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2009 Sociable City Awards
Award Criteria
The year 2009 marks RHI’s first Sociable City Award
Program. Nine cities from the US and Canada applied. RHI's board
(representing national hospitality, safety, development and
community organizations) reviewed applications and selected
winners based on cities' fulfillment of the criteria for safety
and vibrancy below.
The city that received the much anticipated
award for North America's Most Sociable City satisfied the
majority of criteria in both
categories of safety and vibrancy. The three cities that
qualified for an outstanding achievement award satisfied the
majority of award criteria in one category: safety or vibrancy.
The five cities that received distinguished merit awards
fulfilled a notable number of the award criteria in either
safety or vibrancy, however not as many as the cities receiving
outstanding achievement.
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Collaborative strategies and partnership
between diverse stakeholders and public/private entities
with a shared goal of increased safety.
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Enforcement officers trained in unique approach to
managing crowds in hospitality zones, such as
interactive, roving patrols.
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‘Concierge’ governing approach by permitting
and licensing authorities to proactively assist new and
existing business owners.
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Proactive compliance education and training
opportunities for new and existing business owners, and
security and service staff within establishments.
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Measures to raise awareness among and engage
patrons in taking accountability and responsibility over
actions’ impacts on the quality of life of surrounding
residents and businesses.
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Overcoming negative perceptions of safety by
the media and the general public.
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Presence of alternative late-night
transportation options to provide safe rides home to
patrons, and thereby reduce impaired driving risks.
- Nighttime orientation of public services and staffing
needed to manage a hospitality zone (e.g. trash pick-up,
operation hours for code compliance).
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- Recognition of the economic,
social and cultural value of the nighttime economy,
which reinforces a city government position of
advocacy and support towards music and
entertainment.
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An investment in support and
nurturing local musicians and other entertainment
talent (e.g. through dedicated educational programs
in schools, business training, subsidized housing
and health insurance).
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A mix of experiences,
diversions and commercial options that appeal to
multi-cultural and/or multi-generational patrons.
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A seamless visual experience,
including nighttime lighting, cleanliness, noise
control, etc. that is appropriate to pedestrian use
of the zone.
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Attention to managing
transition points between day, evening and
late-night activity.
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Participatory activities on
the streets/sidewalks and in public space areas that
facilitate social interaction (e.g. street
entertainment i.e. buskers, street vendors, outdoor
dining, pubic markets, festivals and events).
- Coordinated marketing and
promotion of the hospitality zone as a vibrant
destination highlighting the diversity of social
options.
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The
Sociable City Network
Join a growing network of people seeking and sharing strategies
to better plan, manage and police hospitality zones
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