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Downtown Merced Partnership says ambassador program cut graffiti, removed large items and expanded outreach
Summary
Gloria Valdeinos told the council the Downtown Merced Partnership launched an ambassador program in 2025 that recorded thousands of cleanups and hundreds of outreach interactions; the group also secured a 2026 state California Cultural District designation for downtown Merced.
Gloria Valdeinos, executive director of the Downtown Merced Partnership, presented the group’s 2025 annual report to the council, highlighting a new downtown ambassador program and community partnerships that, she said, have increased cleanliness, safety and visibility downtown.
Valdeinos reported that ambassadors logged more than 3,900 graffiti and sticker removals, nearly 500 large‑item removals, about 8,000 spot cleanings, more than 1,000 public encampments addressed and roughly 1,500 interactions with people experiencing homelessness to connect them with services. She credited partnerships with local service providers and a dedicated police officer assigned to downtown for improved coordination.
Why it matters: downtown leaders said the ambassador program and marketing push — a new community calendar, business directories and social media — are intended to support small businesses, increase visitorship, and help downtown market itself as a cultural and commercial destination. The Partnership also helped secure downtown’s designation as a California Cultural District for 2026, which staff and the Partnership said should help with visibility and grant eligibility.
Next steps: Valdeinos said the Partnership will post a full annual report online and continue to expand ambassador coverage, deepen ties to UC Merced and pursue additional grant funding for downtown projects.
