The Sociable City Jim Peters Responsible Hospitality Institute May 21, 2014 Edmonton, Alberta

The Sociable City A community’s opportunity for socializing is among the most influential factors in determining where people choose to live. Reported by the 2010 Knight Foundation’s Soul of the Community Project

What Makes a City Sociable? The Most Sociable City? Vibrant – Safe - Planned

Sociable City Vision People on the street Walkable Able to eat/drink outside Mix of ages and cultures Variety of things to do Spontaneous, informal activities Open at different times Variety of price points Lively street activity can contribute to the overall vibrancy of a downtown and promote safety

City Cycles of Sociability People Vibrancy Safety

A mixed-use area with a high concentration of dining and entertainment businesses, as well as public space activities such as festivals, events and markets to facilitate inter-generational and inter-cultural socializing The social experience is the common underlying attraction that draws people to a hospitality zone. Hospitality Zones

Hospitality Venue Types and Risk Dining Sharing of Food Primary Activity and Purpose of Venue Social Meeting and Socializing with Beverages and Limited Food Games and Sports TV Entertainment Music, Dance, Performance Primary Purpose Event Short Term Periodic Activity Creating Crowd/Occupancy

District Life Cycles Hospitality leads development Crucial to revitalization The process evolves in four stages: – (Re) Emerging – Developing – Maturing – Declining Each Stage Requires Special Focus – Permits and Licenses – Support Services – Community Input – Policing and Compliance

Driving Forces Mixed Use Development Downtown Stadiums Performing Arts Center Arena College – University Transportation Hubs

The Sociable City Plan Plan for People Enhance Vibrancy Assure Safety Alliance – Dedicated Staff

Demographic Trends Baby Boomers and Millennials shaping society and economy Gen X’s Urban Tribes defined work place and urban life

Change in Population

Going Out by Age University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR)

Preferences at Different Life Stages SinglesMinglesFamiliesJingles

Singles - Profile Who: 18+ year olds; Socialize in groups Goal: See & be seen; find a partner Venue: Open space, little seating, lower price points, loud music Activity: Drinking, dancing, games, beauty services When: 10pm-3am

Mingles - Profile Who: Young professionals, couples, groups of friends Goal: Advance social relationships Venue: Comfy seating, ability to chat, mid to high price points Activity: Happy hour, dining, sports, hobbies When: 5-8pm & 8pm-12am

Families - Profile Who: Broad definitions of “family” Goal: Feed/entertain yet with time/money constraints Venue: Lower price points, big tables, wide aisles, to go-options, beer/wine or no alcohol Activity: Engage and occupy minds, hands and mouths; age appropriate When: 4-8pm; Daytime-weekends

Jingles - Profile Who: Seniors, retirees, empty nesters, business travelers Goal: Conduct business; enjoy retirement Venue: Quiet place w/ room to work; coffee houses; mid- high price points Activity: Entertain clients; engage in hobbies; Drink less, but splurge on top shelf When: Flexible or alternative schedule due to age or time zone

Rating Your City SinglesMinglesFamiliesJingles

What do Men Want from Nightlife? Women Beer Sports More Beer

Nighttime Economic Impact of Women Industries that benefit from women: – Beauty salons, nail salons, retail stores, dining, taxis, parking, hotels NY Nightlife 2004 Impact Study: – 86% out-of-towners spent avg of $352 on shopping, hotels, restaurants and $110 on transport – 48% attendees bought special wardrobe and accessories to go out – Approx $693 million spent on wardrobe, personal care, and accessories in NYC stores, specifically to go out at night. Women influence 80% of all purchasing decisions

Three Must-Haves for Women 1.Choice 2.Design 3.Safety

What do Women Want From Nightlife? Clean, equipped restrooms Safe and well-lit parking Identifiable venue staff Comfortable seating Dance floor Places to talk with music at a reasonable volume Drink menu Light food or small plates Opportunity to shop at night Late night dessert Comfortable temperature

Nightlife Trends and Issues Neighborhoods serving different demographic groups Concentration of hospitality and nightlife venues District cycles – nightlife moving from district to district Dwindling city resources Economic impacts on patron spending and behavior Magnet for crime and gang activity Closing time crowds

The Sociable City Plan Process Vision Transformation Team Assess Status Define Ideal Plan Policy Practices Promote Manage Guiding Principles Match Resources Monitor A Dream Without a Plan is a Wish

Sociable City Vision People on the street Walkable Able to eat/drink outside Mix of ages and cultures Variety of things to do Spontaneous, informal activities Open at different times Variety of price points Lively street activity can contribute to the overall vibrancy of a downtown and promote safety

The Sociable City Plan Plan for People Enhance Vibrancy Assure Safety

City Cycles of Sociability People Vibrancy Safety

Plan for People Mobility Management  Availability Matches Demand  Parking Usage and Safety  Pedestrian and Road Safety Peaceful Co-existence in Mixed-Use Areas  Balance Vibrancy & Quality of Life  Accountability & Communication  Efficient Waste Management  Impact Reduction  Effective Management of Sound Impacts

Social Occupancy One Bookstore Occupancy = 10 Staff = 2 Ten Bookstores Occupancy = 100 Staff = 20

Social Occupancy One Restaurant Occupancy = 150 Staff = 10 Ten Restaurants Occupancy = 1500 Staff = 100

Social Occupancy One Late-night Venue Occupancy = 300 Staff = 20 Ten Late-night Venues Occupancy = 3000 Staff = 200

City Cycles of Sociability People Vibrancy Safety

Enhancing Vibrancy Private Space  Invest in Talent Development  Develop and Incubate Entertainment  Establish a Marketing Campaign  Evaluate Economic Impact Public Space  Ample Sidewalk Capacity  Create a Continuum of Experiences  Enhance Outdoor Seating  Introduce Business Incubators  Address Panhandling, Predators, Passage

Cycles of Sociability People Vibrancy Safety

Assuring Safety Venue Safety  Evaluate – Assess Risks  Convert Risk to an Operational Plan  Engage and Educate Staff  Monitor Activity and Respond  Open Communication Public Safety  Establish a Foundation for Safety  Collaborate to Monitor and Assist  Police Staffing for the Nighttime Economy  Achieve Compliance with Partners  Prevent and Respond to Crime, Disorder and Incivility