Downtown SF's Safety Ambassador Program to Be Expanded With $5 Million Grant

"The presence of the privately funded safety ambassadors, introduced after the pandemic hollowed out downtown, has helped improve both safety conditions and public perception downtown."

"Establishing safety and cleanliness as a foundational condition is critical to ensuring that the work that's underway can continue, said DDC's CEO, Shola Olatoye."

"Last year, the effort reportedly resulted in about 250 emergency calls facilitated by ambassadors, along with generating roughly 1,300 service requests to city agencies."

"The investment will support 21 ambassadors along the stretch from Union Square to Yerba Buena through the Heart Ambassador Program, up from 18 when the program launched in 2024."

The SF Downtown Development Corporation provided a $5 million grant to sustain safety ambassador programs in Union Square, Yerba Buena, and downtown BART stations. City funding will expire on April 1. The ambassadors assist tourists, monitor unusual activities, and conduct welfare checks. Their presence has reportedly improved safety and public perception. Last year, ambassadors facilitated 250 emergency calls and generated 1,300 service requests. The grant will support 21 ambassadors and expand the Market Street Safe Corridor Program, which operates during morning commute hours at key BART stations.

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