Night mayors rising

Last fall, we were interviewed by a newspaper about nighttime advisors, or “night mayors.”

It was humorous to read online comments in response to the news story.

It has also been humorous to read responses to a recent tweet from Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) mayor Kennedy Stewart. He announced plans for an inaugural Office for Night Time Economy.

Some commenters have not been kind. They prefer Vancouver spend more time making nightlife areas safer, clear and more inclusive.

Which is the point of a night mayor. But we digress.

The mayor’s office, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, Destination Vancouver and the Hospitality Vancouver Association will fund the position.

The “Night Advocate” position will be filled by fall, 2022. He or she will consult with industry on how to make the night economy safer, more vibrant and more enjoyable.

“With event like FIFA World Cup 2026 on the way, it’s part of how we transform Vancouver into a 24/7 city,” Mayor Kennedy added.

At the same time, Atlanta, Georgia, has just created − and already named − its first Manager of Nightlife and Culture, Michael Paul.

A recent post by the Responsible Hospitality Institute reports, “Michael Paul has a long history in the hospitality and entertainment industry, primarily in Atlanta, but also in New York and Washington, DC.”

His hospitality and nightlife leadership has spanned consulting, promotions and venue management.

“As a resident, he’s been active in neighborhood organizations, advocating for the industry and improvements for creating a safer experience and listening to the concerns of residents from nighttime activities,” RHI continues.

“This was demonstrated as a leader in planning for the Super Bowl, held near his neighborhood.”

The Vancouver nighttime advocate will report to the Hospitality Vancouver Association while Paul will be a part of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife.

Economic development. Mayors’ offices. Tourism. Public safety. It’s intriguing to us to learn where North America’s nighttime advisors are being placed organizationally.

It’s all over the place.

Photo by David Torres on Unsplash