Thriving 24/7 Economy

Thriving 24/7 Economy

Towards vibrant, prosperous, and resilient economies for every one, at every hour.

This effort brings together city leaders, businesses, experts, and innovators to co-develop strategies, tools, and partnerships that activate vibrant, inclusive, and resilient 24-hour economies.

The night-time economy is an untapped frontier of opportunity. While it already generates billions in value and millions of jobs, cities remain anchored in a 9-to-5 operations, limiting its potential. Thoughtful activation after dark can unlock economic growth, optimise infrastructure use, and diversify local economies. It strengthens social fabric, improves quality of life by ensuring access to services, culture, and safe public spaces for all communities, including often-overlooked night-shift workers. 

As rising heat reshapes daily life, the night also offers a powerful climate adaptation strategy, making 24-hour economies critical for future prosperity, equity, and resilience.

$35 billion

in nighttime economy activity in New York City, sustaining nearly 300,000 jobs

31%

in projected boost to real GDP in Ghana from nighttime economy within the next decade, generating more than 3 million jobs

80 cities

around the world have introduced night-time governance roles, from night mayors to dedicated teams focused on managing life after dark  years
Dense crowd at an outdoor night market with festive lights and decorated stalls, showing thriving night-time public space use.

Featured insights

Crowded Southeast Asian night market with neon signs and lanterns, representing 24-hour urban economic activity
Unlocking the Potential of 24-Hour Economies

This  report examines how 24-hour economies are emerging as a powerful lever for growth and resilience. From New York to London, Sydney to Shanghai, cities are investing in smarter, more inclusive nighttime systems.

New York City skyline at dusk with lit skyscrapers, representing the scale of 24-hour metropolitan economies.
Rethinking 24-hour cities: night-time strategies to address urban challenges and thrive

Night-time economies generate billions of dollars in economic activity and generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Cities around the world are introducing ‘Night Mayors’: here’s why

More than 80 cities now have a night mayor, night czar or nightlife director with a mandate to make cities safe, vibrant and prosperous all through the night. This can involve managing high-spirited party-goers and providing reliable transport for night workers. As well as acting as a liaison for police, residents and businesses.

5 ways cities are building 24-hour economies

Faced with the demands of growth, cities are rethinking how they operate - and when. The night-time economy is growing fast, through targeted investment and policies. In New York City alone, the night-time economy supports 300,000 jobs and generates over $35 billion per year. From late-night libraries to nocturnal tourism, sensor-driven lighting and night czars, here are just some of the ways that cities are leveraging those extra hours on the clock.

Join the 24-Hour Community

Starting in October 2025, the Community of Practice on 24-Hour Economies will launch, bringing together leaders and innovators to collaborate across sectors, share insights, and co-create strategies that enliven cities after dark.

Sign up today to be part of the movement.

Thriving 24/7 Economy

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