Nighttime Economy Task Force Meets on May 20

UPDATED on 5/20
Montgomery County’s new Nighttime Economy Task Force will meet on May 20 at 5 p.m. at the Civic Building in Silver Spring. For more information about future meetings, visit the county’s website here: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/nighttimeeconomy/when.html

Who’s Who: Nighttime Economy Task Force

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has announced his appointments to the county’s Nighttime Economy Task Force designed to evaluate and push forward changes to encourage increased nighttime business and social activity for residents, employees, and visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The Nighttime Economy Task Force will examine policies, resources and amenities that address Montgomery County’s nightlife offerings.  Specifically, the task force will address policies that can boost entertainment offerings throughout the County, increase financial prospects of employment and business development while also helping to enhance the sense of community throughout the communities that make up our county.

“This initiative reflects my vision for a 21^st century Montgomery that is innovation-driven, transit-friendly, connected, and multi-generational,” said Leggett. “A thriving nighttime economy is an opportunity to enhance Montgomery’s attractiveness to all generations, businesses and visitors. In its first phase, the focus will be on Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Germantown, and Wheaton.”

Through the Nighttime Economy Task Force, the County will examine the following questions and opportunities:

• What kind of mix of business, entertainment and arts would make a vibrant and attractive urban center?
• How do we attract businesses in defined geographic areas that appeal to multiple generations?
• What are the national trends and models on nighttime economy?
• How do we develop local models to enhance the County’s nighttime offerings in its urban centers?

The Task Force is expected to complete its policy recommendations within six months of its first meeting.

The Task Force members are:

Lead County staff for the effort will be Ana Lopez van Balen, Mid-County Regional Director; Kathie Durbin, Chief, Department of Liquor Control; Gabe Albornoz, Director, Department of Recreation; and Dan Hoffman, Chief Innovation Officer.

Additional representatives will come from the County Council staff and local municipalities.  Additional members of the community will be involved through issue group meetings or through community forums that will be established to vet recommendations from the task force.

Serving as ex-officio members will be County Councilmembers Marc Elrich, Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, and Hans Riemer.

Task Force chair Heather Dlholopolsky can be contacted at nighttimeeconomy.cex@montgomerycountymd.gov for questions related to the task force.

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