Posted 19 months ago in Trending
2 MIN READ -- Chicago Loop Alliance announced an expansion of the Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassador Program, which focuses primarily on State Street, to patrol the central Loop from Dearborn to Canal and Ida B. Wells to Wacker, beginning June 5 through October 7. The Ambassador program is contracted by Chicago Loop Alliance through Streetplus, a national business improvement district service, and will patrol the corridor during afternoons and evenings, five days a week. State Street Ambassadors will continue their patrol seven days a week.
“The longstanding success of our Chicago Loop Alliance Ambassadors, who serve the most iconic stretch of State Street, has provided a model example for safe and clean efforts throughout the city, including the expansion of the program throughout the central business district once again this summer,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Our team looks forward to providing the Central Loop corridor with a safe and friendly space to those living, working and enjoying the downtown area.”
The ambassador program is made possible through Chicago’s Recovery Plan, an effort for equitable economic recovery and support for thriving and safe communities, as well as the Central City Recovery Roadmap. The Corridor Ambassador program is a continuation of last year’s initiative, which the city of Chicago modeled after Chicago Loop Alliance’s longstanding program in 11 other community areas, including Back of the Yards, Greater Chatham, and the Magnificent Mile. This year’s effort will expand further and include new partnerships in Austin, Chicago Lawn, Chinatown, Englewood, and Rogers Park.
“Partnerships between the city and community organizations create a holistic approach to complex issues, while facilitating economic recovery downtown and throughout Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Corridor Ambassador program is a successful example of preventative, community-based, safety efforts. Chicago Loop Alliance’s initiative served as a model for the expansion of the Corridor Ambassador program to other communities in the South and West sides of Chicago, and we are pleased to support the program again this summer.”
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.
