***The Safety Escort Program has been expanded. Please see our page on our Downtown Ambassador Program for current on-call safety escort availability. 

10/7/21 UPDATE: Kelly spoke to WCAX about the change: Burlington businesses consider extending private security patrols

The BBA is developing a Downtown Safety Ambassador program to provide critically needed safety services to the downtown community. Ambassadors will ensure visitors have an inviting, informed, and safe visit to Burlington. They will also be a resource for downtown workers, helping them get to and from their workplace safely and coordinate with Howard Center Street Outreach and BPD. Downtown Ambassadors will be trained in ordinance education and de-escalation. 

The BBA is actively seeking private donations to fund the ambassador program through the holidays with the goal of raising $50,000.

Businesses or downtown workers with questions about the program or with interest in sponsorship opportunities  can reach out to Colin Hilliard, BBA Director of Advocacy & Member Engagement: [email protected] 

In response to increased incidents of violence and threatening behavior in the Downtown, the Burlington Business Association is launching the Safety Escort Program. 

About the Safety Escort Program

This Safety Escort Program will contract with a reputable community-focused security service to provide on-call Safety Ambassadors in the general downtown area during weekend nights. With a call or a text anyone can request an Ambassador to walk them to or from their vehicle, building, hotel, or workplace. The service will have a special focus on supporting retail and nightlife employees. 

Interested Businesses:

For the program to be a success, we need your support.

1. Please complete our Needs Assessment Survey (it takes less than 4 minutes)

2. Consider making a donation to fund the program – see below

Businesses or downtown workers with questions about the program can reach out to Colin Hilliard, BBA Director of Advocacy & Member Engagement: [email protected] 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Their early support of this program makes it possible. 

Platinum:

Gold:

Nick & Morrissey Development, LLC

Silver:

Become a Sponsor: 

Together we can help keep Burlington safe. Contribute to fund trained Safety Ambassadors in our Downtown so everyone gets home safe. 

News + Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: SAFETY ESCORT PROGRAM FORMED BY BURLINGTON BUSINESSES & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED INCIDENTS OF VIOLENT ATTACKS

In the news:

1. WPTZ/NBC5: New safety escort program aims to provide additional security in downtown Burlington
2. ABC22/FOX44: Burlington businesses respond to recent violence with new Safety Escort Program
3. Burlington Free Press: Burlington businesses plan safety escorts after downtown attack; mayor sees no crime spike