UGA campus community needs a robust Ambassador program to Athens downtown and zone areas that support the campus community and the community as a whole. Reject the Mayor and other city leaders proposal by Athens Downtown Development Authority to pilot and initiate a watered down version that does not include the very important piece of assessment and outreach to the homeless and panhandling population. Their measure is to mask the problem with a cute polo, volunteers, and handing out coupons like a hospitality force. They claim they will be “eyes on the street”. City leaders and UGA - we want Block by Block Ambassador program today. We have had enough. What’s it going to take to keep people safe in Athens? The shooting last night around an Athens establishment that is beloved where students are running for doors to escape to safety, and police barricading others nearby until the shooter is caught. Wake up! Athens has gang and homelessness issues. It’s rampant and it’s dangerous. College should not be a crime scene as it was last night. Block by Block Ambassador program in its most robust form is just one measure necessary to implement immediately. We support ACC interim police chief, and we support the behavioral health providers in Athens. Give them, and our campus community this very important protecting resource.