Chippewa Valley Times

Eau Claire City Manager Stephanie Kirsch recently announced the upcoming launch of the Street Ambassadors Program in downtown Eau Claire. Kirsch made this announcement in her weekly update on February 21.

According to her update, the city will sponsor the initiative using one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the end of 2026. Eau Claire has contracted with Block by Block, a company that provides public space management services.

Neighborhood Services Manager Billie Hufford said, "The Street Ambassador Program will bring a team of trained professionals to the heart of Eau Claire’s downtown area, offering a friendly and welcoming presence. They will work to improve safety, cleanliness, and customer service. Ambassadors will assist with tasks such as working with people experiencing homelessness, greeting visitors, offering directions, helping with local information, and ensuring that public spaces remain clean and well-maintained."

Kirsch also provided an update on a library time study in her weekly report. The impacts of COVID-19, changes in borrowing practices, the newly re-opened library building, and continued decreases in state and other funding services affected by inflation were considered. The study revealed that while the number of books checked out has decreased due to the rise in digital media usage, library staff report record program attendance for in-person activities at the library. The library has hosted sell-out programming for teenagers and now has additional space for programs, including a large third-floor meeting space. Program attendance reached 34,915 in 2018 but dropped below 10,000 during the two COVID years before reaching a new high of 38,418 attendees in 2024.

According to Kirsch's update, the library is conducting a time study to determine if hours or staffing configurations should be adjusted. However, it has not yet secured funding to reinstate Sunday hours as requested by residents.