What makes a successful global city? Undoubtedly, thriving metropolises require quality housing, robust job markets, safe streets, and efficient public transportation. However, successful global cities are also creative hubs that nourish our souls and stimulate our minds. These global creative centers come alive at night. Los Angeles, a city historically renowned for its vibrant arts, entertainment, and cultural scene, stands at a critical juncture. The Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the city's nighttime cultural economy, forcing the closure of numerous live music venues, nightclubs, theaters, and cultural spaces that once pulsed with energy and creativity.

The diminishing availability of arts, cultural, and nightlife activities has begun to resonate with Los Angeles residents. Our recent research on urban climate in Los Angeles found that only 4 in 10 respondents felt their neighborhood offered a variety of entertainment, arts, culture, and nightlife options. When asked about desired business additions to their neighborhoods, entertainment, arts, and culture topped the list, with a quarter of respondents indicating they'd like to see more such establishments.

The nighttime economy is dynamic and significantly impacts urban life, offering economic, cultural, and social opportunities. Moreover, given the recent uptick in remote work, it can be a deciding factor for location-independent workers choosing where to live. The sights, sounds, and social exchanges at night create a city's unique atmosphere, making it not only a vibrant place to live but an international cultural and tourism destination as well. What is desperately needed is, among other things, a proactive approach to regulatory management. Old rules that may be unnecessary, result from historic discrimination, or have had unintended consequences should be revisited with a focus on strengthening cultural vibrancy and economic growth.

As Los Angeles looks ahead to hosting the 2028 Olympic Games, it is imperative that we revitalize and strengthen the cultural fabric for our citizens and community to thrive and to showcase the city's cultural and creative richness to the world. The nighttime cultural economy is not merely a collection of businesses and venues; it is the heart and soul of our city. It is where communities come together to celebrate diversity, where emerging artists find their voice, and where innovation and creativity flourish – if they are allowed to.

Successful global cities boast a strong cultural life and support a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive nighttime economy with a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and business activities occurring around the clock. No major metropolitan area should grind to an economic halt after sunset.

Yet, increasingly, Los Angeles feels as though it does.