Amid Safety Issues, Pgh. Launches New Downtown Ambassador Program

PITTSBURGH, PA — Amid growing safety concerns Downtown, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is launching a "Golden Triangle Ambassador Program" to provide public assistance and resources in the central business district.

The 11-member team, working in blue and gold uniforms, will work daily shifts from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. They will conduct walking and biking patrols, provide the public with hospitality assistance and expand outreach with local businesses.

"Downtown is Pittsburgh’s heart and soul, and these ambassadors will play an integral part in helping everyone feel safe and welcome in the heart of our great city,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a release. “We have seen this type of program work in other cities, and we believe that this initiative will be a critical piece of our efforts to help more people be able to enjoy all that Downtown has to offer."

Added Partnership president Jeremy Waldrup: “Our ambassadors will greatly enhance our efforts to make Downtown a more welcoming place by adding more trained personnel and key resources

to our streets and public spaces."

The cost of the ambassador program will be shared by the city, Pittsburgh foundations and organizations and businesses such as UPMC and PNC.

The ambassador team will join the partnership's existing Clean and Outreach team, which is tasked with keeping Downtown streets clean.