San Francisco, CA – The California Music and Culture Association (CMAC) applauds Supervisor Scott Wiener (District 8 – Castro, Upper Market, Eureka Valley, Noe Valley, Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Twin Peaks, Buena Vista, Corona Heights, Corbett Heights, Duboce Triangle, Dolores Heights, Liberty Heights, Mission Dolores) for calling on the San Francisco Controller’s Office to conduct an economic impact study on the financial value of San Francisco’s nightlife economy. An empirical assessment of music and culture’s fiscal contribution to the City is long overdue.

“Although San Francisco does not have a hard number to date, it is irrefutable that the ‘other 9 to 5′ [music and culture industry] makes a substantial investment into our local economy,” said Sean Manchester, CMAC President and owner of Mighty and WISH. “In addition to being a significant job generator, tourist attraction, and tax revenue source for vital city and state services, entertainment attractions also contribute to increased economic activity in other industries such as hospitality, restaurants and transportation.”

Manchester cites a 2004 Audience Research and Analysis study which found that the New York City nightlife industry generated $9.7 billion in economic activity, $2.6 billion in earnings, and 95,500 jobs. Additionally, the study found that the entertainment industry contributed an estimated $391 million in tax revenue in the Big Apple. “I worked in New York and was a member of the New York Nightlife Association when that study was released,” Manchester said. “That economic report was a game changer for the industry. The results really illustrated the massive impact the nightlife industry had on the citywide economy – and, thus, a more empowered voice at the decision-making table.”

For a listing of economic impact studies on nightlife around the United States, visit
http://cmacsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Econ-Impact-Study-Fact-Sheet-06-01-10.pdf.