YOUNGSTOWN — Those in the city’s downtown will have a new resource with the creation of an ambassador program.

Launched with the Economic Action Group, the ambassadors program hired three people to help those visiting, working and living in the downtown area, initially focused on West Federal and Phelps streets.

“For all the investment that we’ve made in downtown, all the improvements that we’ve made in downtown, this is just another layer for us to make sure that we continue to invest in downtown,” said Mayor Jamael Tito Brown during a Friday news conference to announce the program.

Brown and Councilman Julius Oliver, D-1st Ward, who represents downtown, said when they travel to other cities, ambassadors are there to help people.

“The ambassadors are here to help (people) and businesses,” Brown said.

The city and EAG, with the latter running the program, hired three ambassadors, who will work about 20 to 25 hours a week, particularly during the operating hours of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, a 34.4-acre downtown area, said Jessica Robinson McNees, the ambassador coordinator.

The DORA operates 4 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays.

“They will help you understand where you can go, where you can’t go, where it’s safe and if there’s a problem,” they’ll find police officers for assistance, Oliver said. “This program is to keep downtown clean, safe and inviting.”

The ambassadors will assist with litter cleanups and maintenance, provide directions, assist with parking locations, be safety escorts and work to build relationships with local business owners, Robinson McNees said.

“The goals are supporting safety in downtown, connecting businesses to local resources and each other, improving quality of life for residents, and I’m most excited about welcoming people and strengthening the sense or community that’s already so strong,” she said.

Uniforms for the ambassadors are ordered but haven’t arrived, Robinson McNees said.

Oliver said this effort has been in the works for a while and is ready to be rolled out.

It’s the second downtown initiative by the city in recent weeks.

City officials on July 23 announced a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, other alcohol violations and fighting in downtown.

Police Chief Carl Davis said Friday that while there continues to be arrests for open container and other alcohol violations, the numbers have decreased since the program began.

Also, there hasn’t been a single large fight, which was an issue, since the program began, Davis said.

“People have learned we’re here and issues have decreased,” he said. “There’s definitely been change in terms of violence.”