1. Loudoun County Nighttime Economy Ad Hoc Committee
Background
Loudoun County has a strong economic infrastructure with highly rated schools, strong and emerging
communities, a robust rural economy, and low unemployment. The daytime economy between 9 a.m. and 6
p.m. is active and contributes greatly to the economic viability of the County. As the County continues to grow
and develop there is an opportunity to capitalize on its underdeveloped nighttime economy. It is imperative the
County create walkable live/work/play environments and a strong nighttime economy to remain competitive
regionally.
A thriving nighttime economy is an opportunity to enhance Loudoun County’s attractiveness to all generations,
businesses, and visitors. Therefore, the Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) is charged by
the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ Economic Development Committee (EDC) to create a Nighttime
Economy Ad Hoc Committee to understand these issues and make recommendations designed to enhance the
nighttime economy.
After meeting with the CEO Cabinet, the Chamber and County Staff, it became clear that it was important to
increase the number of participants and provide the report over two phases with the first phase focused on
existing places within Loudoun County, and the second phase focused on the new Rail Stops that are planned
to be completed by 2019 currently. The Committee will provide a report to the ED Committee of the Board of
Supervisors regarding nighttime economy enhancement opportunities.
By establishing the Committee, the County can systematically examine the following questions and
opportunities:
• What kind of mix of business, entertainment, and arts would make a vibrant and attractive area?
• How do we attract businesses in defined geographic areas that appeal to multiple generations?
• What are the national trends and models on nighttime economy?
• How do we develop local models to enhance the County’s nighttime offerings?
Vision
To develop creative place making opportunities and sensible policies which encourage an increased nighttime
social life for residents, employees, and visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Mission
The Nighttime Economy Ad Hoc Committee will examine policies, resources, and amenities that address
Loudoun County’s nightlife offerings. Specifically, the Committee will address policies that can boost
entertainment offerings throughout the County and increase financial prospects for employment and business
development while also helping to enhance the sense of community throughout the diverse areas that comprise
our County.
Definition and Key Elements
A nighttime economy is the product of an integrated restaurant-bar-retail-entertainment area. It is part of
building a 24-hour community. A true nighttime economy should have an array of activities which appeal to
multiple demographic cohorts at different times throughout the night.
Establishments and facilities commonly associated with the nighttime economy include restaurants, bars, cafes,
lounges, performance venues, retail, and public spaces, including those with programmed activity. The
Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) Model includes Six Core Elements (the seventh was added by Loudoun
County) of a nighttime economy:
2. 2
(1) Entertainment – including dining/social/performance venues, events, mix of uses.
(2) Public Space & Amenities – including geographic boundaries, multi-use sidewalks, outdoor dining,
design.
(3) Housing Diversity & Affordability – various housing types, housing affordability.
(4) Transportation – including connectivity, multi-modal transportation, nighttime transportation services
and amenities, safe rides, shared rides, valet parking, taxi services.
(5) Public Safety – including crime prevention, understanding issues related to closing times and crowds,
parking lot safety, and DUI prevention.
(6) Compliance – including liquor laws, safety plans, server training, security training, patron behavior, age
identification, zoning, and safety alliances.
(7) Economic Development Initiatives/Incentives – including the permitting process, marketing, and
business incentives.
Scope and Deliverables
The Committee will focus its efforts on the following areas for its Phase 1 work: Leesburg, One Loudoun,
Brambleton, Purcellville, and Middleburg. These areas, representing a diverse spectrum of communities, are
well positioned for the realization of a strong nighttime economy. The second phase of the report focused on
the future metro stations will follow thereafter. The Committee will complete a written report to include:
• Research: The Committee will gather information that is available or that is needed to better plan and
allocate resources for nighttime economic development and public safety management.
• Policy: Public and business practices will be identified that need to be improved or developed to more
efficiently enable businesses to operate safe and legal enterprises.
• Marketing & Education: Education gaps will be addressed through a training plan for all sectors
including business owners, government agency staff, community representatives, and the general
public who patronize nighttime businesses.
• Compliance: Processes will be identified that are needed or that can be enhanced to increase
compliance, maintain public order, and sustain responsible business practices.
• Community Engagement: The community will be engaged through a series of forums throughout the
County to ensure that all voices have been heard and all ideas have been vetted.
Task Force Membership
Committee members have been nominated from the EDAC, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, local
businesses, members of the community, as well as County departments. They have been appointed by the
EDAC and will be asked to take on leadership roles both on subcommittees and for the Committee as a whole.
The Committee will be led by Co-Chairs who will oversee subcommittees that cover the defined seven core
elements discussed above. Members of the Committee will be assigned to each subcommittee. Additional
representatives will come from the County staff and local municipalities, and other members of the community
will be involved through subcommittee meetings or through community forums that will be established to vet
recommendations from the Committee.
Staffing
The Committee will be supported by the following team of County staff liaisons who will be ex-officio members.
The staff team’s roles are to help the Co-Chairs move the agenda forward to ensure the Committee’s success,
provide administrative support where needed, and communicate its work to the Economic Development
Committee of the Board of Supervisors:
• Kenny Young, Asst. County Administrator
• Miguel Salinas, Asst. Director of Economic Development
• Lois Kirkpatrick, Marketing and Communications, Economic Development
• Gwen Kennedy, Project Manager, Loudoun County
3. 3
Committee Structure
The Committee reports to the Economic Development Committee of the Board of Supervisors.
Co-chairs
Todd Pearson, EDAC
Tony Howard, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce
Voting Members (See Attached List)
Ex-Officio Members
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York
Loudoun County Supervisor Ralph Buona
Loudoun County Supervisor Matt Letourneau
Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator
Leesburg Councilwoman Katie Hammler
Leesburg Economic Development Marantha Edwards
Daniel Abramson, Purcellville EDC Chair
Delegate Randy Minchew - invited
Delegate Tag Greason - invited
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock - invited
Planning Commission Member - invited
Public Sector Partners
The following departments and agencies will be invited to participate in meetings or assist with resource or
technical experts as needed.
• County Administration
• Dept. of Economic Development,
• Dept. of Planning and Zoning,
• Dept. of Building and Development,
• Dept. of Health,
• Dept. of Emergency Management,
• Sheriff’s Office,
• Fire Marshall
• Dept. of Transportation,
• BOS Staff,
• Park and Rec Staff,
Work Plan
The committee as a whole will hold an initial kickoff meeting on June 2nd, 2015 at 8:10 AM in the County
Government Building and will meet at least once a quarter thereafter.
The sub-committee chairs will meet monthly on the 1st Wesnesday of the month at 8:10 AM in the County
Government Building. (The July 8
th
meeting will start at 8:30 AM)
The sub-committees will meet as often as deemed necessary.
There will be at least two community input sessions.
Timeline
The Committee is expected to complete its full report within nine months of its first meeting.