Managing cities' sometimes-turbulent relationship with their nightlife, "night mayors" help cities capitalize on an industry that has become a marker of urban prestige.

For many city-dwellers, nightlife is one of urban living's biggest perks. In major cities, billions of dollars can flow through the night-time economy. In Europe especially, cities are recognizing the need for a positive relationship with that economy, going beyond simple regulation. That's why they're appointing "night mayors" to manage relationships between city government and nighttime entertainment venues.
This article gives us an update on the night mayor phenomenon, which has recently spread to the U.K. "Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, recently announced the identity of the city’s first ever 'night czar'. [...] Paris, Berlin, Sydney, and now London, all have night mayors, as do Zurich and Shibuya, part of Tokyo."
In most cases so far, night mayors have been promoters of nightlife. "The success of the night mayor – in any given city, and as a global phenomenon – rests on the capacity for a bustling urban nightlife to boost the local economy, by keeping people spending for longer. Vibrant nightscapes have also become a mark of cultural status for global cities."
But the role also requires attention to the sector's downsides. "Nightclubs are often blamed for social problems, ranging from noise pollution, to anti-social behaviour and illegal drug use." Night mayors need to find ways to address those concerns where they arise.
FULL STORY: New night mayors could make cities’ dreams come true – here’s how

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie