Have you been telling your friends for years how Boston could improve its nightlife scene? Now you have an opportunity to tell your ideas directly to Mayor Michelle Wu and her team.
The city has launched a Nightlife Initiative for a Thriving Economy (NITE) Committee and is looking for its inaugural members. The committee says it aims to create a “more fun, equitable and family-friendly nightlife economy that benefits all residents across neighborhoods.”
The NITE Committee is looking for 21 residents, business and civic leaders to join its ranks. The city said these members should bring expertise in areas like the food and beverage industry, arts and culture, entertainment, public safety, community and compliance.
The group will work with the city to evaluate existing regulations and policies impacting Boston's nightlife economy and culture. Members will also have the chance to present their own recommendations to the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion.
"Boston's nightlife is an integral part of our city's identity, and it plays a crucial role in fostering community, driving economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” Wu said in a statement. “Through the Nightlife Initiative for a Thriving Economy Committee, we aim to harness the collective wisdom of industry experts and community leaders to create a more vibrant and inclusive nightlife ecosystem that reflects the needs and aspirations of our diverse city."
The new committee will be led by Corean Reynolds, who became the city’s first director of nightlife economy earlier this year. Reynolds previously spent seven years at The Boston Foundation. At the time of her appointment, Reynolds said she wanted to build out Boston’s nightlife beyond bars and clubs. She said that might mean more street fairs and conferences, or supporting more activity-based venues and pop ups.
“The NITE Committee exemplifies our commitment to community-driven solutions. Overcoming barriers to a vibrant nightlife requires innovative policies and united stakeholders. Leading this initiative is an honor, bringing together diverse sectors to advise the Office of Nightlife Economy," Reynolds said.
Several community leaders lent their support to this initiative's launch, including Michael Nichols, president of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District; Malia Lazu, founder and CEO of The Lazu Group and leader of Future Boston Alliance; and Councilor Brian Worrell, chair of the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure.
“No great city fully goes to sleep at a specific time and we are thrilled to see the City of Boston move forward with the NITE Committee to better serve the multitude of interests that converge downtown and throughout our neighborhoods each evening,” Nichols said in a statement. “From tourists and workers to business owners and residents, we see unmet demands and unrealized opportunities that this effort can address to make Boston more vibrant, productive, equitable, and interesting.”
Applications to join the NITE Committee are open through June 23. Selected committee members will be notified in July.
BBJ Seven Letter poll: How does Mass. compare to other places to live? Answer our brief questionnaire here.
