An Inside Look at Keeping Downtown Des Moines Beautiful

This article has been shared from Downtown Des Moines | Written by Amy Lego

Operation Downtown is a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) with a mission of keeping Downtown Des Moines (DSM) clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant in support of a positive experience, it was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Programs include trash cleanup, pressure washing and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown Ambassadors work to foster a positive experience for Downtown DSM patrons. From helping people with directions to removing litter and trash, Operation Downtown Ambassadors works to keep the capital city shining. Year-round, they assist with friendly advice, recycling efforts and more.

Operation Downtown Ambassador Q+A

Below, Ashley Woodard and Jeff Lee Pearson, Operation Downtown Ambassadors in Downtown DSM, share their experiences and answer questions about their work.

What made you reach out to Operation Downtown for a job?

Jeff Lee Pearson: I am on a path of recovery in my life, rebuilding and putting it back together. Some of my now coworkers told me about this job, and I went out on a limb, came in and talked to Scot Blanchard (Operations Manager). He must have seen something in me that was worth giving a chance. And it’s been nothing but history since, and it’s been wonderful.

What does your day-to-day job look like?

Ashley Woodard: It’s different every day. Some days you’ll be assigned to a zone and walk that zone for the entire day. Some days you’ll drive the Kubota, pick up and sweep trash, and empty trash cans. I am new to Downtown, as well as Iowa. I’m from Lake Tahoe, California. Now I’m finally acclimated to what my day-to-day is going to look like.

JLP: First, we check the board showing the 13 Downtown zones and assignments. One of my main tasks is pushing the trash can utility cart to do as much cleaning as possible, including graffiti removal. I also look for anybody who’s having difficulties with parking kiosks, looking at street signs or just looks lost.

How do you make your job fun?

AW: I am a big people person. I love people, so it’s nice to get out and talk to everybody, from the homeless to businesspeople, and get to know them daily. You want people to know that you’re there to help them, that you’re there to just provide any support, assistance.

JLP: Through my job as an Operation Downtown Ambassador, I’ve gotten the opportunity to play the pianos around Downtown. When people are walking by, I see their heads turn and some of the people that are just kind of congregating around an area, if I can’t provide ‘em some kind of service, I get to entertain ‘em with some music. And I don’t do it for long periods, but I try to make my route to and from the office by one of the pianos.

Learn more about City Sounds piano program here.

When cleaning the skywalk, there’s a piano near the YMCA that people in the gym can hear. I’ve gotten some standing ovations from the people working out! And I’m not doing it to be noticed. It’s a little selfish because I don’t have a piano, but it’s an awesome perk for me to be able to provide a welcoming environment of music and a smile on my face.

How is working with your coworkers?

AW: My coworkers are so diverse. There are a lot of great personalities. Each person brings something to the table. Everybody wants to get stuff done, but have fun at the same time, that’s just what we’re here for. We’re here for each other, especially with things that kind of gross us out. We do come across that sometimes. I love my coworkers. This is honestly the first job I’ve had where I’m comfortable talking to everybody.

JLP: Scot’s an amazing manager to work for, too. Even just going back to the interview process before I started, he is so concerned and interested. He’s got a passion for this, and he’s been doing it for over 20 years now. The guilty pleasure about working here is that I’m getting paid to do the right thing. That’s all any of us are doing. We’re just doing the right thing. And it blows my mind.

How can people interact with Operation Downtown Ambassadors?

JLP: I tell anybody out there, if you ever need anything, ask us. We even have cards, and I’ll hand them out like candy. At first, I wasn’t as comfortable with Downtown business owners, but I just had to get out of my shell and ask if there’s anything that we can do to improve their storefront or anything that needs attention. I am on a first name basis with many front desk security people which is neat. In my life before, I lacked some of the comradery and this job has exposed me to just being able to be a part of something bigger. It is rewarding in so many ways.

If someone reads this blog and is interested in becoming an Operation Downtown Ambassador, what would you tell them?

AW: Cleaning the environment is such a fulfilling aspect of the job. You can see results just by looking at the streets. They look so much cleaner. On top of that, I have a great boss. Scot is awesome. And like I said, my coworkers are awesome. I have a good day every day I come here. I love this job.

Apply to be an Operation Downtown Ambassador, apply on the company’s website or email Scot Blanchard, Operations Manager for Operation Downtown. More information about Operation Downtown can be found at Operationdowntown.com.

Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is a partner of Operation Downtown and helps keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.