiti from buildings and replenish dog disposal stations throughout the district. Keeping Downtown clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant is a top priority for Operation Downtown Ambassadors.

A year-round security program serves as additional ‘eyes and ears’ of local law enforcement, deterring unwanted activity. A seasonal hospitality program utilizes exceptionally outgoing and friendly people to actively engage the public and offer assistance in the form of visitor information, recommendations or even just taking a group picture. Block by Block provides ongoing consulting to the cleaning program, which is offered through a local workforce development program.

Our Ambassadors provide cleaning, landscape maintenance and safety services throughout the historic Kailua Village and ensure all visitors to the islands enjoy a safe, clean and inviting place for all. The team works hard every day to ensure the proud culture of Kailua Village is represented with clean, safe and inviting spaces!

NewTown Macon is an independent non-profit focusing on economic development and revitalizing Downtown Macon. Since 1996, NewTown has made downtown safe and beautiful and fun and affordable, while keeping it local.

NewTown established downtown Macon’s first Business Improvement District (BID) in 2017, recognizing the need for funding dedicated to improving the cleanliness and overall safety of downtown Macon. In January 2019, NewTown contracted Block by Block to manage the daily operations of the BID and hire a capable and friendly team of Ambassadors.

The NewTown BID Ambassadors focus their efforts on creating a clean, safe, and friendly experience in downtown Macon. Ambassadors provide cleaning services such as removing litter, graffiti, weeds, and dog waste; complete special projects such as pressure washing and painting curbs and bollards; and offer hospitality assistance to visitors. NewTown’s BID Ambassadors work closely with Macon-Bibb County’s Parks and Beautification Department, the Bibb County Sherriff’s Office, and downtown business owners to meet the dynamic needs of a vibrant downtown district that boasts 400+ businesses and 1000+ residents.

Since NewTown established the BID, the district’s value surged from $180 million to $330 million, representing an 83% increase in downtown property values. Downtown property owners voted to renew and increase the district’s geographic area in 2022. Through NewTown’s partnership with Block by Block, the NewTown BID has become a critical and necessary tool for downtown Macon’s ongoing revitalization. The NewTown BID is Block by Block’s first Ambassador program in the state of Georgia.

Downtown Ambassadors

Downtown Ambassadors create a vibrant downtown community through hospitality and security related services in the district. This friendly Team, wearing bright orange shirts and a DWNTWN baseball cap, is approachable and welcoming.

Wondering where to get a passport, find a business, restaurant, event, or just need a safety walk? A Downtown Ambassador will be nearby to help answer those questions. Ambassadors are trained to provide residents, tourists, employees and business owners with a variety of information and assistance.

The Downtown Ambassadors work cooperatively as additional eyes and ears for the City of Miami Police Department, maintaining a professional relationship with all local law enforcement, code compliance, and other city entities.

The Downtown Ambassadors provide the following services throughout Downtown:

• Directions / Way-Finding / Parking information
• Providing “safe walk” services
• Report incidents, code compliance violations, solid waste, and other concerns to the Miami DDA
• Visiting downtown business owners and managers to share info and report concerns
• Respond to calls concerning specific incidents (suspicious persons, tourists with special needs, graffiti, panhandling, litter) and alerting other responders
• Hospitality services during Miami Heat home games

It attracts millions of visitors annually from all over the world not just for its shopping destinations, restaurants, and nightlife but also for its history, architecture, public art, and cultural attractions. When famed architect Morris Lapidus was commissioned to redesign Lincoln Road in the 1960s, his distinguished style positioned the road as one of the most luxurious destinations in the city during that time.

Today, Lincoln Road is an iconic pedestrian district that serves as a hub for modern culture seekers, both local and international. Anchored by three internationally respected cultural institutions, the New World Symphony, Oolite Arts and the Colony Theater, Lincoln Road serves as a charging station for the mind, body, and spirit.

Lincoln Road is a city street and is open to the public 24/7

Provide cleaning and safety personnel for the Hollywood, FL Community Redevelopment Agency’s Historic Hollywood Business District. Cleaning services provided by using both manual and mechanical cleaning systems.

The cornerstone of a great Downtown is a clean, safe and hospitable environment, which is why we focus on it seven days a week. We collaborate to address unsightly issues in the public realm and we partner with the City, Sheriff’s Office, property owners and others to support economic growth and the live/work/visit experience. Key in supporting our mission, Downtown Ambassadors work across five divisions to provide extra eyes and ears on the street, to clean sidewalks and mend building facades, to reach out to those in need and to activate shared spaces.

Clean Division Services

• Remove litter
• Pressure wash and spot clean sidewalks
• Remove graffiti
• Identify and report hazards and property damage issues
• Remove weeds from sidewalks and tree beds

Safety & Hospitality Division Services

• Provide directions, maps and parking information
• Provide Downtown event information
• Escort you to your destination
• Provide a safety presence and contact police or rescue during emergencies
• Report and/or resolve instances of nuisance activity (panhandling, loitering, etc.)
• Share a smile and a watchful eye

Social Services Outreach Division Services

• Connect homeless and transient individuals with local social service providers
• Transport persons in need to services
• Collect meaningful demographic and behavioral data

Property Maintenance Division Services

• Maintain streetscape and properties
• Fix building facades, information kiosks, trash cans and more

Block by Block provides uniformed cleaning and hospitality personnel to the City of Coconut Grove, FL.

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District is an award-winning non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation that works to enhance the Golden Triangle — the 44-square-block neighborhood that stretches from Dupont Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue. The primary focus of the BID is to provide a clean, safe, and vibrant environment within this remarkable neighborhood, and to retain and attract businesses to the Golden Triangle.

Founded in 1997, the Golden Triangle BID encourages economic development through capital improvement projects, a variety of engaging events, and public art projects. The BID also strives to increase the quality of life through public safety and maintenance services. The BID is funded by a special tax that is paid by property owners within the neighborhood.

The BID connects its members to numerous resources, events, and information in and around the neighborhood. The staff serve as the first point of contact for member questions and issues and act as a key liaison between businesses and many city agencies. Together with corporate and government partners, the BID develops and implements programs that strengthen the vitality of the Golden Triangle. The BID is dedicated to making the Golden Triangle a great place to live, work, and play.

In 2019, the Golden Triangle was awarded LEED Platinum, the highest level of LEED certification, by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the first BID in the world to be certified through the LEED for Communities program.

When you are in Stamford Downtown and need directions, where to get the best slice of pizza, parking advice on how to use Parkmobile, a taxi called, help finding a lost person or item, a safe escort, auto service or other assistance, just look for a Stamford Downtown Ambassador! Stamford Downtown Ambassador and Environmental Maintenance Team help create a hospitable and clean environment

They’re the “friendly” guys and gals dressed in orange and black uniforms who travel through out the downtown on bikes and on foot responding to the needs of all who work, live or visit Stamford..  Their mission is to ensure that your time spend here is always pleasant, comfortable and safe.  They’re on duty days and evenings, Monday through Saturday and can be reached at 203-515-3400.  They are at your service!

The Environmental Maintenance Team keeps downtown beautiful by removing litter, graffiti and sidewalk gum from public spaces.

Hartford BID Ambassadors provide cleaning, safety, and placemaking services to Hartford’s commercial core. Services include manual and mechanical litter collection, graffiti removal, weed abatement, power washing, security patrols, hospitality services, and a multitude of special projects, which will provide long term enhancement of the environment.

Ambassadors also provide roadside assistance for motorists, and operate the nation’s only free, on-site bicycle roadside assistance program in the downtown commercial core and a portion of the Asylum Hill neighborhood. Ambassadors help with automobile lock-outs, emergency refueling, flat tires, and jump starts.

The HBID’s free on-site bicycle roadside assistance program is the first of its kind in the nation. HBID Ambassadors were trained to fix a flat, inflate a tire, replace a tube, reattach a slipped chain, or tighten up loose bolts, free of charge, anywhere in the District. The program was designed to foster an increase in bicycle transit and provide a reliable support system for new or existing bicycle commuters.