TESTIMONIALS

“Nightlife is an economic engine of this city. This is New York. People don’t come here because they want to go to sleep at night, they come here because they want to rock at night. And no one got it better than Ariel, she understood it. She helped navigate us through Covid, can you imagine?

I have seen and spoken with many of the various New York Nightlife establishments who really lift up and recognize Ariel’s commitment, dedication and love. Her time sitting on the community board, owning her own nightlife establishment, being an activist, she really didn’t have to do this job, but she dedicated herself because she loves this industry, and the industry loves her. She has a true legacy. When you are able to give back to the industry that you love and make it possible for people in the industry to thrive, we can not say thank you enough, especially for what she did throughout the pandemic. She helped keep nightlife alive and able to prosper, and we are really recovering, 

because she was there.”

- Mayor Eric Adams

“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 

" 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 

"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 #CityThatNeverSleeps."

- Commissioner Anne del Castillo 

Mayors Office of Media & Entertainment

 “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

 "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