The South of 6 Iowa City Business District is launching a pilot program aimed at improving district cleanliness, supporting businesses and increasing its on-street presence through a team of locally hired ambassadors.
The Grassroots Ambassador Program will partner with Dream City, a nonprofit community organization, to hire and manage a team of young men and women who will perform routine cleaning and district support work.
Maurice Davis, executive director of the South of 6 Business District, said the program is intended to create a tangible improvement for businesses and residents.
“This is about taking practical steps to strengthen the South District,” he said. “We want businesses and community members to feel the difference. A cleaner district supports foot traffic, pride, and a stronger sense of place.”
The South of 6 effort mirrors a similar initiative in downtown Iowa City, where the Downtown Iowa City Ambassador Program launched in 2024. That program, operated through the Iowa City Downtown District — also a self-supported municipal improvement district — contracted with national provider Block by Block for its ambassador services.
For Dream City, the partnership fits its broader mission of connecting young people to employment opportunities. Executive Director Fred Newell said the program offers participants a chance to build work experience while making a visible contribution to their community.
“We are excited to support a program that builds experience, responsibility, and positive impact in a visible way,” he said.
Interviews for positions are starting this month, and the pilot is scheduled to run one year starting in April. District officials said they will gather feedback from local businesses throughout the pilot and may adjust service coverage, schedules or support activities based on results.
