Residents Know Best: The Resident Ambassador Program

Written by Madeline Milchman 

In our attempt to make Downtown Pittsburgh a better place to live, work, and play, we listen to the people that know it best–Downtown Pittsburgh’s residents. Through our Resident Ambassador program, we work together with 26 representatives of 26 different apartment buildings around Downtown to create a shorter distance between residents and the change they want to see in their neighborhood. This program has been a part of DNA since our beginning in 2013 and continues to be an important aspect of our mission. 

Each ambassador speaks for the residents in their building, meeting with DNA on a quarterly basis for an open discussion about our current efforts and the ideas and concerns of residents. John Valentine, executive director of DNA, states “The ambassadors play such a pivotal role in everything we do. We bounce a lot of our ideas off them and they give us a lot of ideas. Most of them we actually move forward on. Not only is it important to have their brain power, but it is very important because they are the conduit to the thoughts of the residential community.”

While ambassadors represent DNA and the community, many of them also assist with DNA’s programs. Ralston Jackson, ambassador of 900 Penn Ave, played an instrumental part in planning the Living Well Initiative’s group walks program and even plans to participate in some. Katie Rotz, ambassador of Keystone Lofts on Liberty Avenue, also helped plan the Living Well Initiative. Her background in massage therapy and exercise science contributed to the physical, mental, and nutritional aspects. 

Downtown Neighbors Alliance owes much credit for what we’ve done to our Resident Ambassadors. To all 26 of you, thank you.

To see a list of all 26 ambassadors or to apply to become one, visit https://www.pittsburghdna.org/resident-ambassador-program.