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Duke City Ambassadors

The Duke City Ambassadors, dedicated to enhancing the beauty of our most vibrant metro area, lead our downtown beautification program.

Helping Keep Albuquerque Clean, Welcoming, and Connected

The Duke City Ambassadors are a highly visible team within the City of Albuquerque's Solid Waste Management Department dedicated to keeping some of Albuquerque's most visited areas clean, safe, and welcoming.

Working throughout Downtown Albuquerque, Nob Hill, and along the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) corridors, the team provides daily beautification services while serving as friendly, approachable ambassadors for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Two Duke City Ambassadors cleaning a sidewalk in downtown Albuquerque.

What We Do

The Duke City Ambassadors help maintain the appearance and cleanliness of key commercial corridors by:

  • Picking up litter and debris

  • Cleaning sidewalks and public spaces

  • Eradicating instances of graffiti 

  • Addressing illegal dumping and maintenance concerns

  • Assisting with beautification efforts

  • Helping maintain a welcoming environment for residents and visitors

Their work supports local businesses, enhances public spaces, and contributes to a cleaner, more vibrant Albuquerque.

More Than Cleanliness

The Duke City Ambassadors do more than beautify our city—they serve as a resource for the community.

As highly visible City employees, Ambassadors assist by:

  • Providing directions and information to visitors

  • Helping connect residents with City services and resources

  • Serving as an extra set of eyes and ears in the community

  • Supporting special events and community activities

  • Building positive relationships with businesses and neighborhood stakeholders

Their presence helps create a welcoming atmosphere while strengthening connections between the City and the communities they serve.

Better Way Forward

The Duke City Ambassadors also house the City's Better Way Forward program.

Better Way Forward provides paid employment opportunities for residents in the City's Gateway facilities. Participants gain valuable work experience while helping beautify Albuquerque's neighborhoods and public spaces.

The program is designed to provide:

  • Meaningful employment opportunities

  • Workforce development and job readiness skills

  • Connections to supportive services

  • A pathway toward greater stability and independence

By combining community beautification with employment and support services, the program creates opportunities for residents while making a positive and visible impact throughout Albuquerque.

Building a Cleaner, More Welcoming Albuquerque

Every day, the Duke City Ambassadors work to ensure Albuquerque's most visited corridors remain clean, inviting, and vibrant places to live, work, and visit. Through service, stewardship, and community connection, the team embodies the City's commitment to creating a cleaner and more welcoming Albuquerque for everyone.