Seattle's Downtown Ambassadors tackle trash, graffiti and homelessness in cleanup effort

Seattle's Downtown Ambassadors program has significantly expanded its reach, now covering over 300 square blocks with 165 ambassadors dedicated to city cleanup efforts. In the last year, the initiative has accumulated nearly 283,000 work hours, resulting in the removal of over 1. 2 million gallons of trash and 49,000 graffiti tags. The ambassadors also provide support for the unhoused, ensuring they have access to essential resources. Local business owners have noted the program's positive impact, with many saving time and costs on graffiti cleanup.

Jon Scholes, president of the Downtown Seattle Association, mentioned the potential for service expansion to neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. The program operates on funding from property owners in the area, who pay assessments to support these services. Master Lindsey, a downtown ambassador, emphasized the importance of taking pride in their work to foster a welcoming environment. As community interest grows, discussions about expanding the program could shape the future of downtown Seattle.