WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 19, 2026 – Downtown Wichita is pleased to announce that Block by Block, a national leader in place management services, has assumed responsibility for managing the Downtown Wichita Clean Team effective Feb. 1, 2026.

This transition follows an increase in Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) funding approved by the Wichita City Council in 2025 and marks the next step in improving cleanliness and hospitality downtown.

Since Feb. 1, the Clean Team has already picked up 379 pounds of trash, removed more than 80 graffiti tags and assisted 22 visitors, demonstrating the immediate impact of the expanded program.

“Ensuring that downtown Wichita is clean, welcoming and well cared for is essential to the success of our community,” said Heather Schroeder, Executive Director of Downtown Wichita. “With expanded SSMID support and Block by Block’s national expertise, we are elevating the Clean Team from a successful pilot to a comprehensive program that better serves residents, businesses and visitors.”

Under the new agreement, Block by Block oversees the daily operations of the Clean Team, has increased staffing from two part-time positions to four full-time Ambassadors, and has invested in new equipment to expand the scope and impact of services provided throughout the SSMID.

“We’re excited to partner with Downtown Wichita and build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Anthony Boone, Vice President of Business Development at Block by Block. “Our focus is on delivering consistent, high-quality services that enhance cleanliness, visibility, and hospitality throughout downtown.”

Ambassadors’ duties include:

• Removal of litter, trash and debris.
• Weed control.
• Removal of graffiti, handbills, stickers, posters, etc.
• Special projects such as power washing, supplemental snow removal, etc.
• Serve as a public information resource to district visitors, workers, shoppers and residents.

Program enhancements include the deployment of new equipment to support expanded services, including:

• A Kubota utility vehicle for transporting bulk trash, tree limbs and leaf litter.
• A Maxwind electric vehicle for sidewalk sweeping.
• Snowblowers for supplemental sidewalk snow clearing.
• Power washers for vestibule cleaning, graffiti removal and biowaste mitigation.
• Megabrute carts for litter collection and transport.

With the expansion, Clean Team service hours have increased from 56 to approximately 127 per week. In addition to litter removal and graffiti abatement, Ambassadors will continue to report larger issues such as tripping hazards, water leaks, and encampments to the City of Wichita, while providing maps, directions and recommendations to downtown visitors.

During the pilot phase, launched in May 2025 and supported by Fidelity Bank, Clean Team Ambassadors maintained 2,748 blocks and picked up 21,120 gallons of trash.

Businesses, property owners and tenants within the SSMID may request Clean Team services or report concerns by calling 316-532-3434.

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About Downtown Wichita
Downtown Wichita is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that amplifies the energy, capital and growth of downtown by empowering residents, visitors and businesses to explore the possibilities of the city’s core. In collaboration with stakeholders, the organization stimulates continued investment and interest in downtown and connects resources from the private sector and local government that allow commerce and culture to thrive. For more information visit: https://downtownwichita.org/home.

About Block by Block
Block by Block is a national leader in clean, safe, and hospitality-focused ambassador programs, supporting downtowns, business improvement districts, urban parks, and transit agencies across the country by helping create public spaces where people want to spend time.

For more than 30 years, Block by Block has partnered with communities to deliver visible, on-the-ground services that enhance the daily experience of residents, workers, and visitors. Founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1995, the company began by serving its first downtown district and has since grown through locally hired, hospitality-first ambassadors who provide integrated solutions including cleaning and maintenance, safety and visibility, visitor assistance, outreach, and special projects—all delivered under a single, coordinated operations model.

Block by Block’s approach is rooted in presence, engagement, and accountability. Ambassadors are trained not only to maintain clean and attractive streets, but also to serve as friendly, approachable points of contact—offering directions, answering questions, reporting issues in real time, and fostering a sense of care and pride throughout the district.

Today, Block by Block operates more than 200 programs across the United States, supporting a wide range of environments—from urban downtowns and entertainment districts to parks, waterfronts, and transit systems. Each program is tailored to local needs, priorities, and budgets, with an emphasis on flexibility, partnership, and measurable impact.