TESTIMONIALS
"The NYC Hospitality Alliance advocated for a dedicated Office of Nightlife for many years, and when Ariel Palitz was appointed by Mayor de Blasio as Founding Director, I knew they selected the perfect person. As president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance and Chairperson of the city’s Nightlife Advisory Board, and industry advocate, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible and impactful work she and her team have done on behalf of the nightlife community and NYC! We were fortunate to have had Ariel in that role from the start, especially throughout the pandemic. Her expertise in government, community and hospitality has been an important asset to NYC and to all her endeavors."
- Andrew Rigie, President, NYC Hospitality Alliance
“As the City Council Member who wrote the legislation to create the NYC Office of Nightlife in I can say that the hospitality industry and community were in dire need of sincere government support and understanding for many years. After a long search for the Founding Director, Ariel Palitz was appointed and surpassed all expectations for what could be achieved. Over the 5 years she was in office, Ariel defined the priorities facing the industry around enforcement, quality of life and harm reduction and cultural preservation to developed solution based programs and repaired the relationship with government. Her work helped to improve conditions for owners, the DIY community, workers, patrons, performers and residents all while navigating them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her contributions will a have lasting impact on the future of the office and industry, and her expertise will continue to bring tremendous contributions to any endeavor. Ariel has made me very proud."
- Rafael Espinal, President, Freelancers Union,
City Council Member 2014-2020
“In 2017 I signed the legislation to create New York City’s first Office of Nightlife to serve as a central point of contact between City agencies, the nightlife industry, and city residents, promoting a safe and vibrant nightlife scene beneficial to businesses and residents across the five boroughs. Nightlife is part of the soul of our city and crucial not only to our culture, but our economy. Ariel did an absolutely great job coordinating businesses, communities and City agencies, especially during the unprecedented days of the pandemic. She has a lot to be proud of after 5 years of excellent service to our city.”
- Mayor Bill de Blasio, 2021
"We owe Ariel Palitz a debt of gratitude for her unwavering advocacy to enrich and strengthen NYC’s internationally acclaimed nightlife scene and establish a firm foundation creating the Office of Nightlife to uphold our status as the City that Never Sleeps."
- Anne del Castillo, Commissioner
Mayors Office of Media & Entertainment
"Ariel Palitz has relentlessly supported NYC's bars and venues and has built the model for how City gov't can serve this industry. We thank her for her service at the Mayors Office of Nightlife."
- Emma Pfohman
Senior Advisor, Deputy Mayor of Economic & Workforce Development, City of New York