Sidewalk Ambassadors serve as friendly local experts throughout the district. Our ambassadors provide visitor assistance, directions, restaurant recommendations, and information about downtown events and attractions. They’re walking concierges dedicated to helping both visitors and locals experience all that downtown has to offer.

In addition to hospitality services, ambassadors support community events at Director Park and across downtown, helping create the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that makes our district special.

If you love downtown Portland and enjoy helping people discover the city, we’d love to hear from you.

Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program to keep downtown clean seven days a week. Clean Start crews sweep sidewalks, remove graffiti, pick up litter, and pressure wash outdoor surfaces throughout the district. In addition to their daily routes, crews respond to immediate service requests from downtown businesses.

Established in 1996, Clean Start is a homeless-to-work employment program that trains, mentors, and employs workers who are formerly homeless or have other barriers to employment. What began with one truck and four employees has grown to more than 130 workers providing essential services across Portland.

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe partners with GardaWorld to provide enhanced public safety services across our 273-block district. GardaWorld’s trained security professionals work 24/7 to help resolve safety concerns in public spaces, answer questions, and connect visitors and residents with resources they need.