Trash and Graffiti Removal, Needle Pick-Up Especially After Hours
The 501c4 nonprofit Downtown Improvement District (DID)-Led Program Includes
Portland, Maine – July 8, 2025 – Portland Downtown, a 501c4 nonprofit Downtown Improvement District (DID) making the city cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone, today announced implementation of a Downtown Ambassador program to remove trash and graffiti, and pick up needles.
“Portland Downtown is taking action to maintain our vibrant downtown district,” said Cary Tyson, executive director, Portland Downtown. “As a Downtown Improvement District, we are uniquely positioned to lessen the burden of city government and make Portland cleaner, safer, and welcoming for everyone.”
In addition to removing graffiti, waste, and picking up needles, the Downtown Ambassadors will provide friendly hospitality services, offering directions and assisting with visitor needs, as well as general upkeep of the downtown area. The Downtown Ambassadors will also act as extra eyes and ears, contributing to the overall sense of security and promoting a positive image of the downtown district. The Downtown Ambassadors will work extended hours to provide supplemental coverage to the City of Portland, especially in the early morning, evening, and on weekends.
“It’s time to try something new—I support the Downtown Ambassador program,” said Bill Stauffer, business and property owner. “As a Downtown Improvement District, Portland Downtown can provide much-needed services after hours and even on private property to supplement the City of Portland’s efforts. By creating a positive and inviting atmosphere, the program indirectly supports local businesses and fosters economic activity in the downtown area.”
The Downtown Ambassador program includes eight locally staffed and trained individuals and an operations supervisor. Portland Downtown has contracted with Streetplus, a third-party expert in implementing Downtown Improvement District campaigns, to develop and implement a customized program for the downtown district. The Downtown Ambassadors will be seen in their brightly colored uniforms particularly after business hours to supplement existing City of Portland efforts. Similar programs have been implemented with solid success across the country in cities such as Bangor, Boston, Manchester, Providence, Worcester, and many other urban cores across the country.
The Downtown Ambassador program is part of Portland Downtown’s mission to stimulate a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable downtown district in which to live, do business, shop and visit. In recent years, Portland has swelled from 68,000 full-time residents to two million visitors and part-time residents in the summer.
Portland Downtown is funded through a special assessment paid by property owners in the downtown district—not a tax to the general population. Those dollars are required to be invested directly into improvements such as graffiti and trash removal and needle pick-up, among many others.
Portland Downtown recently leased the nearly 2,400-square foot office space at 87 Center Street, prominently situated within the downtown district it serves. Portland’s downtown district stretches from Longfellow Square to Franklin Street, with Cumberland Avenue as its northern boundary and the waterfront as its southern boundary. Plans are underway to construct a public restroom, a much-needed facility for residents and visitors, at the nonprofit’s new headquarters, as well as community meeting space and other features.
About Portland Downtown
Portland Downtown is a 501c4 nonprofit Downtown Improvement District (DID) in Portland, Maine making the city cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. Today, the city of Portland is well-established as a business, culinary and cultural center, and top travel destination. Portland Downtown stimulates a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable downtown district in which to live, do business, shop and visit. For more information, visit https://portlandmaine.com/or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Press contact:
Elizabeth Horton, simmerpublicrelations@gmail.com
Portland Downtown contact:
Cary Tyson, LPM, Executive Director, Portland Downtown
(207) 772-6828
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