Impact Analysis
the economic and fiscal impact of dc’s nightlife
Nightlife in Washington, DC has grown significantly over the past 20 years, building upon the District’s long history as an entertainment and cultural hub. The newly established Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture tasked JS&A with quantifying the role of nightlife in the DC economy.
Client
Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture
Service
Industry-Specific Impact Assessment
Economic Development Strategy
City
Washington, DC
JS&A was charged to help the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture and the District at-large understand the dynamics of the nightlife industry, from the cultural and economic perspectives, and quantify its contribution to the greater city economy.
Project Scope
Economic Impact Assessment
Fiscal Impact Assessment
Business Owner Engagement
Focus Group Facilitation
Literature Review and Research
Economic Development Strategy
While the District may be better known for its politicians than its DJs, the District’s nightlife is rich with history: from the first Beatles concert in the United States to the creation of Go-Go music, a world-renowned punk scene, and one of the country’s most robust nightlife scenes for LGBTQ+ residents and tourists.
Results
The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture was equipped to advocate for and support the nightlife industry during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Understanding the economic and fiscal impacts, as well as detail on the nightlife industry overall, helped the client and city during recovery and relief efforts as social distancing and industry closures disrupted the nightlife of the city.
Washington, DC’s Nightlife Economy
$7.1 Billion Annual Revenue
2,437 Businesses
64,980 Jobs
$562 Million Annual Fiscal Impact
(JS&A’s 2020 Analysis Before the COVID-19 Pandemic)
