Meet the Crew Keeping Our District Clean
If you work in Downtown Los Angeles, you’ve likely seen the DTLA Alliance Clean Team. Working across miles of our District, removing graffiti, emptying trash cans, and pressure washing our sidewalks long before most of us had our first cup of coffee. The Clean Team maintains the public spaces that tens of thousands of people pass through every day. It’s constant, difficult, and often invisible work.
But behind these “purple shirts,” as we affectionately recognize the team, are people with a deep sense of pride in the work they do. We spent time with members of the Clean Team to hear what their days really look like and the moments that make the job meaningful for them.
Larry W., Supervisor
With DTLA Alliance since 2016
Before most of Downtown is awake, Larry is already at work.
He arrives before 4 a.m. to prepare, and by the time the rest of the Clean Team clocks in, he’s already reviewed assignments, organized routes, and is ready to deploy crews across the District. The rest of his day is constant motion. Responding to service calls, checking in on crews, and stepping in wherever he’s needed before taking a 9:30 AM lunch.
No two days look exactly the same.
“There’s always something to do,” he says. “Painting, sweeping, pressure washing. Anything that needs to get done.”
One thing that Larry would like people to know is that he’s a resource for the community. If you need trash cleaned off your property, you’re lost in the neighborhood, or connecting someone to resources, Larry is happy to assist or connect you to the right people.
“I’m a good person,” shares Larry, “and whatever you’re going through, know that I’m here to lend you a smile. My smile.”
What keeps him coming back each day, besides being able to pay the bills, is being part of something bigger than himself, knowing that this work matters and that he’s part of a team that shows up for each other.
“It’s very satisfying when I can see Downtown getting cleaner and cleaner throughout the day,” he says. “A visual reminder that we did a good job.”
Jameel R., Trash Truck Driver
With DTLA Alliance Since 2025
Jameel starts his day at 5 a.m.
He picks up the trash truck and begins a route that takes him across the District, emptying garbage cans, collecting trash bags, and responding to dispatch requests for bulky items or hazardous waste. After lunch, he heads to the dump to empty the truck before finishing the afternoon routes and conducting a vehicle inspection.
“It’s a lot of coordination,” he says. “Sweepers will call out bags, and we go pick them up. Sometimes we get special work orders for things like old mattresses or bulky furniture that’s been left out.”
Despite the demanding routine, Jameel says the job has some unexpected highlights. He recalls helping build props for the 2025 Halloween Festival for Kids event as well as installing holiday decorations around the District.
“It didn’t even feel like work,” he smiled.
But what stands out most are the relationships formed along the way.
“There are a lot of business owners and Downtown residents who are really friendly,” he says. “They'll give us water or cold drinks when it’s hot outside.”
Those moments of appreciation go a long way.
“I want people to know we work really hard for them. This type of work is never-ending, but I take pride in it. I love keeping the heart of Downtown clean."
Devearl H., [Power wash] Driver
With DTLA Alliance Since July 2025
Each morning, Devearl starts his day in a similar same way. He inspects the vehicle, checks his supplies, and makes sure the power washing equipment is ready for a long day on the Downtown LA streets.
From there, he moves through the District power washing sidewalks and public spaces—the type of work that plays a big role in how the city feels. While much of Devearl’s work happens before business hours, it’s the brief interactions throughout the day that stay with him. And some of Devearl’s favorite moments are when people acknowledge his work.
“When someone takes time to stop to say thank you, it makes my whole day,” he admits. “It means a lot because not everyone is happy when I’m working, especially if they’re trying to walk by and the sidewalk is still wet.”
Over time, those small moments have turned into familiar faces.
“There’s a hotel on Hill where the staff are always really cool to me,” he says. “I appreciate that because it makes my job enjoyable.”
For Devearl, those interactions stick with him. But at the end of the day, his goal is simple: “I just want to make the community happy.”
Jason K., Project Manager
With DTLA Alliance since 2014
Like the rest of his team, Jason’s day begins early.
Once crews are deployed, his role shifts into constant coordination, ensuring everyone has what they need to be successful in the field. After more than a decade with DTLA Alliance, Jason’s learned how to navigate the challenges of maintaining a dense urban environment and support his team through it.
“When you clean something up, you physically change the atmosphere, the buildings, and the passersby,” he shares, “people’s hearts soften. Their spirits brighten.”
But for Jason, the work goes far beyond daily operations. He wants people to know that for many members of the Clean Team, this role is more than a job. Through DTLA Alliance’s partnership with the job-readiness program at Chrysalis, many Clean Team members are stepping into the workforce for the first time or rebuilding after time away. Jason has seen that transformation firsthand.
"Most folks don’t realize, but this work gives people a second chance. A lot of lives have changed because of the opportunities here." Jason goes on to explain, “A lot of these guys have never been employed before. Some have made mistakes at some point in their lives. But here, they’re given a chance to integrate back into society without being judged by their past.”
To him, the impact is profound.
“You can’t put a price tag on what this program does, because they give people their lives back,” Jason says. “Every day, we’re giving back to the community. Putting something back into the pot instead of taking out.”
The Work You Don't Always See
Since 1998, the DTLA Alliance has partnered with Chrysalis to provide transitional employment opportunities through the Clean Team. Chrysalis supports individuals who are ready to work but may face barriers to employment, offering job experience, training, and ongoing support to help them move forward.
“People come to Chrysalis because they want to work,” explains John Sonego, VP, Communications & Development, Chrysalis. “They know that having a job provides dignity and a path forward.”
Just as important is the sense of support. The program promotes current employees, so a person hired on the Clean Team works alongside supervisors who have been in their shoes and teammates who understand the experience firsthand, which creates an environment rooted in trust and shared growth.
Through our partnership, over 2,650 participants so far have worked across our District, contributing more than one million hours of service to keep the neighborhood clean and welcoming. For many, the work is about more than the job itself. It’s about building confidence, developing skills, and seeing tangible results at the end of each day.
“One of the most powerful things about this work is that you can see what you’ve accomplished,” John says. “That sense of progress and pride is really gratifying.” This impact shows up across the District every day.
The Clean Team covers thousands of service requests every year, from graffiti removal and trash collection to sidewalk washing and bulky item pickup. It’s work that happens largely behind the scenes, but it plays a big role in how we all experience Downtown every day.
And if you happen to see someone in a purple shirt while you’re out in Downtown LA, a quick “thank you” and a smile might mean more than you realize.
See something that needs attention?
If you spot graffiti, trash, or a maintenance issue within Downtown Center district boundaries, you can submit a service request 24-hours a day through the DTLA Alliance mobile app or through DowntownLA.com/servicerequest. The Clean Team receives requests in real time and responds throughout the District.