beyond 9 to 5 Toolkit
After analyzing different cities with strong nighttime economies and their characteristics and consulting academic literature, we compiled our research into 4 strategies. These strategies and their respective policies are designed so they can be pieced together based on the needs, scale, and resources of a city wanting to promote more 24-hour activity.
Strategies & policies
Implement urban design principles to promote public interactions
Alleyway activation to use neglected spaces and improve safety
Introduce satellite hubs with Wi-Fi connectivity to promote remote workers to engage with the public spaces
Adapt parking lots for weekend activities to promote foot-traffic
Add more information kiosks along with multi-modal transit options
Ensure convenient access to basic needs
Provide safety training opportunities for businesses
Implement a group to help monitor safety in the nighttime district
Provide accessible public transportation to ensure workers can commute safely at all hours of the day
Help navigate licensing procedures, including pre-application services
Create application tool kits to help streamline application processes
Create licensing incentives to promote businesses operating from 6pm - 6am
Set up a business pairing program to help pair existing business and new entrepreneurs
Facilitate partnerships between public, private, and non-profit groups in the NTEZ
Promote late night engagement programs to spur economic activity in the NTEZ
Facilitate dialogue between businesses and residents to prevent conflict
Facilitate time coordination with businesses to ensure there is activity during all hours
Provide free business advice and education for business owners
These strategies would be implemented by a city's night mayor or night office. Having a formalized person or department would also give cities the opportunity to collect data specifically surrounding economic activity from 6 pm - 6 am. This data can allow for a more comprehensive economic plan for the city overall.