Report Highlights Nearly $1 Billion Annual Impact of the City’s Nighttime Economy
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism today released the City of Providence’s Life at Night Report, a comprehensive analysis of the city’s vibrant nighttime economy. As New England’s Creative Capital, Providence has long been celebrated for its restaurants, theaters, and cultural offerings, but the report marks the first effort to quantify the impact of the city’s after-dark activities on its economy, workforce, and social culture.
Commissioned by the City’s Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and conducted by Jon Stover & Associates, the study reveals that Providence’s nighttime economy generates nearly $1 billion annually.
Key findings include:
- Providence is home to 630+ nightlife businesses supporting over 7,900 jobs directly and 9,900 jobs in total.
- This sector directly contributes nearly $620 million to Providence’s economy annually, with an additional $367 million in indirect and induced economic activity, bringing its total impact to $990 million per year.
- 30% of Rhode Island’s bars and clubs are located in Providence.
- Providence has more nightlife establishments per capita than NYC, a student population share larger than Philadelphia, commercial rents half as expensive as Boston, and a population as international as Los Angeles.
“These findings confirm what many of us already knew—Providence’s Life at Night economy is not only a cornerstone of our city’s cultural identity, but also a major driver of economic vitality,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “We are committed to building on these strengths to ensure our nightlife ecosystem continues to thrive for residents, workers, and visitors.”
The report’s findings and recommendations have become the foundation for a series of plans the City is developing to bolster the nighttime economy, including:
- Public space activations: Enhanced support for events like Three Nights of Lights, Lumina, and cultural heritage festivals.
- Transportation support: Discounted rideshare and micro-mobility options, including a first-of-its-kind discount 50% program for night shift workers on Spin bike and scooter rentals. Additionally, Uber is investing $5,000 to launch a pilot initiative supporting nightlife employees and will collaborate with the City to explore its expansion.
- Nightlife Sound Support: The City is developing a program that will help nightlife establishments implement and improve soundproofing, ensuring businesses can thrive without compromising the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods.
- Streamlined permitting: City departments are collaborating with businesses on a more user-friendly overhaul of the City Service permitting process.
- Public infrastructure improvements: New lighting and design plans are under development for key downtown areas, focusing on safety, accessibility, and aesthetics.
- Dedicated leadership across departments: Enhanced departmental coordination, including a Small Business Development Director to oversee licensing, and the facilitation of ongoing dialogue between businesses and residents to address soundscape concerns and foster collaboration.
“Spin is proud to support Mayor Smiley’s Life at Night initiative with the introduction of our first ever Late Shift Commute Program,” said John Lankford, Senior Director of Partnerships at Spin. “This first-of-its-kind program will offer a 50% fare reduction on Spin bike and scooter trips for late shift workers in Providence.”
“The Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism’s second 10-year cultural plan emphasizes the importance of promoting Providence as a leading cultural destination. It also recognizes ‘Life at Night’ as a valuable and vibrant sector that deserves celebration,” said Joe Wilson, Jr., Director of Art, Culture, and Tourism. “This sector plays a vital role in the city’s economic and cultural landscape, supporting many workers whose contributions help make Providence a dynamic and creative community.”
The Life at Night Report builds on recommendations from the City’s PVDx2031 Cultural Plan and aligns with the Smiley Administration’s broader efforts to position Providence as a regional leader in culture and entertainment. The full report is available on the City of Providence website.