Nighttime Economy Task Force Ready to Draft Findings (Photos)

The Nighttime Economy Task Force (NETF) is ready to draft its recommendations to the county.

Task force members are about halfway through the process of evaluating the nightlife in Montgomery County. It started in May.

To start the drafting process, subcommittee members will combine their findings in a summary to include transportation, safety, business engagement, arts and entertainment. The draft will then be sent to Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) for review in August, according to the Vice Chair of the Nighttime Economy Task Force Henriot St. Gerard.

At the latest meeting on July 15 at Hollywood East Café in Wheaton, task force members gave a room full of community members including county officials—Councilmembers Hans Riemer (D-At-large) and Marc Elrich (D-At-large)—an update on findings from each subcommittee.

A few of the findings included:

• The Business Engagement Subcommittee shared its discovery into businesses who say recruiting young professionals can be difficult because of the housing situation in Montgomery County. There aren’t enough rental options that are low cost, according to the subcommittee’s findings.

• The Arts and Entertainment Subcommittee shared business owners need for more a stream-lined process to procure licenses. The subcommittee will be recommending creating a one-stop shop for licensing needs.

• The Transportation Subcommittee met with a representative from the Sober Ride program. It allows residents to call and receive a free ride home.

NETF is expected to submit its final recommendations in October. The next subcommittee meetings are scheduled for July 23.

About Tamika Smith

Tamika Smith is passionate and curious about the world. She often wonders what motivates people to walk in their particular journeys in life. A native of Miami, Florida Smith graduated from Howard University in 2007 and continues to give back through mentorship.

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