The Louisville Downtown Management District is expanding its ambassador program and adding several new amenities.On Tuesday, Louisville Downtown Partnership executive director Rebecca Fleischaker presented the district's 2024 budget and economic plan to the Louisville Metro Council's committee on labor and economic development. The Louisville Downtown Management District was created in 1991 with the mission to improve the economy of downtown Louisville by promoting the redevelopment, vitality, and economic growth of the Central Business District and surrounding areas and to improve downtown's quality of life by creating a safe, clean and enjoyable environment.One of the biggest changes coming to the management district is the expansion of its Downtown Ambassador Program, which launched back in 1995. Ambassadors perform a number of duties in the Business Improvement District, including supplemental cleaning initiatives, regular check-ins with businesses and property owners, and hospitality services that promote the area's amenities and activities."That shows you as a visitor, as a worker, as a resident that 맥스카지노� oh, there's someone on the street that I can talk to, that I'm meant to be here if I need anything. But also just by their presence by their mere visibility gives me some satisfaction and level of comfort," Fleischaker said.LDMD is doubling the number of Downtown Ambassadors from 18 to 36, which will allow them to staff downtown streets with ambassadors seven days a week, 7 a.m. - midnight. Downtown Ambassadors receive full pay and benefits. The program's total cost is roughly $1.9 million. LDMD's overall budget for 2024 totals $2,811,350. The majority of its funding comes from an additional tax on properties in the BID. The 2024 budget is roughly $1 million more than 2023's budget, thanks to several large contributions. Louisville Tourism and Humana committed to funding eight additional hospitality ambassadors for two years, according to Fleischaker. Louisville Metro Government allocated an additional $800,000 for a new Safety Ambassador team. The Safety Ambassador team is made up of eight Safety Ambassadors and two Outreach Ambassadors. "It's very important, especially as we talk about safety in downtown," Fleischaker said. "We know police are doing their darnedest to get back up to staff and in the interim, because it's going to take a while, what can we do to help provide an extra sense of safety?"New lighting is also being added to public spaces to help increase safety and connectivity."Lighting does so many things. Not only does it beautify a building or a space, but it makes it more attractive. It makes people feel safe," Fleischaker said.A new grant program will also be rolled out near the end of the year to help local businesses add attractive lighting to their facades."It will not pay for your entire project, but it will be a piece of it to help," Fleischaker said.The 2024 Economic Plan also includes: A rebranded Bourbon District look, including new banners along Main Street, in partnership with Louisville Tourism.Additional Alley Gallery doors and Street Gallery signal boxes to transform service doors and intersections.The expansion of LDMD's flowerpot program featuring self-watering flower planters to Downtown sidewalks.New CitySpot sites provide a network of welcoming urban spaces for individuals to work, interact, and relax.Supplementary outdoor lighting in public spaces, creating visual linkages and artistic uniqueness to Downtown streetscapes.The development of a public street piano program that encourages passersby to stop, play, and enjoy. The creation of a new pocket and dog park for residents and guests to utilize, in partnership with Louisville Metro."We definitely want more residents in downtown and if you're going to consider downtown a neighborhood, which it is, we need to have more amenities that serve residents," Fleischaker said.The committee approved the economic plan and budget, which will now go to the full council.LDMD hopes to have all ambassador positions filled within the next month. If you're interested in applying, call 502-584-6000.