Nashville continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for music, culture, and nightlife. As the city grows, so does the need for thoughtful collaboration and innovation across its creative and entertainment sectors. Here’s a look at some of the exciting initiatives shaping the future of Nashville:
1. Strengthening Communication Across Venue Operations: Efforts are underway to improve coordination among Nashville’s diverse venue operators. By fostering open lines of communication, the city aims to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and support local talent more effectively.
2. Enhancing Mobility Within Tennessee’s Nightlife Infrastructure: Mobility is key to a thriving nightlife scene. Initiatives focused on transportation and accessibility are helping patrons move safely and efficiently between venues, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the best of what Tennessee’s nightlife has to offer.
3. Supporting Innovation in the Independent Music Scene: Nashville’s independent artists are the heartbeat of its music culture. New programs and platforms are being developed to amplify their voices, provide resources, and create opportunities for growth and exposure.
4. Sustaining the Vibrancy of Nashville’s Nightlife Culture: From iconic honky-tonks to emerging underground venues, Nashville’s nightlife is a vital part of its identity. Community leaders and stakeholders are working together to preserve this energy while adapting to the city’s changing landscape.
5. Fostering Growth in the Creative Community: Creativity thrives in collaboration. By investing in spaces, events, and networks that bring artists, musicians, and innovators together, Nashville is nurturing a community where ideas flourish and new projects take root.
6. Promoting a Safe and Thriving Community: Safety and inclusivity are foundational to a vibrant city. Initiatives focused on public safety, mental health, and community engagement are helping ensure that Nashville remains a welcoming place for all.
As Nashville continues to grow, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to preserving its unique spirit while embracing progress. Whether you're a local artist, venue owner, or nightlife enthusiast, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of Music City’s journey.
In December 2022, Mayor John Cooper appointed Benton McDonough to serve as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife. This position is modeled after similar positions that have been adopted in major cities over the last decade. In this capacity, he acts a liaison between residents, businesses and city departments to address such issues as noise, public safety, cleanliness, and quality of life.
In nearly three years in this position, the Office of Nightlife has received accolades for their work, recently gaining recognition from the Institute for Public Service (IPS) for the Project of the Year installing Narcan in bars, stadiums, and schools. The office recently entered a public / private partnership with Metropolis Parking to discount parking fees 100% for musicians in Nashville. The office also provides Safe Bar training to bars to reduce the impact of alcohol on sexual assault and recently started a Nightlife Industry Training and Education (NITE) School to address mental health and other needs in the bar and hospitality industries.
Mr. McDonough was born and raised in Nashville; specifically, in the Donelson area. He graduated from McGavock High School in 1998; he then earned a B.A. in English from Middle Tennessee State University in 2002.
After working on the first successful gubernatorial campaign of Governor Phil Bredesen, Mr. McDonough accepted an appointment to the Tennessee Department of Education. He then accepted a position in the office of the Hon. Steve Dozier. During this time, he attended the Nashville School of Law, earning his J.D. in the spring of 2009, and subsequently passing the bar that same year.
Mr. McDonough served as an Assistant General Counsel in the Department of Commerce and Insurance from 2010-2014. Next, he served as the State Registrar in the Office of Vital Records, Tennessee Department of Health, from 2014-2016. More recently, he has served as the Executive Director of the Metro-Nashville Beer Permit Board since 2017.
