In this issue, we focus on a variety of development projects and the impact they are having on their respective communities. In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Kansas City, Missouri, we examine how downtown venues have become magnets for tourists and residents. Deep in the heart of Texas, a pair of new sports tourism and recreation venues promise to set their cities apart from others. And, we meet a real-life Leslie Knope, who fearlessly stood up for parks and recreation in her city.