Nighttime Economy

When the Sun Goes Down, Downtown Really Shines

According to the Sociable City Network, nighttime economies attract other economic development, as well as the creative class, which has helped catalyzed the renaissance of notable cities worldwide.

In response to the rapid growth of downtown Milwaukee’s nighttime economy, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 retained the services of the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) – a private, non-profit organization that assists businesses and communities in creating safe, vibrant and economically prosperous places to socialize. Contracted in the fall of 2010, RHI began a Hospitality Zone Assessment (HZA) that focused on the East Town, Westown, Historic Third Ward and Brady Street neighborhoods.

Six core elements

Six core elements of nighttime operations were used to assess the functionality and potential of downtown Milwaukee's entertainment districts – entertainment, transportation & parking, quality of life, public safety, multi-use sidewalks and venue safety. Subcommittees for each of the core elements were assembled and a Downtown Milwaukee RHI Task Force of more than 55 individuals was created.

Through the six-month Hospitality Zone Assessment, Downtown Milwaukee’s Responsible Hospitality Task Force identified solutions to better grow the nighttime economy. Learn about the action steps currently underway.

Downtown Milwaukee Night Out

Tapping the after-five potential is a prosperous investment that can drive community revitalization, increase residential and commercial property value, and generate much-needed city revenue and employment. See the vitality of downtown Milwaukee’s nightlife firsthand. Watch our “Downtown Milwaukee: Night Out” video.

Resources

RHI Summary Report: Downtown Milwaukee's Hospitality Zone Assessment (2011) SUMMARY OF SOLUTIONS: Short & Long-Term Goals of Core Element Groups Fact Sheet: Downtown Milwaukee Responsible Hospitality Task Force Press Release: Downtown Group Releases New Nighttime Strategies (2011) Hunden Report: Entertainment & Hospitality Comparative Analysis (2015)