Welcome Dear Listeners…
To The Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces is here with another exciting episode, where we explore the creative ways urban leaders are revitalizing cities and shaping vibrant, inclusive communities. Join co-hosts Emily Craven and Tim Souza as they chat with Raheem Manning, Philadelphia’s Night Mayor, who is driving a bold vision for the city’s nighttime economy.
In this episode, Raheem, officially titled Director of Nighttime Economy and Business Development, takes us behind the scenes of his mission to transform Philadelphia into a true 24-hour city. Raheem’s efforts extend beyond nightlife entertainment—he is advocating for the unsung heroes of the night, including third-shift workers, emergency personnel, and hospitality employees. His goal? To make sure that everyone who works, plays, or lives at night has the same access to safe, vibrant spaces as daytime residents.
From championing late-night food truck markets to addressing public safety concerns with innovative lighting and bus stop designs, Raheem explains how his work is about creating a holistic, inclusive experience. As Philadelphia gears up for FIFA 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Raheem discusses how the city plans to shine on the global stage while fostering local engagement.
Tune in to discover how Philadelphia is lighting up the night—literally and figuratively—and hear how Raheem’s efforts are shaping a future where nighttime workers, tourists, and residents can enjoy a vibrant, 24-hour city that never sleeps. Whether you’re an urban planner, a night owl, or simply curious about how cities can thrive after dark, this episode will inspire you to rethink the possibilities of nighttime in your own community.
Plug in those headphones and explore how Philadelphia is setting a new standard for nighttime vibrancy with Vibrant Spaces!
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Show Notes
Learn more about Story City and how we work with partners here.
Transcript of this Episode is here.
You can subscribe to the Podcast via our YouTube channel here, or via our main Podcast page here where you can also find our other episodes and seasons.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Our Guests on Today’s Pod:
Raheem Manning, is an advocate for arts, culture, and economy as the City’s First Night Time Economy Director, part of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Office of Business Development & Workforce Solutions. In this newly created role, Manning leads public engagement efforts to develop a strategic governance plan and advocate for policies that support the City’s attraction and retention of companies within its night-time economy.
Previously, Manning served as the Co-Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Task Force, where his work has collaboratively resulted in almost $3 million in direct grant funding to over 1500 individual artists and 60 small and medium-sized art and culture organizations. Raheem earned Bachelor of Arts from Clark Atlanta University, Masters in Business Administration from Thomas Jefferson University and holds certification in International Business from East China Normal University. Raheem is the first in his family to graduate high school and obtain a master’s. Raheem spearheads hope for the next generations and has volunteered thousands of hours supporting youth-based community initiatives in Philadelphia, including coordinating the raising of over $100,000 in donations to help hundred students attend Historically Black colleges.
About your hosts:
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
