Kraków has a night mayor

Amsterdam, Toulouse, Florence, Prague and now Kraków too have their own night mayor! He will be responsible for setting development directions and coordinating activities related to the night-time economy. The aim of his work will be to protect Kraków's cultural heritage and shape the right relationship between residents, businesses and tourists.

Focusing on night-time economy in order to try to meet the needs of the inhabitants, but also of visitors to our city, is the main objective of Kraków's first night mayor. On the initiative of Kraków Mayor Aleksander Miszalski, Jacek Jordan, a cultural historian, educator, entrepreneur and tourist guide with 18 years' experience, took up his post on 16 July.

- The need for a night mayor, which I announced in the campaign, is now being realised. In the case of Kraków, he will head the Commission for Sustainable Night-time Economy, which I will be appointing in the coming days. The candidate who met all the formal requirements during the recruitment process, obtained the highest score in the individual stages of the competition both from the knowledge test and the interview, and presented the most accurate concept of work of the Commission for Sustainable Night-time Economy and the action plan for the coming year, is Mr Jacek Jordan," announced the Mayor of Kraków during a press briefing.

Jacek Jordan, the newly elected night-time mayor, is a cultural historian, educator, entrepreneur, and tourist guide with 18 years of experience on the tourism market. He is also head of the City Helpers patrols and a resident of Kraków. He officially started his work as night mayor on 1 August.

- People say that Kraków will have a sheriff. Ladies and gentlemen, the police and the municipal police are for "sheriffing". My job as night mayor, on the other hand, will be to talk to and negotiate with three groups of stakeholders: residents, businesses and tourists. Each of them needs to understand where their particular interest is and where the good of the city is," said Jacek Jordan, the newly elected night mayor.

- Krakow's historical and cultural heritage is so rich that we cannot let it be swallowed up by events, emphasised Jacek Jordan.

During a meeting with journalists, but also local residents, he indicated that he was very familiar with Kraków and the problems that accompany the city's nightlife. He identified noise as the biggest problem. He added that there is a need to find a place in the centre of Kraków where nightlife can be activated and the Market Square relieved. He even has an idea for this already.

What will be the tasks of the night-time mayor?

The night-time economy is becoming a key element in the development strategy of every major city, including Kraków. It is an area of city life that comprises cultural, culinary, recreational and tourist offers, public transport services, order and security. Despite its many benefits, its development also involves challenges and must take place in a sustainable manner - taking into account the needs of the inhabitants. Cooperation with residents and local businesses is essential in this regard. The development of the night-time economy and the shape of relations between its participants will be taken care of by the night-time mayor together with the Commission for Sustainable Night-time Economy. One of their most important tasks will be to develop an action strategy based on research, analysis and market monitoring. The result of this work will be the introduction of principles and standards for the operation of night-time economy in the areas of city management, including, above all, business, culture and heritage, tourism, public safety and order, municipal transport, and public health.