Downtown Clean & Safe

• Clean & Safe Services
• Cleaning Request
• Community Court
• Graffiti Removal
• BID map
• Street Musican Partnership
• Downtown Services Directory
• Sidewalk Ambassadors
• Downtown Retail and Marketing
• Downtown Retail Strategy
• Join the Downtown Retail Council
• Portland's Fashion's Night Out
• Shop Portland
• Dining Guide
• Holiday Lighting Program
• Real Change
• Downtown Market Research
• Pedestrian Counts
• Search Downtown Commercial Listings
• Post a Downtown Commercial Listing
• Central City Committees

Sidewalk Ambassador Program

• They’re knowledgeable.
• They’re friendly.
• They’re eager to assist and entertain.
• They' re the Ambassadors of downtown Portland, and they’re eager to be of service to those seeking directions or other information about downtown.

Since April 2, 2002, these green-clad characters have maintained a visible and hospitable presence in the downtown area.

The Ambassadors are easy to recognize in their green and white Columbia jackets adorned with an "i". The Ambassadors stroll the streets of the Downtown Clean & Safe District Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ready to be of assistance.

When the program was established in 1988, it was designed to enhance the safety and security of the downtown area. Since 2002, the Ambassador team has focused on hospitality.

They have been trained in the history of Portland, its retail establishments and attractions, city transportation and more. The Ambassadors also make an effort to keep the downtown area safe and are prepared to be of assistance in the case of an emergency. Some have received training in basic first-aid and food, shelter and crisis intervention services. They report any illegal activity or mischievous behavior they witness.

The next time you are lost or in need of information, look for a friendly face in green. The Sidewalk Ambassadors will help make your downtown Portland experience a fun and memorable one.

The Ambassadors staff an information kiosk, located within the Downtown Clean & Safe District. The kiosk location changes weekly. Please call 503.224.8684 for the up-to-the-minute location.The kiosk is stocked with maps, dining guides and brochures that feature downtown information.

In September 2009, the Sidewalk Ambassadors added a new information distribution tool to the program - a bicycle kiosk. The bicycle, a Kona Xtracycle, allows the Ambassadors to carry informational brochures in an eye-catching way.

"People on the street our seeking us out more than ever because of the bike," said Marcus Marchand, Sidewalk Ambassador. "It has proven itself as a valuable way to get information out quickly and strike up conversations with downtown's many visitors, residents and workers."

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

For more information about the Ambassador program call 503.224.8684.