Managing Lexington's Nighttime Economy

Lexington’s Downtown Entertainment Development Task Force seeks to invigorate economic activity in the city’s urban core. This all-volunteer effort by representatives of broad cultural and socioeconomic cross-sections of the community is working to achieve its goals with the support and guidance of the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI).

The task force, authorized by Vice Mayor Jim Gray, functions within a structure comprised of four broad categories suggested by RHI: Development, Safety, Community and Hospitality. These committees are working to identify and engage relevant stakeholders from those various fields. RHI, which has provided its consultation services to 22 cities from Boulder and Seattle to Chicago and Washington D.C., will bring to Lexington its Hospitality Zone Assessment, culminating in a Leadership Summit on Hospitality, Safety and Development.

The Hospitality Zone Assessment is an important tool communities can use to build consensus among the many stakeholders engaged in or impacted by the presence of entertainment venues. Links on this site provide a guide through the process.
We suggest that you bookmark this site and check back for updates on events, participation and results.

Upcoming Events:

  • HZA Orientation Assembly - March 11 - 1:30 - 3:30 pm: An overview for individuals interested in participating in one of four Roundtable.

  • NEW DATES & LOCATIONS! HZA Roundtables - April 16 and 17: Four Roundtables by perspective - Hospitality, Safety, Development and Community.

  • Special Guest Speaker at next Downtown Entertainment Development Task Force meeting April 23 at the theater in the downtown Central Library.