User:Franciebenjamin/sandbox

= Entertainment Districts = An entertainment district, also known as an entertainment zone, is a type of arts district with a high concentration of movie theaters, theaters or other entertainment venues. They are contiguous areas officially designated by local government with functional zoning regulations, as well as public and private investment in distinctive urban design. To be designated as an entertainment district, smaller businesses must establish themselves in certain areas, evolving to be big enough to seek formal designation. The primary goal of entertainment districts is to stimulate job creation, economic growth, and create spillover effects in adjacent urban development. Each district reflects the history, culture, and mission of its area or town. Entertainment districts differ from commercial areas in their peak traffic hours. Nightlife is heavily concentrated in these formerly commercial and industrial historical areas, so they are highly trafficked at night and on the weekends, while commercial office buildings are vacant during these times.

Maryland Arts & Entertainment District Program
Maryland was one of the first states to develop an Arts and Entertainment Districts program on a statewide basis. In 2001, the state government created the Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District program to develop, promote, and support diverse artistic and cultural communities to develop and promote community involvement, tourism and revitalization. The program seeks to attract artists, arts organizations, and other creative enterprises. Since 2001, Maryland has designated 26 districts and has gained many social and economic benefits. In the fiscal year of 2018, 25 Maryland A&E Districts collectively generated more than $1 billion in state GDP, $72.1 million in state and local tax revenues, and 9,987 jobs. The almost 10,000 new workers were paid more than $320 million in wages. Current designated districts in Maryland include Annapolis, Bethesda, Highlandtown, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.