Whether it’s a large amount of money in economic activity associated with community nightlife or hundreds of people employed in restaurants and social venues, December PM author Jim Peters, president of Responsibility Hospitality Institute, writes in “The Nighttime Economy” that managing the complexities of sociability trends is becoming a fulltime job.

Local governments are establishing a night manager or night mayor position to boost sociability as an economic engine, while minimizing the impacts on public safety and residents’ quality of life. This position can “coordinate the resources required to balance vibrancy, safety, and quality of life,” says Peters.

The article includes three examples of communities that show the value of a nighttime economy; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is one of them. The article also includes a list of 24 resources for more information related to nighttime activity.

Whatever the size, location, or other characteristics of a community, it is possible to manage the challenges of a dynamic nightlife with planning and collaboration. It does require a dedicated government focus to match social offerings with increased demands for nighttime community services.

For more specific details, read the December issue of Public Management (PM) magazine.

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