When you think about what makes a city vibrant and welcoming, it’s easy to overlook the everyday heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. In Downtown Tulsa, those heroes are our Ambassadors—an extraordinary team dedicated to enhancing the Downtown experience through cleaning, safety, and community engagement.
As someone who recently joined the Downtown Tulsa Partnership team as the Marketing and Events Coordinator, I’ve quickly come to appreciate the incredible work done by our Ambassador program. My name is Cassie Williams, and while I spend most of my time in our office on Boston and 4th, I recently had the chance to step out and experience firsthand what our Ambassadors do every day to make Downtown Tulsa a safer and more vibrant place. I spent a day shadowing Evelyn, one of our Safety Ambassadors, to see the impact of this program up close.
From the moment we set off from the Ambassador Operations Center, it was clear that Evelyn’s job is more than just walking the streets; it’s about building connections and ensuring that everyone in Downtown feels seen and cared for.
Our day started with a walk through the Deco District, where Evelyn made regular stops at local businesses to check in with the owners. These visits are an essential part of the Ambassador program, providing business owners with a personal contact and a familiar face when our services are needed. Whether it’s a minor car accident outside a storefront or disturbances caused by unsheltered individuals, these check-ins help the Ambassadors maintain a pulse on what’s happening in the heart of the city. During our walk, it was reassuring to hear that most of the business owners we spoke with had no major issues to report—a testament to the effectiveness of the Ambassador program in maintaining a peaceful and orderly Downtown environment.
One of the key responsibilities of our Safety Ambassadors is documenting every interaction they have throughout the day. Whether it’s a request for directions, offering resources to someone in need, or conducting business check-ins, every encounter is logged into a program that organizes these interactions. This detailed record-keeping isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about understanding and improving the environment of Downtown.
For instance, when Evelyn notices something notable during her rounds, she makes sure it’s flagged for upper management to review and potentially follow up on. The data collected also includes metrics like the amount of trash picked up, welfare checks conducted, business contacts made, and biohazard removal. This information is compiled into reports that help us monitor the health and vibrancy of downtown, and you can explore these analytics on our website.
For maintenance, beautification, or hospitality needs, requests can also be submitted directly to our Ambassador Team online. These resources ensure that our business owners have a direct line of communication to keep Downtown Tulsa running smoothly.
One of the key stops on our route was Legacy Park, a well-known gathering spot for the unsheltered community. Here, Evelyn’s role took on a deeply compassionate dimension. We spent time talking to individuals in the park, offering not just a friendly word, but also tangible support in the form of resource guides. These guides are a crucial tool, connecting people with services that can help them with everything from finding shelter to accessing food and healthcare.
The Ambassador program’s impact goes beyond cleaning streets and providing safety escorts; it’s about fostering a sense of community. By engaging with the unsheltered population and connecting them to resources, the Ambassadors are helping to bridge gaps and build trust. Evelyn’s interactions in Legacy Park were a perfect example of this. Her warm demeanor and genuine concern for those she encountered were met with smiles and gratitude. It was clear that she’s not just a uniform in the park; she’s a trusted figure who makes people feel valued.
Throughout the day, Evelyn shared stories of her experiences as a Safety Ambassador, highlighting the importance of the program in creating a safer and more connected downtown. She emphasized that while the work can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. Knowing that her presence helps both business owners and the unsheltered community feel safer and more supported is what drives her passion for the job.
As we walked back towards the Operations Center, I reflected on the profound impact the Ambassador program has on Downtown Tulsa. It’s easy to take for granted the cleanliness of our streets, the safety we feel as we navigate downtown, and the vibrant atmosphere that draws us in. But behind all of this are the Ambassadors—dedicated individuals like Evelyn who work every day to ensure that Downtown Tulsa is a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported.
So, the next time you’re in downtown and you see someone in a teal or purple shirt, remember that they’re not just there to keep the streets clean or provide directions. They’re there to make sure that our city thrives, that our community is connected, and that everyone—whether a business owner, a visitor, or an unsheltered individual—knows that they matter. The Ambassador program is truly the heartbeat of Downtown Tulsa, quietly and compassionately making our city a better place for all.
If you’re a business owner or resident in Downtown Tulsa and need assistance from our Ambassador team, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text our hotline at 918.202.4093 or email Service@DowntownTulsa.com to submit a service request.
Would you like to support our work and help expand the reach of our Ambassador program? Consider becoming a partner in our membership program. Your support is vital in continuing the work that makes Downtown Tulsa a safe and thriving community for everyone!