Downtown Services

• Portland Downtown Services Inc.
• Clean & Safe Services
• Cleaning Request
• Portland Adopt-A-Belly program
• Community Court
• Griffiti Removal
• BID map
• Street Musican Partnership
• Downtown Services Directory
• Sidewalk Ambassadors
• Ambassador Bios
• Downtown Retail and Marketing
• Downtown Retail Strategy
• Join the Downtown Retail Council
• Shop Portland
• Dining Guide
• Holiday Lighting Program
• Real Change
• Downtown Market Research
• Pedestrian Counts
• Search Downtown Commercial Listings
• Post a Downtown Commercial Listing
• Central City Committees

Sidewalk Ambassador Program

• They’re knowledgeable.
• They’re friendly.
• They’re eager to assist and entertain.
• They' re the Sidewalk Ambassadors of downtown Portland, and they’re eager to be of service to those seeking directions or other information about downtown.

Since April 2, 2002, these green-clad characters have maintained a visible and hospitable presence in the downtown area.

The Ambassadors are easy to recognize in their green and white Columbia jackets adorned with an "i". The Ambassadors stroll the streets of the Downtown Business Improvement District Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ready to be of assistance.

When the program was established in 1988, it was designed to enhance the safety and security of the downtown area. Since 2002, the Sidewalk Ambassador team has focused on hospitality.

They have been trained in the history of Portland, its retail establishments and attractions, city transportation and more. The Ambassadors also make an effort to keep the downtown area safe and are prepared to be of assistance in the case of an emergency. Some have received training in basic first-aid and food, shelter and crisis intervention services. They report any illegal activity or mischievous behavior they witness. All of the Ambassadors carry first-aid kits and two-way radios to contact 911 if necessary.

The next time you are lost or in need of information, look for a friendly face in green. The Sidewalk Ambassadors will help make your downtown Portland experience a fun and memorable one.

The Ambassadors staff a mobile information kiosk, located within the Downtown Business Improvement District. The kiosk location changes weekly. Please call 503.224.8684 for the up-to-the-minute location.

The kiosk is stocked with maps, dining guides and brochures that feature downtown information.

The Ambassadors are also equipped with handheld Personal Digital Assistants and printers that have the ability to obtain directions, maps and information about any of the 5,000 businesses in the downtown area.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Learn more about our Sidewalk Ambassador team.

For more information about the Sidewalk Ambassador program call 503.224.8684.