Anchorage, Alaska, July 25, 2016 – Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. and EasyPark have combined forces to launch a new and enhanced clean and safe program for downtown Anchorage. This program called “Safety First” is a strategic approach to improve public safety in Downtown Anchorage and to maximize the security resources in Downtown Anchorage.

The “Safety First” program features calling or texting the number (907) 297-4471 for all safety and clean services in Downtown Anchorage. The “Safety First” call number is open for use to anyone who is in need of assistance in Downtown Anchorage. (907) 297-4471 will now be the number to call or text for services that cover safety assistance, disorderly/suspicious behavior, panhandling or other nuisance behavior, public drinking/inebriates, suspicion of drug dealing or drug use. Calls can also be made about graffiti, removing trash, sidewalk cleaning, or other clean up calls in Downtown Anchorage.

“Safety First” is a 24-hour call line manned by EasyPark and dispatched to Anchorage Downtown Partnership, ltd. Security and Maintenance Ambassadors during the hours of 5am to 9pm, 7 days a week.

The “Safety First” program covers the Downtown Improvement District (DID) that runs from 9th Avenue to 1st Avenue and from Gambell to L Street. The DID was created by Anchorage Downtown Partnerhsip, Ltd. to help improve the cleanliness of downtown; to help decrease crime; to increase occupancy rates, investment values and lease income; and to generally stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life in downtown.

Since May 2016, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. and EasyPark have collaborated to enhance and complement the Anchorage Police Department. Since 1996, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd.’s Security Ambassadors have been the extra set of “eyes and ears” for law enforcement, downtown property, residents, and businesses in Downtown Anchorage owners within the DID. EasyPark’s parking staff have now joined forces with Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. to maximize their efforts. This increases the covered areas for services needed and also creates a more unified security front through collaboration, coordination and increased response time.

“By taking a strategic approach to crime and utilizing all downtown agencies safety efforts, Downtown Anchorage has experienced response to service calls in a matter of minutes, said Executive Director Andrew Halcro of Anchorage Community Development Authority. “Utilizing our staff who were already on the street and running a 22 hour dispatch center was an option that would not cost additional dollars to EasyPark and be a helpful asset to ADP and more importantly make a difference in Downtown Anchorage.”

Downtown businesses within the DID will receive a “Safety First” window sticker for their business window with the 297-4471 number on it to encourage their customers and employees to use the number when needed.

“The goal,” says Jamie Boring, Executive Director of Anchorage Downtown Partnership “is to be able to physically hand somebody something so that if they have questions or concerns, security issues, they have our number. It’s a great little piece of information that we have to offer the community. Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. is dedicated to make Downtown Anchorage the safest, cleanest and most vital community in Alaska."

For more information about Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. and EasyPark’s Clean & Safe Program, contact:

·      EasyPark at (907) 276-7275 (Park) or visit www.easyparkalaska.com for news updates about this and other new programs.

·      Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. at (907) 279-5650 follow or visit www.AnchorageDowntown.org for news updates about this and other new programs.

About EasyPark EasyPark is the brand name of the parking services operated by Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA). ACDA is a public corporate authority for the Municipality of Anchorage. ACDA's parking division, EasyPark, manages more than 6,000 parking spaces in downtown Anchorage.

About Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd.

Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. is a private 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation created to help manage Downtown Anchorage. Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd.’s main purpose is to assure a vibrant downtown and be the catalyst for downtown development. Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. provides clean, safe and vital services throughout the DID, provides marketing and event promotion throughout downtown Anchorage, and serves as an advocate for the business and property owners within the DID on issues affecting downtown.