Downtown Ambassadors

Often the first point of contact for the Downtown area, we provide a variety of services including, but not limited to, the list below:

• Welcoming visitors and tourists and answering public inquires. Explaining policy and procedures and assisting the public regarding points of interest in the City and near the downtown corridor. 
• Observe and report conditions throughout the downtown corridor to the appropriate City department or agency. The downtown corridor encompasses the 0 - 1300 blocks of State Street (Cabrillo Boulevard to Sola Street).
• Regular contact with State Street businesses, relaying any issues to appropriate work groups.
• Working with local organizations to connect the homeless to resources and help.
• Reporting hazards and vandalism in the public.
• Support the City of Santa Barbara by equitably and consistently educating the public on municipal codes.

• We are not enforcement and therefore do not cite nor arrest.
• We are not security, we do not remove individuals from private property.
• We do not escort employees to their vehicles.

Please call the Police Department (9-1-1) for enforcement and security concerns.  

Criminal and Illegal Behavior:
CALL 9-1-1

Illegal vending, portraying disruptive behavior or noise complaints:
(Non-Emergency) Police Dispatch at (805) 882-8900

Graffiti, cleaning, or landscaping on the sidewalks or streets of State Street:
Downtown Parking at (805) 564-5656

Graffiti in public:
Graffiti hotline at (805) 897-2526

For illegal encampments in the City of Santa Barbara follow the Encampment Reporting Process Links:

Report Encampment 
Use this form to report an encampment. Requests are logged, assessed, and dispatched according to the order received. Reports made for locations that are not under the City of Santa Barbara's jurisdiction will be sent to the proper responsible agency.

Report Homeless/Individuals In Need
Use this form to report homeless/individuals in need. Requests are logged, assessed, and dispatched according to the order received. Reports made for locations that are not under the City of Santa Barbara's jurisdiction will be sent to the proper responsible agency.

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The City of Santa Barbara is a full-service city offering a wide array of engaging career opportunities for those with an interest in service to community.  Many of these positions are promotional, and therefore only open to current hourly and regular staff.  When you join the Downtown Team, not only will you be eligible to apply for these promotional only positions, but you will receive opportunities for mentorship and training to help you advance in your career.  Come Join our team and help us show the public just how great it is to work in such a wonderful city.

Ambassador:  Be involved in making a difference! As a Downtown Ambassador, your effort and passion will make a difference with those you interact with every day. Take pride in connecting unsheltered members of our local community with programs offered by different social service organizations. In this role, you will create a positive presence within the State Street corridor, while representing the City as the first initial contact. You will also develop relationships with tourists, locals, and the business community. During your shift, you will work independently and in tandem with another Ambassador, providing exceptional customer service in a friendly and knowledgeable manner.