The amount of litter being collected in the downtown area has declined due in part to the Downtown Street Ambassadors' program.

The Downtown Street Ambassadors have removed 2,714 bags of garbage from streets and alleyways in the areas within 17th to 22nd, and F to M Streets since April.

On average, according to their report, that's 340 bags of litter a month, a number that decreased in October and November to 290 and 298 bags.

"This is a positive indicator that not only are the Downtown Street Ambassadors to be commended for their hard work, those who live, work and visit downtown appear to be disposing of their trash properly," Harvey L. Hall, funding benefactor of the program said.

"It is very encouraging to see such success."

As part of this initiative, downtown businesses were encouraged to make sure the areas outside of their businesses were clean. Those participating received recognition with a sticker.

Aside from cleaning up litter from the streets, weeds were being pulled, sidewalks and gutters were cleaned, and plants were watered as part of this program.