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Having a nighttime economy is serious business. It can create jobs and revenue and give cities a sociable edge, thus making them more livable and attractive to both visitors and residents. But in addition to growing the evening economy, it must be managed, with the public and private sectors working collaboratively. This was the consensus reached by participants at a Nighttime Economy Summit held at The Hamilton, Downtown’s new 24-hour restaurant and entertainment venue, last month.
“Let’s commit to do something this year,” urged DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown, who delivered brief remarks. “It will be tough because people think they don’t want nightlife in their areas. But the definition of nightlife today is different. We have to explain to people what it means,” stressing that it can be both vibrant and safe.
Hosted by the DC BID Council, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership, and the DC Nightlife Association, the Summit attracted more than 75 participants, including business organizations, city officials and business owners, who recognize that DC’s economy is diversifying rapidly. While they discussed growing the evening economy, which includes restaurants, bars, theaters, and sports and entertainment venues, they also identified key issues of concern and sought to get a comprehensive understanding of what a nighttime economy entails.
Before breaking into small groups to discuss areas of particular interest to the participants, such as transportation, Jim Peters, president of the Responsible Hospitality Institute gave a presentation; and a panel moderated by Richard H. Bradley, chairman of the DC BID Council and executive director of the DowntownDC BID, held a lively discussion. Bradley also gave a brief presentation which, along with Peters’, is available on the DC BID Council website.
The panelists were: Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor Hoskins; Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Paul Quander; Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington President Lynne Breaux, and Destination DC Vice President of Sales and Services Ronnie Burt. The participating parties will reconvene in the future to continue the nighttime economy conversation and develop an action agenda.
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