Perhaps the most visible part of the Lake Merritt/Uptown Association are our Ambassadors.  You might have seen them in their bright orange shirts and coats.

The Lake Merritt/Uptown Association has contracts with Block-by-Block, a national provider of security services, and locally based Peralta Services Corporation, to assist in maintenance efforts that improve the overall look of the district.  These contracts have resulted in the creation of more than two dozen permanent jobs in the District.  The Lake Merritt/Uptown Association also supports an internship program that provides summer jobs, which may sometimes lead to full time employment, for young ambassadors.  On a typical day Security Ambassadors tour the district during business hours, Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am until 9:00pm, with additional coverage for special events within and around the district.  Security ambassadors are skilled at resolving minor incidents, as well as identifying serious issues, which are quickly reported to local law enforcement.  Security Ambassadors serve as a direct liaison to the Oakland Police Department.  Their presence alone thwarts crime and enhances public safety.

While Security Ambassadors make sure that the districts are friendly and safe, Maintenance Ambassadors work diligently to create a clean and welcoming environment.  Sidewalk pressure washing, sweeping, recycling, trash management, and graffiti removal are some of the ways that Maintenance Ambassadors work to improve the district.  Maintenance Ambassadors work on beautification projects from 7:00 am until 3:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.  All Ambassadors are trained in customer service skills, and familiarize themselves with local property owners, employees and merchants.  Ambassadors act as a source of information to the public by offering assistance, answering questions, and providing directions.