Elevating the Downtown Experience
To attract new businesses and promote continued development in Downtown Memphis, one foundational principle remains true: keeping Downtown safe, clean, vibrant, and welcoming for everyone. The future of Downtown depends on how people experience it, making it essential to maintain a strong sense of place for those who live here, work here, or simply stop by for dinner. This sense of place is at the core of Downtown’s brand and identity.
This past spring, the Downtown Memphis Commission(DMC), through support from the Hyde Family Foundation, launched a new partnership with Block by Block, a nationally recognized organization that manages more than 150 programs across the country. Through this partnership, Block by Block began overseeing the day-to-day operations of DMC ambassador teams, including the Blue Suede Brigade, the Safety Team, and the Clean and Green Team, while DMC still provides guidance and oversight. This collaboration has brought more specialized support, better equipment, and stronger strategies for maintaining Downtown.
- Blue Suede Brigade - These are the DMC team members in the light blue shirts, you might have noticed recently. These ambassadors provide hospitality and guest assistance, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
- Safety Team - These are the DMC team members in yellow shirts, whom you might have noticed recently. The Safety team is focused on patrolling Downtown with an emphasis on safety and prevention. These members also staff the Downtown Command Center to provide real-time support and communication.
- Clean and Green Team - These are the DMC team members in the green shirts who are dedicated to the beautification of Downtown. This crew handles everything from planting flowers to litter pickup to power washing sidewalks, keeping our streets fresh and inviting.
Additionally, as part of the partnership with Block by Block, the DMC launched the Downtown Dispatch Center, which provides real-time assistance. Whether it is litter removal, pressure washing, or a safety escort, the public, including business owners, residents, and visitors, is encouraged to call 901-281-9146 for support.
This is a number you should save in your phone. While it is not an emergency line, it is the right one to call if you see an unhoused individual who needs assistance, if you notice blight or trash in an alley, or if you want to request a safety escort or cleanliness support.
Dispatch Center Hours of Operation
Sunday through Wednesday: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Thursday through Saturday: 7:00 AM to Midnight