One of the nation’s highest violent crime rates coupled with drug and prostitution activity challenged Stockton, CA to change negative safety perception about downtown and demonstrate nightlife as an economic driver for the community. Significant redevelopment has since positioned downtown as one of the safest areas of Stockton. Downtown Stockton Alliance administered development of a Hospitality Zone with funds for specialized services provided by assessments on late-night businesses. Reorienting City government to a more customer service environment, using special events as part of a re-branding campaign, and creating a planned Entertainment District has spurred nightlife activity downtown.