Pittsburgh to provide $600K in city funding for Downtown ambassador program

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a measure that will dedicate $600,000 in city funding to support a new Downtown ambassador program.

The nonprofit Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Golden Triangle Ambassador program employs 11 full-time staff members. The ambassadors will offer a variety of services in Downtown Pittsburgh, ranging from connecting people with mental health services and alerting police to possible problems to helping tourists navigate the area and supporting local business owners.

They will coordinate with police and outreach workers in instances where they encounter a problem beyond what an ambassador could handle, officials said, but they will be able to handle smaller issues such as encouraging people to stop inappropriate behaviors or helping people connect with resources they may need.

The nonprofit will provide a matching $600,000 this year and already has money earmarked for continuing the initiative in future years.

Ambassadors are slated to work in the Downtown area from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and officials said they’re hoping to expand the program with additional staffing. If it goes well, officials said, it may be extended into other neighborhoods.

Council unanimously approved the measure Tuesday without discussion. Councilwoman Deb Gross, D-Highland Park, was not present for the vote.

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