Night Wave Update (6/19/14) -- THE SUPPORTERS OF NIGHT LIFE

So yesterday I said I would communicate where resistance is found during this process. But, just as valuable, I will also communicate where we have support for building a healthier night time economy, including the current supportive structure and how we got here. I realize the educating process here is heavy, but knowledge is power.

-- Economic Development is the division in the city where Night Time Economy has been deemed a top priority. This is in thanks to Councilor Wurzburger (who is sadly no longer on council) and Kate Noble, who is still with the city. Kate Noble is a huge supporter for a healthier and more vibrant night time economy. Ross Chaney from Econ Dev. is the point-person for Night Wave funding.

-- There is an Econ. Dev. sub-committee that made this specific funding for Night Wave available. The Business & Quality of Life committee (BQL) is chaired by Councilor Signe Lindell and Councilor Peter Ives. They are new to this committee, but I trust that both councilors will become supporters of a healthier night time economy over time. Other BQL committee members who are totally supportive are Buddy Roybal (owner of Coronado Paint and Supply), Damian Taggart (owner of Mindshare Studios), Piper Kapin (owner of Backroad Pizza), Brad Furry (owner of Furry's Buick GMC), Miles Conway (AFSCME Communications Director), and Simon Brackley (Chamber of Commerce). We have allies all over this sub-committee.

-- Mayor Gonzales is a definitive supporter of improving our Night Time Economy. He ran on this issue during his campaign, and he continues to be a supporter. But, The Mayor is still just one person. Having his unequivocal support is totally valuable, but he can't do it on his own.

-- Jon Bulthuis is Director of Transportation with the city. He would love to see a late-night weekend shuttle route, and has shown total support for this so far. Similarly, Sevastian Gurule with Parking Division is supportive in modifying parking restrictions for supporting late-night use.

-- Business owners in downtown Santa Fe.... ARE SUPPORTIVE! I talked to 40 business owners in the past few days, and 100% of which supported the idea of a healthier Night Time Economy. Business owners want to see better lighting, outdoor food, trash bins, better transportation, street closure, and added resources for clean-up. Business owners in the downtown area recognize that Nightlife is a key element to our city, and that we need to focus on it so its healthier for everyone.

-- The Five & Dime has come out, front and center, and has become a major sponsor for Night Wave. The owner of Five & Dime, Earl Potter, loves what I am proposing and immediately became a backer for the weekend. Also, George RR Martin and The Jean Cocteau has come out as a sponsor as well.

-- Creative Santa Fe is helping the project out by assisting in the logistics of street closure and process of permitting.

We definitely have allies. But in the city, just because you have allies on one side doesn't mean you have allies on the other side. I'll keep everyone updated, big meeting coming up Tuesday.