Posted 6 months ago
2 MIN READ -- Chicago Loop Alliance announces a four-month expansion of the Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador Program, which typically focuses primarily on State Street, to patrol the central Loop from Dearborn to Canal and Ida B. Wells to Wacker, beginning June 3. Chicago Loop Alliance contracts the ambassador program through Streetplus, a national clean and safe service provider, and will patrol the expanded corridor area during afternoons and evenings, five days a week. State Street Ambassadors will continue their patrol seven days a week.
“Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassadors provide essential services of safety and hospitality that create a sense of stability for Loop residents, workers and visitors,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “In its third year of expansion, our team’s excellent track record is evidenced by the reimplementation of the Corridor Ambassador program throughout vital Chicago neighborhoods.”
The Corridor Ambassador program is made possible through a Department of Planning and Development grant, part of an effort for equitable economic recovery and support for thriving and safe communities, as well as the Central City Recovery Roadmap. Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassadors have patrolled State Street as they have since 2014. The Corridor Ambassador program began in 2022, modeled after Chicago Loop Alliance’s longstanding program, not only for the summer expansion in the Loop but also in many other community areas throughout the city.
“Chicago Loop Alliance’s ambassador program successfully showcases community-centric tactics that support neighborhood vitality," said Chicago Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright. "The program will also help prepare for the influx of visitors to Lollapalooza, NASCAR and the Democratic National Convention."
Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassadors will continue to wear yellow and black uniforms while they provide directions; greet and engage visitors, workers, and residents; conduct business check-ins; observe and report negative behavior; provide information on wayfinding for those shopping, dining, and exploring; and assist individuals in need of social services or experiencing homelessness. The unarmed ambassadors receive training in de-escalation tactics and serve as a deterrent to unwanted behavior and illegal activity in an effort of violence prevention throughout the community.
The Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador program primarily services State Street Special Service Area #1-2015 (SSA #1-2015), which includes State Street from Ida B. Wells to Wacker Drive and select portions of Wabash Avenue and Dearborn Avenue. Those areas will continue receiving their patrols through funding from SSA #1-2015.
