Extra Business News

Downtown Roanoke thrives because of the people and programs that care for it every single day. Our Downtown Roanoke Ambassadors are out seven days a week-welcoming visitors, supporting businesses, keeping sidewalks clean, and helping create a safe, vibrant environment for everyone who spends time downtown.

Alongside their work, our beautification efforts- including the hanging baskets, seasonal plantings, and enhanced public spaces- play a major role in creating the inviting atmosphere that draws customers, talent, and investment into the district.

On Give Roanoke day, we’re asking our downtown business community to help sustain these efforts that directly benefit your storefronts, your employees, and your customers.

-Downtown Roanoke Inc.

Our beautification efforts include:

The Downtown Hanging Basket Program (276 Baskets), Downtown Planters (128 Planters), Market Square Palisade Planters (9 Planters), Market Square Tree Lighting, Century Plaza Lighting, and more!

Having a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown is the foundation of a great city. Our 8-person Ambassador team is downtown 7 days a week providing over 300 hours of weekly services. Our Ambassador Program builds on existing services and allows us to expand and improve the downtown experience for residents, employees, business owners, and visitors.

What our Ambassadors do:

• Clean Team: Removal of litter and debris, weed control, graffiti and handbill removal, and power washing

• Hospitality Team: Engage and welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide directions and recommendations

• Outreach Team: Conduct business outreach, address quality of life issues, check in with those in need and help connect them with services, and work closely with Roanoke City Police to report and share information

We want to see both of these programs not only continue but grow! Your generous donation will assist in sustaining, developing, and expanding our valuable programs. A donation in any amount will go directly toward these programs.

Donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted through DRI's non-profit partner, the Foundation for Downtown Roanoke, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.