YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The city of Youngstown is rolling out a new plan they say is in response to the many issues raised by the people who make up downtown. According to 1st Ward City Councilman Julius Oliver, the Downtown Ambassadors program has been a long time coming. 

“We heard the cry of the businesses, we heard the cry of the community, wanting to feel safer, wanting to feel at home and feel like this was their downtown,” Oliver said at a news conference Friday. 

You may have already seen the Downtown Ambassadors at work on Phelps and Federal Streets. The ambassadors will help with litter cleanup and general maintenance; give directions, recommendations and parking assistance; and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Youngstown Police Department. They’ll also wear navy blue uniforms, though those have not arrived yet. 

The program is managed by the nonprofit Economic Action Group (EAG), and funded as a part of their $150,000 service contract with the city, which covers multiple progreams. So far, EAG manages just three ambassadors, who will work part-time.

“We want to keep the team a little bit small but mighty to begin with, and we'll expand our efforts as needed,” said Jessica Robinson, the Downtown Ambassadors’ coordinator. 

The team is also starting with limited hours, focusing mostly on the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). However, you may also see them working during events or daytime hours as needed.

In addition to cleanliness and general help, the ambassadors will have some safety responsibilities. They will be tasked with monitoring the DORA and offering escorts to those in need. They will be trained in deescalation measures, as well as how to use Narcan — but city officials and members of the program emphasized, ambassadors are no replacement for the police department. 

“We’re not really the law enforcement, I wouldn’t think of us as bodyguards,” said ambassador Grace Persing. “We’re a connection to YPD and downtown, and also just a face that’s recognizable.”