Community Playmaker - Issue 06 - October 2024

Inspiring the next great American community

October 2024 - Issue 06

MAGAZINE

PLACEMAKING DEFINING DESTINATIONS

SPORT CENTRIC P.30

THE ECONOMICS OF TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERTS P.16

Playmaker Spotlight Bill Bell’s “Work of Art” | P.04

Playmakers,

We serve municipal leaders of communities large and small by bringing together the intersection of tourism, economic development, amateur sports, and recreation in a way that no one else does. We bring private-sector innovation to government leaders to help protect and secure the future of sport, recreation, and tourism in America.

Editor in Chief

Creative Team

Ashley Whittaker Johnny Crosskey

Tristan Makaroff Makenna Parks Ashley Kimmel Daesha Gyden

Digital Editor

Research Coordinator

Johnny Crosskey

Cameron Connelly

Assistant Editors

Website Manager

Ali Yenchick Cameron Connelly

Stephen Shafii

Contributing Writers

Alize Farhat

Feature Editor

Matt Swenson Jake Kring-Schriefels Michael LoRe Suzanne Wentley Cameron Connelly

Event Manager

While the concept of placemaking can be hard to define, it’s a key piece of the passionate work you do for your communities every day. It’s a process defined by creating quality spaces that drive engagement and economic growth. But more than that, it’s about building and cultivating an identity for your community, one that’s authentic, positive, and powerful.

In this edition of Community Playmaker, the Placemaking Issue, we examine how leaders are informing the inward and outward perceptions of their beloved cities. We’ll look at how sports and recreation drive community identity in places like Indianapolis, Indiana, and Round Rock, Texas. We take you to the sky, the stage, and the downtown to show how leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma are driving visitors to their communities without the benefit of natural amenities. We also profile Bill Bell, the former mayor of Durham, North Carolina who met the challenge of transforming his blighted city through a focus on arts and a game-changing project, the Durham Performing Arts Center.

We hope these articles lend fresh ideas and energy to the important work you do in your communities, whether it’s solving a key issue, connecting all residents, or building a strong identity to rally around.

Peace, love, and public service, Johnny Managing Editor, Community Playmaker Magazine

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Copyright Community Playmaker Magazine 2024.

Cover Image Source: Indy Sports

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The Sports Facilities Companies are a proud partner and sponsor of Community Playmaker.

IN THIS ISSUE

OCTOBER 2024 - ISSUE 06 FEATURE

DEPARTMENT

10

THE TRADER JOES EFFECT Why Cities Want To Land The Beloved Grocery Chain

4

PLAYMAKER SPOTLIGHT A Work of Art: Former Mayor Bill Bell discusses his city’s transformation

20 PICKLEBALL PLACEMAKING How Cities Are Rebranding Themselves As Pickleball Meccas

8

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES Advice from Around the Country

16

FEATURED DATA The Economics of Concerts (Taylor’s Version)

30 SPORT CENTRIC Sports Tourism Is Increasingly Seen As A Way For Destinations To Define Themselves As A Place To Visit And Live 40 EXPLORING MESA’S FLOURISHING ASIAN DISTRICT Mesa, Arizona Cultivates Cultural Experiences 48 PITTSBURGH Becoming a magnet for visitors and new residents

SPORT CENTRIC

P. 30

26 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT No Beach? No Problem 44 COMMUNITY PLANNING How Suburban City Leaders Are Making Their Cities Stand Out 54 COMMUNITY OPERATIONS Micro Mobility Movement: Scootin’ Into the Future.

Playmaker Spotlight

A WORK OF ART

FORMER MAYOR BILL BELL DISCUSSES HIS LEGACY OF REVITALIZING DURHAM THROUGH A HERALDED THEATER AND OTHER LANDMARK PROJECTS

By Matt Swenson

Image Source: Huth Photo

T

the Durham Performing Arts Center may best symbolize former Mayor Bill Bell’s impact on Durham, North Carolina.

Famed musicians, Broadway shows, and even world leaders make their way regularly to the arts center, which has pumped new life into Durham’s downtown since opening in 2008. Every year, more than 600,000 patrons travel from local destinations like Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Greens-

boro – and up and down the East Coast – to enjoy the cultural hub, which has generated $1.2 billion in economic impact during its existence. The experience goes beyond the stage to the restaurants, bars, retail, and other entertainment options that comprise Durham’s thriving theater district.

As Bell says, it’s a far cry from the “ghost town” that Durham had become. Today, the revitalization during Bell’s 16 years in

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office is considered a model for other cities experiencing various degrees of urban decay.

While he retired from mayor in 2017, Bell continues to create positive change as president and CEO of UDI Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the economic welfare, education, and social levels of Durham’s low-income and underprivileged residents.

Image Source: Huth Photo

Losing Ground Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, Bell had little thought of returning to the Tar Heel State after graduating from Howard University’s engineering school, and serving in the military. Fate had other ideas.

An engineering job at IBM brought the future mayor to Durham in 1968, the same week Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Back then, tobacco and textiles powered the local economy – but not for much longer.

Over the course of the next two decades, Durham nearly lost it all. Tobacco and textiles no longer sustained the region, and stores on Main Street and beyond were closed and boarded up. Even the beloved Durham Bulls nearly left town despite the fame brought by the Kevin Costner film.

Durham was seemingly left behind as fellow Research Triangle communities were thriving.

“Downtown represents the living room of a person’s home,” said Bell. “Our living room was beginning to hurt because of the transitions that were taking place.”

Bell’s 16 years in office is considered

Cultural Revival

a model for revitalizing cities experiencing various degress of urban decay

While no individual could turn Durham around by themself, community activists such as Bell were able to push through the dark times. For his part, Bell first engaged in local leadership through the Emory Woods Community Association. Then in 1972, he was elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners, where he served for 26 years and was chairman from 1982 to 1994.

From his seat on the commission, Bell witnessed the successful campaign to keep the Bulls in town by building a new stadium. “That was a catalyst,” he says of the Bulls stadium. It also laid the groundwork for the impending renaissance.

While he won the seat by a mere 500 votes, Bell united the community with his vision of what Durham could become. A year later, tangible progress became visible through the revitalization of the American Tobacco Campus. Capitol Broadcasting Company, a group that took ownership of the Bulls in the early 1990s, partnered with the City to turn the 16-acre space into a home for innovation, sparked by Duke University’s investment and involvement in the project. The university still has a major presence on the campus.

Meanwhile, Bell helped merge two school systems into one strong education system, continuing the city’s commitment to higher learning.

After the new stadium and Tobacco Campus projects, the final, and perhaps most consequential, part of Durham’s triple play came into focus: Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). Bell saw better jobs and changing demographics as an opportunity to enrich the community through the arts. “We were trying to find something that would be attractive and unique that did not exist in the area,” he explained.

OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 5

Playmaker Spotlight

He took the idea to the United States Conference of Mayors, which earmarked the project for assistance. City planners and architects worked with Durham to help find a site and partners who could run the theater. Locally, Bell encouraged the General Assembly to implement a hotel and motel tax to pay specifically for a cultural center – and he held the line on using additional local funds.

Perhaps more challenging than winning approval on the tax was convincing the community that land across from a jail was an ideal home for the arts center. However, because the property was owned by the city, Bell and others felt that it was the best path for the project.

16 years later, Bell could easily take a curtain call for the results:

DPAC – run by national theater operators Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM) – is ranked among the top 5 theaters in most sales categories for venues of its size, which Bell attributes to outstanding partners. “It was like the ball team. We didn’t know anything about running the ball team,” said Bell. “It was the same thing for theater. We didn’t know anything about operating the theater. We knew how to get the money and build it. But in terms of operating and bringing in performances, that’s a whole different story.”

Bell is reluctant to take credit for the changing perception of Durham. However, the pride he feels in his city is clear when talking about its evolution. “To be able to ride through downtown Durham and be able to see what has happened, and be able to ride through some of the neighborhoods that had been depressed for a long time and see some of the affordable housing that we’ve been able to construct, and has created a catalyst for other things to happen, and to know that you were a part of that, not necessarily the person who did it, but a part of it… It’s enjoyable.”

Moreover, new hotels, restaurants, and other developments that support the center’s success have turned Durham into one of the country’s most desired cities to live among younger generations.

Bell credits his success to his training as an engineer. “You look at problems and figure out how you’re going to solve them,” he said. “You need to know how to bring people together to make things happen.”

DPAC is ranked among the top 5 theaters in most sales categories for venues of its size, which Bell attributes to outstanding partners.

Image Source: Estlin Haiss

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“It was the same thing for theater. We didn’t know anything about operating the theater. We knew how to get the money and build it. But in terms of operating and bringing in performances, that’s a whole different story.”

Image Source: Huth Photo

OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 7

Leadership Perspectives

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES ADVICE FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Is there anything about being in city leadership that surprised you?

Anne Barrington Councilmember Parker, Colorado (pop. 64,031)

What advice would you give to new city leaders?

Having spent a considerable portion of my career in city government, I had the benefit of working closely with previous city leaders so for the most part I knew what to expect, but even having had a sense of it, I am continuously humbled by how passionate our city workforce is about their work.

Public service is a calling that attracts very talented people who are willing to forego a lot to serve their communities, and I try very hard every day never to take that for granted.

Don’t have an agenda. There are so many people who run on one item or topic thinking they will change the world or the town by themselves. In my case, five other councilmembers need to agree. You also need to have thick skin and not get worked up about what everyone is saying about you.

You can’t make everyone happy all the time.

You have to make hard and often unpopular decisions, but you have your finger on the pulse of what is going on in the town, and that’s really fun.

Jake Pawlak Deputy Mayor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (pop. 303,413)

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Is there anything about city leadership that surprised you?

Just how much I love doing it. Because I’ve watched it several years before I ran, and I never thought I’d be an elected official.

When I thought of elect officials I thought ‘politician.’ However, it’s not about that.

I have to look up to see what the political affiliations of our commissioners are because it’s not about that. It’s about being local.

Also, I wasn’t expecting to see how the old and the new can come together in our city.

I grew up in Auburndale and I get there are certain things that you don’t want to see change but I also know that progress is inevitable, so I love seeing how we can incorporate the two together.

Jennifer Adams Councilmember Tempe, Arizona (pop. 191,336)

What tool has been invaluable to your success?

The tools that have been invaluable to my success would be social media and monthly email newsletters. Staying in constant communication with constituents – whether it’s letting them know what you’re up to or informing them of activities in their community – opens the door for them to feel comfortable emailing or approaching you at events and asking for assistance. And assisting our residents is why we all do this work.

Dorothea Bogert Mayor Auburndale, FL (pop. 21,432)

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EXPLORING THE SITE SELECTION & SUPER FANS OF TRADER JOE’S

By Suzanne Wentley

E

rika Alvarez, a new mother in Camarillo, California, loves Trader Joe’s. She really, really loves Trader Joe’s. You could call her a superfan.

“I’m Trader Joe’s number-one cheerleader,” she said. “It’s not a normal grocery store.”

She isn’t alone in her loyalty to the company. They actually enjoy a quiet cult-like status.

“I’ve always loved Trader Joe’s,” Ms. Alvarez said. “It brings the community together.”

like to see in Parker, and Trader Joe’s definitely topped that list.”

When Trader Joe’s comes to town, it brings in more than just neighborhood shoppers. New businesses open and visitors from other towns and cities come, too. You could call it “The Trader Joe’s Effect” — stable employment for residents, a friendly atmosphere, and a popularity that attracts economic growth.

Maybe it’s the great meat selection, the crave-worthy, private-label snacks, or their perfect house-brand seasonings. Maybe it’s the fact that the uniform includes Hawaiian shirts or that kids can earn a free lollipop or stickers for finding the store’s hidden stuffed animal mascot.

Attracting Trader Joe’s to Your Town

It’s such a popular grocery store that cities vie to be next on the list for a store location. Trader Joe’s has around 600 locations throughout the United States. Owned by Aldi Nord, it employs more than 50,000 people who have marine-themed titles like crew, mates, and captains.

According to Donnie Martin, Trader Joe’s vice president of real estate and construction, only 20 percent of the site submittals pass the company’s tests and receive an internal review. Then, only half of those reviews move on to the next stage of development. In 2022, they were considering around 200 to 219 new sites, which can take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years to open.

“It was a big deal for Trader Joe’s to open in Parker,” said Councilwoman Anne Barrington of Parker, Colorado. “Our economic development team surveyed residents about which retailers they’d most

Happy employees make happy customers, and those happy people are happy residents. But it’s not so easy for elected officials to get the attention of Trader Joe’s.

“We have to stay focused. Our goal is to get 20 to 25 stores a year opened,” he

said in a company podcast interview. “If we took on every request and spent time looking into every one of those, our focus and our drive shifts.”

When the company expanded into Colorado in 2014, many property owners, brokers, developers, and town representatives from Parker worked to recruit them.

For years, Councilwoman Barrington said Trader Joe’s considered Parker as a potential location — in the future.

She knew that Trader Joe’s was primarily interested in towns with larger populations, even though the stores were relatively small. One study found the stores are usually under 15,000 square feet and carry about 4,000 units of inventory. Walmart, in comparison, can be as large as 186,000 square feet with an average of 5,208 units of inventory.

A spokeswoman for Trader Joe’s confirmed that community size and density

The Trader Joe’s Effect on Communities

— along with accessibility of building — were key factors in their expansion plans.

“Since Trader Joe’s began in 1967, we have been in growth mode,” Nakia Rohde, a spokeswoman for Trader Joe’s, wrote in an email to Community Playmaker. “Our goal is always to bring delicious products at great value to as many people and neighborhoods as we can. The best way to do that is to open more stores.”

“They’re a foundation for our community, and not only for our residents. People

Parker currently has around 65,000 residents, but the nearby surrounding communities double the density. Eventually, the town grew enough both in population and affluence to catch the attention of the company. Trader Joe’s picked a property right next to the town’s Costco, which is one of the busiest in the state.

“I don’t think just any community would be as apt to shop at a Trader Joe’s. They also look for an affluent community,” Councilwoman Barrington said. According to Data USA, the median household income in Parker was $126,615 in 2022.

To compare, the national median household income during that time is $75,149.

will drive for miles just to shop there.”

directly with the commercial real estate developer rather than the company. Even though they were excited about the store, Trader Joe’s had to go through the permitting process just like everyone else.

She explained that before the store opened, the planning department worked

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For Parker, the Trader Joe’s effect was an economic driver that went well beyond the 70 new, stable jobs filled mostly by residents. In the last two years, new businesses have been opening with the additional commercial traffic in the area.

“They’re a foundation for our communi ty, and not only for our residents. People will drive for miles just to shop there,” Councilwoman Barrington said. “We love that because that brings sales tax dollars into Parker, and that funds our town.”

It’s hard to imagine people talking this way about almost any other grocery chain in America. Trader Joe’s is well-loved, despite lacking social media, advertising, or other outreach initiatives beyond an inhouse podcast and a newsletter called The Fearless Flyer.

Image Sources: AdobeStock

“They don’t have a marketing department because they don’t need it,” Ms. Alvarez continued. “We don’t even run sales.”

Instead, each store quietly supports its home neighborhood. Murals specifically designed to highlight local attractions and history fill the walls. They also donate leftover food regularly to local nonprofits, totaling $469 million worth of donations in 2023 alone.

They also take extra care of their employees who make, on average, around $35,700, according to ZipRecruiter.

Walmart employees, on average, make around $25,000, according to Indeed. com.

Trader Joe’s employees also get a store discount, healthcare options, and consistent raises. Plus, the staff rotates responsibilities every hour to keep everyone fresh throughout their workdays. If a crew member doesn’t want to stock frozen foods one day, they don’t have to.

It wasn’t long before she got to know the people who worked there. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be there, she said. So, when she got laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, she applied to work in the store. She worked there for two years as a crew member before taking maternity leave with her baby, Stella.

In an interview for the Trader Joe’s podcast, CEO Bryan Palbaum said fun is a byproduct of simply allowing the people who work there to be themselves. There are no plans to install self-checkouts because they prefer to encourage human-to-human interactions. The low employee turnover rate should be no surprise.

“Every day when I go to work, it’s a good place to be,” she said. “We want everyone to be excited to come into the store and feel like it’s a unique experience.”

“We have so many people that have been here for quite a long period of time. I’ve been here myself for almost 21 years,” Mr. Palbaum said. “We’re not trying to change anybody.”

Trader Joe’s Creates Superfans Ms. Alvarez remembers going to Trader Joe’s while growing up in Sacramento, but she fell in love with the company when she moved to the Ventura area with her husband. She didn’t know anyone, and she made a habit of going to Trader Joe’s every day during the lunch hour of her full-time job in the tech industry. Her coworkers were always jealous of her “gourmet meals,” which also happened to be easy and affordable.

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Ms. Alvarez said she never thought that she would be working at a grocery store after years in the tech industry. But she said it feels good to know that her coworkers and customers truly care about her, just as she cares about them.

The Trader Joe’s Phenomenon: A Community Pillar Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a community anchor. Parker, Colorado, exemplifies the “Trader Joe’s Effect,” where the store boosts local commerce and fosters community pride.

Erika Alvarez’s transition from tech to Trader Joe’s crew member highlights the brand’s unique appeal and supportive environment.

Trader Joe’s success lies in its simplicity: great products, warm atmosphere, and genuine connections.

It’s a model where employees thrive, customers feel valued, and communities flourish. In an era of big box dominance, Trader Joe’s offers a refreshing, community-focused alternative.”

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speculoos cookie butter

Many people were introduced to TJ’s through their cookie butter, originally inspired by speculoos, a spiced Christmas cookie from Holland and Belgium. In 2007, a spread made from Biscoff cookies, a type of speculoos, became a sensation in Belgium and was added to TJ’s lineup in 2011. Since then, TJ’s has expanded the cookie butter into other products, including ice cream and cheesecake, fueling a fanbase so loyal that it has caused shortages in the U.S. and sparked a resell market in other parts of the globe.

everything but the bagel

There’s nothing like seasoning that just works on everything.

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Blend is a hearty mix of sesame seeds (white and black), poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt flakes that brings that extra little boost to foods like eggs, grilled chicken, French fries, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. Since the 1970s, bagels sprinkled (see doused) with various seasonings have been a favorite in New York City bagel shops. Trader Joe’s introduced its blend in 2017. Since then, it’s been a dynamic staple of the TJ’s lineup.

mandarin orange chicken

Portuguese Custard Tarts

TJ’s has earned a reputation for top-notch frozen dinners, with Mandarin Orange Chicken being a standout. Pan-frying the chicken creates a crispy coating that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce, making it a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the price.

Named TJ’s top item in 2021, it’s also great for leftovers.

A little dessert to finish us off. TJ’s has a ton of options, but when you want to be bougie on a budget, go with the Portuguese Custard Tarts. Inspired by Pastéis de Nata, a beloved dessert in Portugal, these tarts are velvety (and not overly) sweet custard, encased in a phyllo shell that has been described as a cross between a croissant and a creme brûlée. TJ’s imports the treat from Portugal, adding a certain air of sophistication to the dessert whether eating with friends or shoving the four-pack in your mouth while watching the Big Brother season premiere.

“With LS&S, we have been able to significantly increase the level of service to the community, while also reducing annual costs.”

FULL PAGE AD

- Mayor of Moreno Valley, CA

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Feature Data

THE ECONOMICS OF CONCERTS (TAYLOR’S VERSION)

By Cameron Connelly

A world record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.

First concert tour to gross $1 billion.

The record for the highest number of tickets sold in one day.

Became a billionaire – the first person to do so with music being the main source of income.

All at the age of 33

T

o say it’s been a great year for Taylor Swift would be a massive understatement. The same can be said for Taylor Swift’s fans. With the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert movie, and three albums released in the past year, there is no shortage of content for swifties to consume.

The only thing that might upset a “swiftie” this year is finding out that they have been dethroned as the pop icon’s biggest fans.

That title may be claimed by the destination marketing organizations (DMOs) of cities hosting Swift concerts.

Image Source: Carson Schlather

Wildest Dreams Nobody wants Taylor Swift to perform in their area more than the organizations in charge of promoting their communities to music-loving travelers. And the economic impact data related to the Eras Tour backs that up. Now, every host city is saying “see you again,” even if it is just in their wildest dreams.

Typically, when calculating the economic impact of an event, every $100 spent on a live performance will result in around $300 of ancillary spending on hotel rooms, food, and travel. But, according

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to the U.S. Travel Association, “swifties” spent an average of $1,300 on travel, hotels, food, and merchandise on top of what they spent on the ticket.

This level of spending is on par with what Super Bowl attendees typically spend.

Only instead of happening once a year in a single city, the Eras Tour had this impact on 20 cities across the country spread across 53 shows in just five months.

It was estimated by the market research firm, QuestionPro, that by the end of the U.S. leg of the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift will have contributed to a $5 billion boost

to the nation’s economy. And while she certainly boosted hotel, dining, and retail revenue in the cities that the tour stopped in, her impact didn’t stop there.

After starting a friendship-bracelet craze with lyrics from her song, “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” the Chief Merchandising Officer of Michael’s Stores, John Gehre, reported that sales in the jewelry category had gone up 40 percent chainwide with increases of 300 percent in tour cities.

“champagne problems” The highest-grossing concert tour in modern history may be coming to a close, but if you aspire to host a game-changing concert in the future, you need to be prepared. While the cities that Swift visited on her tour are all big cities that you have likely heard of before, what’s more important than their reputation and population is their infrastructure.

Several U.S. cities announced that the Eras Tour had helped to boost travel and tourism in the area. Chicago broke their all-time record for hotel room occupancy, Seattle hotels made $2 million more in revenue than they did during the MLB All-Star Game, and many cities even drew in tens of thousands of “Taylor-gaters” or fans who gather outside of stadiums to hear the concert from the parking lot or nearby parks. Tour cities compared each concert’s economic impact with the Super Bowl.

To host such an act, your city needs to be prepared to accommodate those big numbers. The average number of attendees for the Eras Tour was 70,000 people. So, if your goal is to have Taylor perform, then you are looking at a stadium and downtown that can entertain 70,000 people on top of the usual crowds.

MetLife Stadium

East Rutherford, New Jersey (Capacity: 82,500)

Swift had three record-breaking shows with a final night attendance of 72,802 and a three-day total of 217,625.

AT&T Stadium Arlington, Texas (Capacity: 80,000)

Swift was the first artist to perform three days in a row at AT&T Stadium and broke their 3-day attendance record with 210,607 swifties.

Nissan Stadium Nashville, Tennessee (Capacity: 69,143)

Swift broke the single-event attendance record at Nissan Stadium on her first night there, and then proceeded to break her own record the next two nights. Her third and final show attracted around 71,000 people, resulting in a total of 212,000 swifties over three days.

Lumen Field

Seattle, Washington (Capacity: 68,740)

Swift broke U2’s record of 70,000 fans with 72,171 swifties in a single night.

Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Capacity: 68,400)

Swift’s concert was attended by 73,117 people, the largest single-day attendance in the stadium’s history.

Image Sources: AdobeStock

OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 17

“Swift Lift” Economic Impact (Taylor’s Version)

Feature Data

20 | 5 | 53 cities

months

$1,300

average amount spent by "Swifties" on travel, hotels, food, and merchandise

shows

70,000

*According to the U.S. Travel Association

100.5%

average number of “Swifties” per show

sales boost experienced by Foxborough, MA hotels within a 10-mile radius of the concert venue

$5 billion

*32.1% average sales boost experienced by hotels within a 10-mile radius of the concert venues*

estimated boost to the U.S. economy from The Eras Tour's U.S. shows

68%

*As estimated by the market research firm, QuestionPro

average sales boost experienced by restaurants within a 2.5-mile radius of the concert venues

GLENDALE, AZ

KANSAS CITY, MOby restaurants SANTA CLARA, CA sales boost experienced in

168-172%

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Glendale, AZ, Kansas City, MO, and Santa Clara, CA *within a 2.5-mile radius of the concert venues

Artwork Source: Tristan Makaroff

Image Source: Carson Schlather

A large venue is necessary for hosting large concerts, but having a downtown with the capacity and personality to host the pre-game and after-party for that many people is much more important when creating the full experience. According to information from the Mastercard Economic Institute, restaurants within a 2.5-mile radius of the concert venues saw average spending growth increases of 68 percent during the days of the concerts. Cities like Glendale, AZ, Kansas City, MO, and Santa Clara, CA experienced the highest increases of 168172 percent! This “swift lift” also affected hotels in a 10-mile radius of the concert venue, with an average sales boost of 32.1 percent. Foxborough, MA, saw the greatest boost with an increase of 100.5 percent.

…Ready For It? While this tour has been great for all the cities it traveled through, it was a bit of a cruel summer for the small and mid-sized cities that don’t have the draw to host such a concert.

For all the cities that feel like The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived, hosting 70,000+ people might feel impossible. That’s because it is impossible. Thankfully, most music tours need routing gigs (or smaller shows in between anchor dates of a tour) in smaller cities with smaller venues to fill the gap between anchor dates in big cities.

While her Eras Tour didn’t have any

Image Source: Amy Bonvillain

routing gigs, Taylor Swift’s first tour, the Fearless Tour, went through several small venues with capacities of 10,000 people. While still selling out Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, during that same tour.

The economic benefits of attracting artists and music lovers to your area can be great no matter the size of your stadium. There won’t be hundreds of articles written about the impacts of the concerts you host, but their impact on both the economy and the community will be noticeable.

I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) [From The Vault] The Eras Tour was more than just a concert tour; it was an economic catalyst, a community builder, and a benchmark for future events to be compared. As the final notes fade and alphabet beads start to come back in stock, the legacy of Taylor Swift’s Era Tour will continue to resonate,

inspiring cities to embrace the economic potential of the arts and entertainment industry.

As Taylor herself said, “Just go for it, or don’t. But don’t wait.” Great advice for communities thinking about branding themselves as a music destination. Despite the original quote being in response to a question about the “five-second rule” and starting with, “If what you have dropped is sticky, do not eat it off the ground. Otherwise, you make the call.”

Still true.

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How Cities Are Rebranding Themselves as Pickleball Meccas

By Jake Kring-Schreifels

M

ike Welter can’t wait for new pickleball courts to open. The 72-year-old Cape Coral resident has been playing the paddle sport since 2009 when he and his tennis partner participated in a local pickleball clinic and dominated the competition. After buying paddles online, he began playing on makeshift badminton courts, petitioned Lee County, Florida to build official outdoor courts, and has spent the last 15 years dinking and dunking each day with his wife and friends.

Soon, he’ll have even more opportunities to play. This summer, Cape Coral received a major boost to its recreational landscape with ‘The Courts, Cape Coral,’ a state-of-the-art 32-court pickleball complex that will grow the city’s reputation as an emerging pickleball destination. The facility also holds 12 tennis courts, a pro shop, and concessions, offering membership plans to residents eager for more access and ready to take part in larger pickleball tournaments.

“The courts are absolutely top-rate gorgeous,” Welter says.

“We’re raring to go.”

The racquet center’s addition is a testament to pickleball’s exponential popularity over the last few years. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America, boasting more than 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S., a number estimated in

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a 2023 study by the Association of Pickleball Professionals. And while there are 10,000 places to play pickleball and over 44,000 courts, they aren’t enough to meet the insatiable demand for the sport. Responding to this demand presents a challenge for city leaders to satisfy the desires of residents. It also creates a great opportunity to catch a tidal wave that can pay economic development dividends.

The Pickleball Capital of the World For a look at pickleball’s placemaking potential, Cape Coral leaders and residents don’t have to look very far. Nearly an hour south of Cape Coral is Naples, which many consider as the country’s pickleball capital. Naples city leaders have spent recent years investing millions into its pickleball-dotted community parks, including the Naples Pickleball Center, which hosts 300-400 players per day. Another local venue, East Naples Community “The courts are Park, hosts the Minto US OPEN Pickleball absolutely topChampionships Powrate gorgeous,” ered by Margaritaville, the largest pickWelter says. leball championship “We’re raring to in North America. go.”

The combination of courts for residents and large, tourism-driving tournaments are a part of the mix that has made Naples one of the nation’s more desirable locales (Naples has been ranked number two on the best places to live U.S. News & World Report’s Florida list).

Pickleball’s Number 1 Contender There are a number of communities looking to establish pickleball supremacy. One of the most prominent is Macon, Georgia, whose Tattnall Square Pickleball & Tennis Center has attracted a loyal player population with its 26 recreational courts over the last several years. But it made a bigger splash last year when the city converted an unused portion of the Macon Mall into the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility. Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events features 32 climate-controlled courts, along with a pro shop and concessions, and plays host to tournaments, leagues, and training sessions.

“We knew that we had the demand for growth in the pickleball market before we knew that Rhythm & Rally would physically work,” says Alex Morrison, Macon’s director of Planning and Public Spaces, as well as the executive director of the Urban Development Authority. “It’s really been impressive to see tournaments coming here that would have never before considered Macon and have an excellent experience.”

As Morrison notes, Macon’s decision to

Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies

22 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • OCTOBER 2024

double down and go all-in on pickleball can be attributed to the city’s robust number of players, its own pickleball association, and the general growth of the sport. It also helped that the underused mall’s location— in the center of the community—made Rhythm & Rally a practical destination that could foster the return of surrounding businesses with tourist and tournament-player dollars. Most importantly, the sport fits in with the city’s established cultural identifiers—namely, its musical heritage, museums, and a vibrant downtown bar and restaurant scene.

“This particular facility is right next to a new amphitheater with a capacity that holds up to 12,000 people,” says Macon’s Mayor Lester Miller. “It gives [traveling players] a chance to get a little taste of Macon, but the sport is certainly a gateway into our community.”

Macon leaders believe this commitment will pay dividends over the next couple of decades as pickleball grows into a larger national sport and

“I ju st left a convention in 527 Savannah with bably mayors, and pro hem two-thirds of t t asked me abou en what we’ve be on doing in Macon rena,” the pickleball a Miller says.

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Image Source: The Sports Facilities Companies.

projects to roll out several major tournaments, similar to “Grand Slams” seen in golf and tennis. “It’s our ambition that Macon is the home of one of those,” says Rhythm & Rally General Manager John Roberts. “I want Rhythm & Rally and Tatnall to be a pilgrimage site for pickleball enthusiasts, in the same way that Augusta National is for golf enthusiasts, or the All England Club is for tennis fans, or Lambeau Field is for football fans.”

communities. “I just left a convention in Savannah with 527 mayors, and probably two-thirds of them asked me about what we’ve been doing in Macon on the pickleball arena,” Miller says. A pickleball player himself, Miller often dispenses the city’s numbers and figures to them while offering encouragement, explaining the sport’s strong economic impact, its health benefits, and the continued need for more courts.

The optimism is inspired by what Macon has already become. The city now has 59 total courts across a two-mile corridor serving a population of over 155,000 residents, and Miller notes that it has fostered great relationships between authorities, local government, and pickleball associations.

The blueprint is there.

“We don’t mind growing the sport in the state of Georgia as long as we can be one of the key places that people go to,” he says, referring to Rhythm & Rally. “Everybody has a property in their communities that they believe they can convert to this.”

“Beyond the raw numbers, I’ve been to several different pickleball communities throughout the southeast, and there’s not one that comes close to the Macon pickleball community in terms of camaraderie and gregariousness,” Morrison says. “The communal spirit that exists specifically within Macon pickleball is unique within the larger pickleball sphere.”

Naturally, Miller has been inundated by other lawmakers and officials asking for tours of Macon to learn how their own towns can turn into pickleball-friendly

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Community Development

NO BEACH? NO PROBLEM

DESTINATIONS TAP INTO THEIR COMMUNITY’S CULTURAL AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS TO ATTRACT VISITORS AND NEW RESIDENTS

By Matt Swenson

Image Source: City of Albuquerque

B

ethlehem, Pennsylvania Mayor J. William Reynolds isn’t exaggerating when he says he couldn’t imagine his hometown without Musikfest. The 43-year-old was born two years before the August festival’s launch in 1984, and he can’t remember a year missing the event. Fittingly, Reynolds’ son was born during last year’s MusikFest.

A record 1.3 million people made their way to the 10-day event in 2023 – a boon financially and culturally for Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley. Not every destination is blessed to be steps from a beach or at the foot of a mountain, but many cities are finding creative ways to showcase their strengths and local flavors.

“I can tell you that Musikfest and the vibe that brings people here is the same vibe that makes people want to live here, work here, stay here, and raise a family here,” said Reynolds.

Finding a niche through a festival, incentive program, or other cultural phenomenon is proving effective in an era affected by pandemic-era population shifts and the rise in remote work opportunities.

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Here, we look at how three communities, including Bethlehem, are riding a wave of self-made popularity.

Albuquerque, New Mexico Typically, the sound of a toilet flushing is a metaphor for money going to waste. But the City of Albuquerque is turning the old adage on its head.

The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the 52nd overall – will be the first with working plumbing. The upgrades are part of a $5.8 million infra-

and several countries including Germany, Portugal, Canada, and the United Kingdom, comprise the visitors and competing balloonists.

Economic reports place attendee spending at more than $19 million at local restaurants and $43 million for lodging.

The results yield $2.51 million in lodgers’ tax and hospitality fees for the Albuquerque area.

In 2023, attendance at the Balloon Fiesta reached a record

Sengel added that many of the 40 food vendors and 40 merchandisers who serve festivalgoers make as much in Fiesta’s one week as they do during the rest of the year combined. Many balloonists choose to live in the area to enjoy the vast air space and pristine blue skies – rumored to be the inspiration for the beginning of “The Simpsons” opening credits.

high of 968,516

“If you take the balloons, the landscape, and our blue skies and put them together, it really paints an incredible palette for us to capitalize on the beauty of New Mexico,” said Sengel.

Image Source: City of Albuquerque

structure improvement at Balloon Fiesta Park, a project made possible by the international festival that soars to new heights each year.

The October event is responsible for an estimated annual economic impact of $203 million and has deep-rooted emotional ties. “It is an incredible showpiece for our city and our state,” said Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel. “It is a truly cherished event for our community that lives here, bringing folks from all across the state and the world.”

Originally conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of a local television station (KOB) in 1972, the fiesta began in the parking lot of Coronado Center Mall and featured a mere 13 balloons. Little did the 10,000 guests in attendance know they were witnessing the launch of an iconic event.

In 2023, attendance reached a record high of 968,516 – well within the shadow of 1 million attendees. That figure is a nearly 140,000 jump from the 828,800 at the 2022 Fiesta, which marked the event’s first half-century. Residents of 44 other states

Looking to build on the Fiesta’s global reputation, Albuquerque continues to invest in Balloon Fiesta Park, which the city owns and operates. Beyond the plumbing upgrades, electrical improvements, Wi-Fi, pedestrian walkways, and increased parking are planned for the facility.

The projects will not only increase the experience for the Balloon Fiesta but also provide capacity for more events at the park, including a cricket tournament featuring American and international athletes, which was held there this year.

There’s also hope Albuquerque will be successful in its bid to attract a minor league soccer team that would play at a new stadium on the park’s grounds.

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Community Development

A record 1.3 million people made their way to the 10-day MusikFest in 2023

Image Sources: Discover Lehigh Valley

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Over the course of Mayor Reynolds’ lifetime, Musikfest has grown into the nation’s largest free music festival and one of the top events in the Northeastern United States. Lehigh Valley is a short drive from New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., yet 1.33 million attendees in 2023 came from 45 states and 10 countries. Kassie Hilgert, president and CEO of ArtsQuest, the nonprofit organization

responsible for Musikfest, placed the economic impact at $77 million last year.

Despite its expansion, the festival has never strayed from its roots. A former steel town, Bethlehem faced a choice of standing idly as its primary industry lost steam or creating a new yet still authentic identity. Hilgert explained music was a natural choice given the community’s Moravian heritage, which dates back to a group of

immigrants from Germany who settled near the Lehigh River in 1741. Musicians were a part of the first settlers from this group and are credited with establishing arguably the oldest musical group in America, the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir.

In 1984, a new tradition made for and by the people of Lehigh Valley began. To this day, Musikfest remains an all-volunteer endeavor that is almost entirely free – except for one stage featuring household names. A pivotal moment in the festival’s history occurred in 2011 with the integration of the city’s revitalized SteelStacks – a 10-acre arts-based campus that doubled Musikfest’s imprint and changed the experience.

“The festival now has two distinct personalities: One on the south side and one on the north side,” said Hilgert.

The expansion allowed more local businesses to showcase their offerings to outof-towners, building a reputation almost

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as powerful as the headline acts in terms of drawing power.

“Musikfest is really a kind of commercial for what our community is all about,” said Reynolds. “People come together from all over the place. Sometimes, you know the people, sometimes you don’t. You’re walking around; you’re hearing good music; you’re supporting small businesses, and you’re spending time with each other.”

Tulsa, Oklahoma At the turn of the 20th century, prospectors struck black gold in Tulsa, which held the title of the Oil Capital of the World until the 1970s. Flowing almost as freely as the crude in the early 1900s were those planting their roots in the city. While trying to cash in, these citizens enriched Tulsa with their dedication to growing the community into a place where people would want to work and live.

In a sense, history is repeating itself with outsiders settling down and proactively joining a community-wide effort to invest in Tulsa.

Among the biggest draws is the Tulsa Remote program, conceived of and funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

Starting in 2019, the initiative paid outof-towners $10,000 to live in Tulsa for a year – the idea being that remote workers would enjoy the cost of living and cultural amenities so much they would want to stay.

Perhaps ahead of its time in 2019, the program became a catalyst for moving in a rapidly changing economy in which remote work gained acceptance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, more than 3,000 individuals have been

awarded the financial stipend to live in Tulsa, and 94 percent have elected to stay, said Mayor George “G.T.” Bynum.

on the city council two years later. After eight years in the council, he became mayor in 2016.

“When it was first proposed, I think all of us were a little worried that it sounded pretty desperate,” the mayor said of the incentive program. “It really ended up being a very effective marketing tool for our city.”

Even those not interested in politics are responsible for a gold rush of economic development, said Bynum. Taxpayers have shown the willingness to pay for culturally enriching venues such as the BOK Center, USA BMX Headquarters and Hall of Fame, and the ongoing redevelopment of the Gilcrease Museum, an arts center managed by the University of Tulsa.

Bynum compared the program’s competitiveness to admittance into an Ivy League university. Among the deciding factors is the Kaiser Foundation seeks out individuals with a history of giving back to their city, which has played out in Tulsa as well.

Bynum, who is not seeking a third term in office, noted one of the top mayoral candidates in the 2024 election is a person who moved to the city through the remote work program.

Without those projects, the remote workers may never have gained interest in Tulsa, noted the mayor. “We’re on a 22-year run now at this point of Tulsans investing in our community in record-level ways,” boasted Bynum.

As Bynum can attest, Tulsa presents the opportunity for young professionals to become active in civic interests. The mayor, for instance, grew up in Tulsa before going to Villanova University in Philadelphia and then worked as a Senate aide in Washington, D.C. He returned home to start a family and was

Image Sources: Visit Tulsa

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SPORT

CENTRIC SPORTS TOURISM IS INCREASINGLY SEEN AS A WAY FOR DESTINATIONS TO DEFINE THEMSELVES AS A PLACE TO VISIT AND LIVE

By Matt Swenson

I

n 1924, America’s best swimmers competed at an Indianapolis public swimming pool called Broad Ripple Park for a spot in the Summer Games in Paris. One century later, Indianapolis once again hosted the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials before the Summer Games in Paris.

accomplished what destinations across the country are striving toward – namely using sports as a placemaker to attract millions of visitors annually and drive new residents to the region. Here, we examine how three destinations, including Indy, have caught on to the sports bandwagon.

History may have repeated itself, but many details have changed over 100 years. In fact, Indianapolis drew a new blueprint for hosting the country’s largest swimming meet by constructing a swimming pool at Lucas Oil Stadium - the first time an NFL stadium has been used for the event. A record crowd enjoyed the action at the transformed competition venue, which is now the model for Los Angeles, employing SoFi Stadium as its aquatics center for the 2028 Summer Games.

As if hosting the world’s largest single-day sporting event wasn’t enough, Indy was known as the country’s “Amateur Sports Capital” by the time the NCAA moved its headquarters there from Kansas City in 1999. Now, with a resumé including hosting Super Bowl XLVI, the entire 2021 NCAA Basketball Tournament plus seven other Men’s Final Fours and three Women’s National Semifinals, the 2022 BCS College Football Championship, and dozens of marquee youth and amateur regional and national championships, it’s hard to find a city more associated with sports than Indianapolis.

Indianapolis continues to make a splash as a destination for sports. In many ways, it has

INDIANAPOLIS

As the saying goes, the rich keep getting richer. Indianapolis has erected statues for native son John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, and NFL legend Peyton Manning, and sports a 60-ft. mural of Pacers icon Reggie Miller. City

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officials may want to save a space for a tribute to women’s basketball sensation Caitlin Clark – the jackpot when the Indiana Fever won the WNBA Draft Lottery.

“Sometimes things go your way and sometimes you make your own luck,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy since 2012.

Clark’s arrival may be a result of good fortune, as Hoops notes. But most of the massive sports success is a result of city officials like Hoops (great name!) capitalizing on signature moments that present future opportunities.

The effort predates that memorable 1924 swim meet – by exactly one year. You see, in 1923, Indianapolis was looking to put itself on the map. Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 (the first Indy 500 occurred in 1911), so it made sense to latch onto sports and events, said Hoops, explaining the CVB’s origins.

“There is definitely a benefit to elevating the brand of a destination as a place not just to visit but to live, as a result of hosting events,” notes Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy

opening led to the 2012 Super Bowl when Indianapolis introduced the Super Bowl Village concept to the NFL.“ The beauty of this is Indy has continued to [invest in sports], regardless of whether it was

Democrats or Republicans running the city,” said Hoops, noting the city council unanimously approved a $20 million convention center expansion in 2020 after the pandemic struck.

“Sports and events are nonpartisan here.”

Hoops points to 1987 as a major turning point – when Indianapolis hosted the first Pan Am Games and the NFL Combine first moved there. The success begat more gains, with major events ushering in the development of new hotels – 12 are now connected via skywalk to the Indiana Convention Center – as well as restaurants and amenities that attract visitors and residents.

The city sold a record number of hotel rooms in June 2024 when the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race overlapped with the

Image Sources: Indiana Sports Corp

In 1979, Indiana Sports Corporation was created to expand those efforts. A commitment to sports led to the building of a football stadium before the city had a team (the Colts moved from Baltimore in 1984). Gamebridge Fieldhouse, home to the Pacers and Fever, opened in 1999 as Conseco, and Lucas Oil Stadium’s 2008

Indiana Sports Corporation is founded as the country’s first sports commission

Indianapolis hosts its first Final Four at Market Square Arena

Hoosier Dome is erected, before an NFL team exists in the city

Baltimore Colts relocate to become the Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis hosts the Pan Am Games

Conseco Fieldhouse (currently Gainbridge Fieldhouse) is erected

1979

1980

1984

1984

1987

1999

National Eucharistic Congress, which attracted 50,000 Catholics, according to Hoops.

Hoops said conventions and sports generate about $1 billion annually, not counting nearby Grand Park’s enormous tourism footprint in Westfield, Indiana. The Indiana Sports Corp alone is responsible for a $4 billion impact since its inception. Much more is in the hopper – World Wrestling Entertainment announced its three marquee events – Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam – are coming to Indy, and the city is competing to host a future NFL Draft and bring back the USA Swimming trials. The trick is timing sporting events so they don’t conflict with conventions, which book further out, a feat Hoops compared to a complicated form of Tetris.

Hosting events puts a spotlight on the city that not only draws visitors but attracts new residents, including college students who opt for Butler University – made famous for its back-to-back Final Four runs. Hoops adds that large organizations and corporations are also attracted to Indianapolis after enjoying their experience during events.

“There is definitely a benefit to elevating the brand of a destination as a place not just to visit but to live, as a result of hosting events,” he said.

Image Sources: The Sports Facilities Companies

MORRISTOWN, TN As the mayor of the traditionally blue-collar town that’s invested in manufacturing, Gary Chesney has spent the better part of his first eight years in office dedicated to improving Morristown’s quality of life. The tangible result of this effort is Morristown Landing, a sports-centric community center that exceeds all expectations.

NCAA Headquarters relocates from Kansas City

The RCA Dome is imploded to make way for Lucas Oil Stadium

Super Bowl XLVI takes over Indianapolis

Indianapolis hosts the entirety of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament

1999

2008

2012

2021

Image Sources: Go Round Rock

“We had a very successful parks and recreation program, but we needed more,” Chesney explained.

The feeling is echoed not just by the local government that turned the longstanding dream into a reality, but also by the city’s residents who took the unusual step of embracing a tax increase to fund the $32 million bond needed for the Landing.

“Not everybody is excited about seeing their property tax rate go up $0.25,” said Mayor Chesney, noting how little pushback the city received. “People saw their tax dollars going to work immediately.”

That initial excitement has carried over into multi-faceted uses for the center. Its 10-lane swimming pool distinguishes Morristown Landing from other sports offerings in the Smokey Mountain region.

Adults enjoy aquatics exercise, and the pool has made a splash with kids during family-themed holiday events and camps.

Meanwhile, local companies have turned to the center for much-needed meeting space. More than 150 events were held at the Landing in its first year, according to Steve Eaton, general manager of Morristown Landing.

“The combination of assets and amenities seems to have struck a chord within this community,” said Eaton.

The center has attracted more than 6,000 memberships – a number that’s expected to rise to 7,000 by year’s end, said Eaton.

And it appears an expansion will be in order in the not-so-distant future and Eaton is also eager to start a local swimming team based at the facility.

When attempting to right-size the facility, Morristown estimated on the conservative side. The 26,400-sq-ft. field house features four hardwood basketball courts that can be converted into six volleyball and up to 12 pickleball courts – good numbers for a small town but not as large as what’s available in Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and the Tri-Cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, popular sports tourism destinations in the Volunteer State.

However, the facility’s first year demonstrated how valuable it is. “We’ve hit membership numbers we didn’t expect to for another five years,” said Eaton, whose background includes three decades with Disney.

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Morristown uses its location and partnership with leading recreation venue operator The Sports Facilities Companies to its advantage, highlighting outdoor activities and amenities the larger destinations of-

fer. Meanwhile, two new hotels are under construction that will be within a mile of the Landing. They will be within walking distance of restaurants and retail, creating an economic development district.

Chesney added that free membership is offered to government workers and reduced rates for city residents as a way to promote health and encourage current citizens to stay while attracting population growth.

Both Chesney and Eaton point to the multigenerational interest in the Landing as a key to its success. In that regard, it truly is a community center.

“We wanted to be able to reach out to all age groups and all incomes,” said the mayor.

ROUND ROCK, TX It’s no small thing to lay claim to being the Sports Capital of Texas, yet Round Rock lives up to its big billing. The suburb of Austin is bullish on youth and amateur sporting events because athletes are often accompanied by their parents, siblings, extended relatives, and friends. It also aligns with the city’s stellar public education, one of the main drawing points for attracting residents like Mayor Craig

S

S T R O P EVENT S

Statewide and National Events Held in Round Rock Include: • USA Judo Senior National Championships • Texas State Taekwondo Championships • iSET College Table Tennis National Championships • USA Deaf Basketball National Tournament • NIRSA Collegiate Club Soccer National Championships • Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association National Championships • US Quadball (formerly Quidditch) Cup • National cheer and dance competitions

OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 35

Morgan, originally from Odessa, TX – the city at the center of “Friday Night Lights.”

Round Rock Sports Center’s opening in 2014 is seen as the sports tourism catalyst for Round Rock. Since then, the city has seen $162 million in economic activity from the sector, said Chad McKenzie, director of Sports Management and Tourism at Go Round Rock. That includes the addition of Round Rock Multipurpose Complex, a 60-acre outdoor facility that attracts soccer, lacrosse, football, and various other sports.

“Our location within the U.S. and within Texas really sets us up as a prime spot to be,” said Mayor Morgan. “But the competition is clearly getting much more competitive.”

Perhaps the greatest testimonial to the value of the sports center is the city’s eagerness to expand its offerings. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, adding two more courts so it can hold eight basketball courts that can be converted to 16 volleyball courts.

multi-purpose complex

The $22 million project comes out of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected when out-of-towners stay in one of Round Rock’s 4,959 hotel rooms. Round Rock has made sports tourism its focus of HOT funds, which were used to build and maintain Dell Diamond, Round Rock Sports Center, and half of the Round Rock

Locals take advantage of the facilities during the week, ensuring the positive impact goes beyond dollars. Morgan said the biggest challenge is keeping up with the demand for fields and playing space, explaining the willingness to add on to the Sports Center.

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“Tourism is the purest form of economic development,” Morgan said. “People come, they shop, they spend their money, they stay the night in our hotels, they eat, and then they leave.”

“We have really created an environment where people love to come and play their sports,” said Morgan.

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LEGENDS EVENT CENTER BRYAN, TX

38 | COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM • OCTOBER 2024

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Image Sources: Visit Mesa, City of Mesa

Exploring Mesa’s Flourishing Asian District

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By Suzanne Wentley

W

here do you go when you get a craving for noodles?

If you’re near Mesa, Arizona, the destination is obvious: the Asian District.

Mesa’s Asian District, a commercial cluster of more than 100 restaurants, retail shops, grocery stores, and service businesses, has grown into a regional hub for visitors and residents alike. Entrepreneurs representing cultures from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, China, and elsewhere throughout Asia have created international opportunities for noodles and so much more.

Beyond being a place to dine, the dis-

trict is a great example of how a city can leverage a cultural asset to drive tourism — even when that culture has operated somewhat under the radar for years. After all, it took years for Mesa’s Asian District to gain people’s attention beyond its small yet active Asian community.

Many cities looking to spur new economic development may be inspired to build something like the Asian District. But the business owners and marketing professionals involved say that its success is due to its authenticity and organic origins dating back to 2008.

“It’s amazing, the businesses we have. You could eat every day in the district for three months and not go to the same place,” said Jaye O’Donnell, the City of Mesa’s economic development director.

Demographically, Mesa is diverse, but especially in the small region around the Asian District. Around 14 percent of the residents living in a three-mile radius of the district — Dobson Road from Main Street to Broadway Road — have an Asian ethnic background, according to a city study.

“What’s really special about the Asian district is how the businesses have clustered and come one after another,” she said.

“We are a big city, and we have our own slice of international culture and blends of cultures.”

The people who frequent the Asian District are even more diverse, both culturally and

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geographically. Visitors often drive two or three hours from Yuma, Flagstaff, and beyond, Ms. O’Donnell said.

District Started With Humble Origins It may have been hard to imagine the success of the Asian District back in 2006 when the Mekong Real Estate Investment Group purchased an empty, 100,000-square-foot big-box store. Drew Burtoni, the development manager for the investment group, said the area was “a little rough” and certainly not a destination for much of anything.

“Since we came in, it has cleaned up a lot,” he said. “It took a few years for pockets of Asian stores to open. Now, we’re a mega-center for Asian food and groceries.

The idea for Mekong Plaza came from Mr. Burtoni’s father-in-law, who saw a need for an Asian grocery in Mesa. They chose the location due to its centralized proximity to many growing towns like Scottsdale and Gilbert, all easily accessible by car or

light rail. They didn’t do much advertising — because they didn’t need it.

“In Asian cultures, the centers are family and food,” said Mr. Burtoni, who is Filipino and Italian and whose wife is Chinese from Vietnam. “At first, 80 to 90 percent of our customers were Asian.

But now, if you’re in the grocery store, you’ll see African, Mexican, and American people. They see cool cuisine and love trying new things.”

There is a lot to try. From Taiwanese bubble tea to Vietnamese pho to Korean kimchi, the food is authentic and delicious. Gift shops selling interesting Asian-themed goods and grocery stores stocked with specialty items are always busy. The internationally famous H Mart even opened a location in the district.

Ton Wong opened Wong Insurance Agency in Mekong Plaza in 2008, and he said he likes having a business where it’s so busy.

“When Mekong Plaza started with only a few restaurants and was anchored by Mekong Supermarket, it was not popular,” Mr. Wong said. “Now, the district is becoming a destination for travelers from out of state, and it is great to witness the growth of the Asian District since we

Image Sources: Visit Mesa, City of Mesa

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opened the office.”

City-Led Marketing Encourages Growth As the tax base organically grew over the years, the Asian District got the attention of city economic development officials.

In 2017, they began work to expand the city’s redevelopment areas and included this cluster of businesses in the boundaries. As work began to support the area’s growth, they started a branding effort.

They created a website, AsianDistrictMesaAz.com, to list all the businesses, pro-

“I look forward to seeing more restaurants and small businesses occupying the new extension of the Mekong Plaza,” Wong said.

vide maps, and even share the locations of Asian-themed murals scattered around the district. They designed a logo featuring a tangram, which is a 2,000-year-old game from China that symbolizes unity and the unique qualities of the different cultures and ethnicities found there.

the nearby parcels.”

Cultural Experiences as Tourist Attractions

The website also highlights other Asianowned businesses that have opened near Mesa Community College and in the Three Fountains Plaza — scores more independent retail shops and restaurants that grew from the success of the main district.

Mr. Burtoni said he appreciates the support of city officials, who also often stop by for a meal. While they work to spread the word, the small business owners also organize special events like parties for Chinese New Year and Japanese holidays to attract more visitors.

The quarterly Asian Night Markets are especially popular.

But those weren’t the only economic outgrowths Mesa officials attribute to the Asian District. Two new multi-family complexes are currently under construction nearby, and the Mekong Plaza is in the midst of a $10 million expansion project that should be completed before the end of the year.

“People become immersed in the culture.

That may be the first time they see a certain kind of bao, for example,” he said.

“You can get groceries, cuts of meat, and fresh live fish you can’t get anywhere else.

Mom can get Thai, dad can get Vietnamese, the kids can get Taiwanese, and everyone is happy.”

“The market value will just continue to increase,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “There will be a natural redevelopment process on some of

Mr. Wong, who said he always searches for local “Chinatowns” when he travels, said he’s looking forward to seeing more restaurants and small businesses opening around his insurance company. Many

of his clients are Vietnamese and prefer to speak in their native language, but he works with everyone who needs an insurance consultation.

“I look forward to seeing more restaurants and small businesses occupying the new extension of the Mekong Plaza,” he said. “Variety is what people want in the Asian District.”

Ms. O’Donnell agreed. She said she loves visiting the district to try all the different cuisines.

“Having this district that we can champion and be proud of is a reflection of how the community values diversity and multi-culturalism,” she said. “There’s a place for everyone in Mesa. In 20 years, it will be bigger and better.”

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Community Planning

HOW SUBURBAN CITY LEADERS ARE MAKING THEIR CITIES STAND OUT

By Jake Kring-Schreifels

T

he word “suburbia” tends to garner negative connotations. A sprawl of cookie-cutter subdivisions with a who’s who of chain restaurants, car dealerships, and outsized malls surrounding them. Bland, corporate, and without character, a sameness that breeds exclusion and isolation.

While there might be some merit to that long-held reputation, more and more suburban cities are shredding those stereotypes as populations continue to grow outside major metropolitan areas. Over the last decade, and especially since the pandemic, smaller urban and residential communities have instead become their own popular destinations, cultivating their own cultural and economic identities. They are no longer just commuter

“...Celebrate who you are, market who you are, and stick with that,” says West

towns feeding their larger sister cities.

In an increasingly competitive landscape, suburban city leaders have achieved these distinctions in a variety of ways. They’ve

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fostered local entrepreneurship and small business, invested in education and infrastructure, and learned how to market their unique tourism opportunities, helping transform their cities into economic powerhouses while still maintaining their charm and personality. “The most important thing for communities to take away is to be who you are, celebrate who you are, market who you are, and stick with that,” says Tom West, the economic development director of Covington, Kentucky.

No doubt. This is a strong game plan to follow. But what actions have suburban cities implemented to pull this off ? Here’s a look at how three suburbs have successfully distinguished themselves from their neighbors.

Image Sources: City of Woodinville, Washington

Covington, Kentucky (Located Eight Miles South of Cincinnati) “Spicy Mayberry.” That’s how West describes Covington, which sits just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. It was recently named one of Money Magazine’s Top 50 Places to Live. The city, which has grown to around 40,000 in population, has preserved many of its historic buildings and traditional spirit (it even covers up to $7,500 in electrical sign restorations for its streetscape), but it also boasts a diverse and inclusive community. The city became the first in Kentucky to ban “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth, passed the 2020 Crown Act, which prevents discrimination related to a person’s hair texture or hairstyle, and published a Spanish version of its business guide, earning Covington a perfect score on the Municipal Equity Index from the Human Rights Campaign.

Covington targets four primary sectors for its economic development—micro-manufacturing, life and biosciences (Bexion

Pharmaceuticals and Gravity Diagnostics are headquartered there), the tourism and hospitality industry, and office work, a growing sub-niche that includes many creative and remote businesses such as graphic design, video production, and commercial photography. Last year, the city provided $76,116 in incentives for small businesses. In addition to master leasing a woman-owned business accelerator and a facility for Northern Kentucky University’s entrepreneurship programs, Covington also pays for half of a small business’s monthly rent up to $500 for the first year, one of three incentive grants that have helped nearly 150 local businesses in the last eight years. “We want them focused on building their business and marketing their company, rather than trying to make rent,” West says. “We want to give them the best possible start that we can.”

The city is also committed to maximizing its infrastructure and tourism industry.

When the IRS’s tax processing facility closed in 2016 due to its obsolescence, it presented Covington with a 23-acre hole in the heart of its riverfront district. To fill

that hole and further drive the area’s transformation, the city broke ground on a redevelopment project that’s being called the “$5 billion mile” by West. The project, funded by a combination of private investment, a $16.3 million federal RAISE grant, and $100 million from the city of Covington, will provide space for university law and medical schools, in addition to single-family homes and apartments, retail, and restaurants, “an entire neighborhood with the typical diversity you’d find in any one of our neighborhoods and businesses,” West says.

It’s just another spot that should attract tourists who typically come to Covington to experience the B-Line, a stretch of bourbon-centric restaurants, bars, and distilleries that make up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. “To get to where we are, we really had to nurture a lot of local business owners,” West says. “We had a lot of people who are very committed to the city who worked very, very hard and others have been able to build off of that momentum.”

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Community Planning

Woodinville, Washington (Located 20 Miles North of Seattle) While Covington has the benefit of being in the heart of bourbon country, Woodinville, a suburb of Seattle, has quickly become a popular wine tasting mecca. As Mayor Mike Millman attests, the “Napa of the Northwest” is the primary location of Chateau Ste. Michelle, one of the most prominent winemakers in the country, which has helped nourish more than 130 surrounding wineries within the city. “They all come together and help each other and collaborate on a level I’ve never seen,” Millman says. “They certainly compete, but they will bounce ideas off each other, they have meetings, and some of it is because of tourism.”

While much of Woodinville consists of woodlands and agrarian land, the city still has plots of industrial parks and strip malls from its previous manufacturing days. Many winemakers took advantage of these neglected areas and moved into the “Warehouse district” because of its affordable prices, and have since opened tasting rooms that are part of tour packages. To accommodate for its more vibrant tourism industry and growing population (14,000 and expected to increase by 38 percent over the next two decades), the city has begun development plans to keep people in the city for more than just a day. According to Millman, Woodinville is planning development of new hotels, building another concert venue in its main park, and utilizing a $5 million RAISE grant from the federal government to build a sustainable bike and pedestrian path that

Image Source: City of Woodinville

stripes through the center of the city and connects the Seattle suburbs, providing more commuting opportunities.

With its population influx and growing brand as a tourist destination, Woodinville’s city government has spent recent years aiming to transform its downtown district with a variety of housing, commercial spaces, and other retail amenities. A large part of this plan has rested on razing and replacing old business park buildings along with portions of Molbak’s Garden & Home (a 20-acre garden center site) and long-time open lots that have already created more sidewalks and parking, and facilitated road infrastructure repairs. It’s a crucial plan, considering Woodinville’s general fund brings in more than half of its revenue from retail sales tax, over 20 percent more than its neighboring towns.

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However, while growth is positive, some city officials, according to The Urbanist, are wary of Woodinville losing its small town character in the process. There are concerns about the city’s concentration of growth, specifically “in a dense downtown with tourist-attracting businesses.”

Additionally, Woodinville, located in the Sammamish Valley, boasts a verdant tree canopy, something Millman is adamant about preserving—the city requires new development to replace any trees that get cut down. “It’s a little different vibe and feel and we’re proud of that and we’re trying to maintain that as best we can,” Millman says. “Development and growth putting strains on that (vibe) is a challenge, but I think we’re doing a really good job.”

Image Sources: City of Woodinville

Franklin, TN (Located 21 Miles South of Nashville) Another mainstay on Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live, Franklin has also experienced tremendous growth in recent years (the population has increased from 84,000 to 90,000 since 2020). The city is a hub for major companies but has maintained its diverse small business population and historic downtown.

A lot of that foundation has come through Williamson County’s investment in education and the Franklin school district, which has earned numerous awards over the last several years. According to Franklin city administrator Eric Stuckey, the county has invested about two-thirds of its budget “into [school] facilities, developing the right [school] administration and staffing plans, and operational needs,” he says.

“It pays off in many ways.”

One of those ways is in Franklin’s place as a hotspot for national company headquarters and offices, attracting Mars Pet-

attracting, retaining, and building of your population—and if the talent is there, the businesses will follow.”

“It has continued to grow and been steady in providing a great event that has invested back in the community,” Stuckey says.

care, Mitsubishi, Nissan, CKE Restaurant Holdings, as well as a variety of healthcare systems. Stuckey credits this corporate confluence to the city’s attractive school offerings and family-based community, which cultivate conversation between business leaders as they consider expansion or relocation. “It used to be that people followed jobs. Now, jobs follow people,” Stuckey says. “The quality of life, the livability and amenities in a community, the public education, those really drive the

Despite Nashville being a 20 minute drive north, Franklin has forged its own cultural identity, too. In September, the city will host the 10th Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, a weekend-long celebration headlined by well-known artists that provides economic impact by garnering sponsorship opportunities and donating proceeds to local nonprofits. “It has continued to grow and been steady in providing a great event that has invested back in the community,” Stuckey says. The city also has a year-round tourist attraction: The Factory, a historic building that was transformed in 2012 into a bustling shopping, dining, and events space with a focus on arts and entertainment. In many ways, it channels Franklin’s ethos.

“It preserves that area, but also makes it something that connects to the needs of today and beyond,” Stuckey says. “We can use our historic resources to provide something that’s relevant and is a cool space that you can’t recreate.”

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Image Sources: Dustin McGrew

How Pittsburgh Became a Magnet for Visitors and New Residents

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By Michael LoRé

P

ittsburgh has played an integral part in U.S. history since its founding on November 27, 1758. Known as the “Gateway to the West” in the early 1800s, Pittsburgh’s prime positioning at the intersection of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers that forms the Ohio River helped vault the city to the top of the trade industry for coal, timber, glass, natural gas, iron, and limestone.

By 1911, Pittsburgh was home to half of the nation’s steel manufacturing. As steel production all but disappeared from its landscape in the 1970s and ’80s, the Steel City reinvented itself again as a hub for education, medicine, small manufacturing, and research.

Currently home to an estimated 310,000 residents and welcoming more than 20 million visitors to Alleghany County, Pennsylvania’s second-largest city, is undergoing another evolution.

“A major opportunity that the post-pandemic economy has given us is the ability to reimagine and rethink our downtown,” said Jake Pawlak, Pittsburgh deputy mayor & director of the Office of Management and Budget. “... As people change the way they work, including hybrid or working fully remote, we’ve seen enormous and exciting growth in the residential communities they live in because they’re spending more time and money in their neighborhoods.”

Talking About an Evolution: The Rebirth of Downtown Pittsburgh At the heart of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods is its downtown. As the home to many of the city’s major corporations, including Heinz, PNC Bank, U.S. Steel, and PPG, Downtown Pittsburgh welcomed an average of 132,136 residents, employees, and visitors per day in 2019.

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Is Your City a ProgramBased City or a Lively City?

While the question posed recently in a short video by city planning expert Jon Jon Wesolowski, known on TikTok as the “Happy Urbanist,” is not a common one for many people, the answer is critical and likely speaks to the economic development and quality of life efforts of your city.

A program-based city relies primarily on

events, venues, and amenities that drive visitors to support its economy. A lively city develops housing, businesses, and amenities that enhance the quality of life for residents to support its economy.

While concepts appear to be two sides of the same positive coin, they couldn’t be more different–both in origin and impact.

As the Happy Urbanist explains, through its zoning laws, American cities have been inhibited from evolving with time (suburban residential neighborhoods tend to stay that way, as do industrial areas).

Because of this, growth in many cities focuses on downtown areas as they are the places with an influx of people flowing in and out. “American cities have become glorified business centers. Places that have disproportionately attracted a population to work and are only busy two times a day: in the morning when they show up and, in the evening, when they leave,” said Wesolowski in his video.

Program-Based City

The Happy Urbanist contends that this reliance on the business community has made many downtowns vulnerable because the departure of a large corporation can deeply damage a city’s economy. He further explains that these cities rely on weekend events to combat that volatility and drive economic activity. Further exacerbating this issue was the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent emerging interest in remote work. Wesolowski says this is why the program-based city concept is so appealing to cities. However, it’s equally volatile.

Below is a breakdown of the differences between a program-based city approach vs. a lively city.

Lively City

An emphasis on events, festivals, and large parks and civic centers that can host them to drive tourists to city centers and bolster the economy.

A focus on building an accumulation of strong, economically self-sufficient neighborhoods.

Prioritizes the development of hotels to meet the needs of tourists and parking to meet the needs of event operators.

Prioritizes the development of housing, businesses, and amenities that enhance the quality of life for residents

Uses events to shape the city

Uses a city’s culture to shape its events

The event and sports venues in a program-based city model maintains the volatility of a community’s economy, according to the Happy Urbanist, because these facilities become out of date with time. When this happens, it’s harder for cities to compete for prominent events that drive tourism revenue. To compete, cities must re-invest in these venues.

According to the Happy Urbanist, lively cities are dependent on “the daily and weekly rhythms of people who live in the area”, to drive their economy. Meaning their desires drive economic development. Businesses and restaurants that cater to their interests and are frequented throughout the year as opposed to on the day of the event. They are also culturally relevant to residents and can provide a more unique experience for tourists.

Think French-inspired cuisine in New Orleans or lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.

Few people live in downtown areas.

Lively cities have large downtown populations, including people living above and near the businesses they use each day.

Leads to the development of homogenous restaurants and retail that cater to the broadest group of visitors. The Happy Urbanist use the anecdote of developers opting to build chain restaurants like IHOP versus a local option.

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Lively cities have more small-scale parks that are “alive with families,” according to the Happy Urbanist. Lively cities have numerous smaller city centers in plazas, instead of one large one.

Overall, lively cities, including Pittsburgh, are more economically resilient, better for residents, and better places to visit.

Image Sources: Brian Cook-Golden Sky

But as work-from-home mandates rose at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 causing a major shift from the traditional in-office workforce to more hybrid and remote work, Downtown Pittsburgh’s numbers dropped to an average of 92,223 daily visitors last year.

Hardly immune to the shifting priorities of its

workforce, Pittsburgh officials unveiled plans to convert the city’s primary business hub of half-full office buildings into a residential neighborhood that offers as many residences and amenities as it does employment opportunities.

Three areas are key to Downtown’s impending facelift. Officials want to transform Market Square into a more welcoming piazza full of outdoor cafes and open-air dining with less cars. There are also plans to convert the eastern end of Point State Park into a more people-friendly place of activity and recreation. Officials also proposed turning an empty lot on Eighth Street and Penn Avenue into a sprawling public park with entertainment spaces and a promenade to connect Downtown with the Allegheny Riverfront and the North Side region of the city.

While the impending Downtown revitalization project, which also includes converting unused office buildings into residential and commercial complexes, is garnering much of the headlines, it’s one of the many recent, ongoing, and future projects aimed at ushering Pittsburgh into its new era.

Groundbreaking for the first phase of the $600-million Esplanade project in the North Side is planned for the fall. The project includes 300 apartments, a parking garage, food emporium, amphitheater, and a marina. A grocery store, condo building, aquarium and green space are

included in future phases.

Not only is the city prioritizing more residential and recreational opportunities, but it’s bolstering public transportation and connectivity to it all as well. A $150-million, multi-year project to improve Pittsburgh’s light rail system started in April. Originally multiple projects intended to be completed individually, however, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced it will combine the projects in an effort to streamline operations and minimize disruptions, with both occurring back-to-back through 2028.

“Everyone is committed to a vibrant future for Pittsburgh, and we’re working together to align shared visions across sectors and organizations,” Visit PITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar said. “Together, we strive to break down silos and create a lasting impact—one that enhances the quality of life and experiences for both residents and visitors alike.”

Making Pittsburgh Into an Arts Destination The city’s evolution—and future—isn’t solely reliant on balancing businesses and residences. Alleghany County’s arts and culture scene resulted in $1.3 billion in economic activity between June 2022 and June 2023, according to a report from the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

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Highlighted by institutions including the Andy Warhol Museum, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Carnegie Museum network, the arts supported 18,538 jobs and contributed $267 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments during that time span.

“This is an area where Pittsburgh definitely punches above its weight and ability to compete with arts and culture offerings in major cities around the country,” Pawlak said. “... From the big to the small, from the well-established to the cutting edge, we’ve

got a really vibrant scene in the visual arts and performing arts here in Pittsburgh that has something to offer for everyone.”

Pittsburgh also prides itself on providing ample green spaces and outdoor activities to residents and tourists. Situated in the heart of Central Appalachia, Pittsburgh’s proximity to two major national forests (Allegheny National Forest and Monongahela National Forest) and the Laurel Highlands, gives outdoor enthusiasts a variety of nearby options. The city also boasts six major regional parks as well as hundreds of playgrounds and smaller parks within city limits.

As the City of Bridges with multiple surrounding waterways, Pittsburgh provides residents and visitors with seemingly endless riverway access for recreational activities.

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With so much in place and even more on the horizon, including hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, Visit PITTSBURGH recently launched the city’s first 10-year tourism development plan designed to enhance and grow the tourism sector through experiences, connectivity, and industry development.

Having built its reputation from its founding as a key hub for particular resources and industries, Pittsburgh plans to continue evolving with the times while prioritizing the needs of both residents and visitors.

“It’s a little cliche to say, but we have big-city amenities and small-town charm in the same place while being located in a part of the country that has absolutely fantastic access to nature and outdoor activities,” Pawlak said. “Folks looking for a lot of different things as a place to live or visit can find them all cheaply and close to one another here.”

Image Sources: Dustin McGrew

Image Sources: Pittsburg Steelers OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 53

Community Operations

MICRO MOBILITY MOVEMENT: SCOOTIN’ INTO THE FUTURE.

By Cameron Connelly

Image Sources: Ashley Whittaker

I

t’s 2024. You no longer need to fly down the highway to a hideaway to get your boots scootin’. Cities all over the world have electric scooters scattered about for you to rent by the minute to get exactly where you want to go, just faster.

The scooter renting trend in the United States first took off in late 2017 when Bird scooters were introduced in Santa Monica, California. Since then, rentable electric scooters have been introduced in cities nationwide, and even banned in a few. And because of the polarizing reputation scooters have created for themselves, people are sharpening their pitchforks to chase this new form of transport out of town. And while it isn’t smart to go against an angry mob just to defend a scooter, here I stand.

The Perks of Scooters: Why We (Should) Love Them

A Few Problems, a Few Solutions

First off, scooters are an accessible green alternative to most other modes of transportation. They emit zero emissions, are easy to use, and are cost-effective.

Problem 1: The User Yeah. I’m talking about you. Hopefully not, but it’s possible. Getting drunk and crashing scooters, throwing scooters in lakes, and stealing them. Several news stories and statistics about scooters have painted a negative picture of their impacts on communities and the environment.

But like Eminem at the end of 8-Mile, I am going to get a few of those out of the way right now so that they can’t be used against me later.

End of argument.

For the price of a cup of coffee, you can ride across town without worrying about parking, gas prices, or looking cool. And let’s not forget the fun factor – the reason that scooters have become so popular isn’t solely because people rely on them for travel. A lot of people choose to ride them for fun. This perk also technically contributes to the first and biggest problem with scooters – the user.

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“AFD hopes to remove hundreds of scooters, e-bikes from lake”. Certainly one of the weirder problems nobody could have seen coming is people throwing e-scooters and e-bikes into lakes, oceans, and rivers.

Why? Who knows. How to stop it? Uhh, who knows? While it is a bad problem that is terrible for the environment, it should be more of a reflection of the people throwing them into bodies of water than of scooters themselves.

The Journal of the American College of Surgeons published a study that found that in 2020, there were more scooter-related hospitalizations than bike-related hospitalizations. During the study period (2016 to 2020), they also found that the annual costs for bicycle and scooter-related hospitalizations increased from $6.6 million to $35.5 million. Both are undoubtedly negative results directly caused by the scooter boom. But with so many new scooter riders introduced in such a short time, the rise in crashes is likely a spike that will fall as more safety rules and regulations are placed and people become more familiar with scooter riding.

Certainly one of the weirder problems nobody could have seen coming is people throwing e-scooters and e-bikes into lakes, oceans, and rivers.

Image Sources: Johnny Crosskey

Problem 2: Sidewalk Clutter One of the biggest complaints about scooters is that they are always abandoned on sidewalks all over the city, turning sidewalks into dangerous obstacle courses and eyesores. This was a huge problem when scooters were first introduced. But with the knowledge we have gained from the cities that were early adopters of scooters, we know now that this problem can be addressed through cooperation between the scooter companies and the city. By implementing designated parking zones and programming the scooters to prevent rides from ending anywhere outside of those designated zones.

The designated parking zones influence users to return the scooters to the correct place in two ways. Firstly, by not returning the scooter to the parking zone, the user will continue to be charged for renting the scooter until it is returned or the battery dies. Cities like Tampa have also made it so riders who ditch a scooter can be fined an additional $5 through the scooter rental app. And for the good Samaritans, there

A 2109 study found that of the people who took a scooter ride, 49 percent would have walked or biked if there weren’t scooters, 34 percent would have taken a car, 11 percent would have taken the bus

is a reward for returning another person’s ditched scooter ranging from 50 cents to $2.50 in account credit. Additionally, the city has developed a website where residents can suggest areas for scooter companies to develop docking stations. This should provide enough of an incentive to keep the sidewalks clean, but it is possible that fines and rewards could be increased in the future, if it becomes necessary.

“Generally, when there’s a fine associated with an improper action, it does, unfortunately, yield better results,” said Tampa Mobility Director Vik Bhide in a press conference about the new policy.

Problem 3: Environmental Impact Scooters are often praised for being eco-friendly, including in this article.

While the scooters themselves don’t emit any emissions, the scooter manufacturing process and nightly pickups to recharge and repair scooters contribute to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions.

OCTOBER 2024 • COMMUNITYPLAYMAKER.COM | 55

Community Operations

These are both processes that can be improved upon in the future, but according to a 2019 study on the environmental impacts of shared electric scooters, scooters already help to lower greenhouse gas emissions when comparing a scooter’s total volume of emissions (including manufacturing and nightly pickups) per passenger mile to that of the transportation type that the scooter replaced.

The study found that of the people who took a scooter ride, 49 percent would have walked or biked if there weren’t scooters, 34 percent would have taken a car, 11 percent would have taken the bus, and 7 percent wouldn’t have taken the trip. Using this information, the researchers calculated the “Benchmark Displacement” of the CO2 emitted from scooter trips after accounting for the CO2 emissions of the trip they replaced. With the Benchmark Displacement value, researchers concluded that “dockless e-scooters consistently result in higher life cycle global warming impacts relative to the use of a bus with high ridership, an electric bicycle, or a bicycle per passenger-mile traveled. However, choosing an e-scooter over driving a personal automobile with a fuel efficiency of 26 miles per gallon results in a near-universal decrease in global warming impacts.”

Rolling Ahead As NYC Mayor Eric Adams said in an announcement from March of 2023, “E-bikes and e-scooters are here. You might as well get used to them. They are now part of our movement, now we must make sure that they are incorporated in our everyday lives in a safe and efficient manner.” With the proper measures in place, cities can address the problems that come with this new way of getting around to minimize the drawbacks and maximize the benefits. My final message goes out to the people throwing scooters in bodies of water.

Stop it.

Scooters aren’t here to replace legs, bikes, or buses. They are here to replace the need to use cars to get everywhere. While highuse buses, bikes, and legs are still more environmentally friendly, that doesn’t negate the fact that scooters effectively reduce emissions when used to replace extra car trips.

Image Sources: Adobestock

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Coming Soon

2024 community of the year

Has your city launched an innovative program or initiative? We want to hear about it!

Nominate your city for Community of the Year 2024.

UPCOMING PLAYMAKER EVENTS

PLAYMAKER EVENTS

Ready to learn? Attending Community Playmaker events and webinars is a great way to connect with our community of leaders (aka Playmakers) and discover best practices from inspiring cities around the country.

Stay informed by visiting our events website:

communityplaymaker.com/events

HORIZON

Image Source: Jessica Knight/City of Pinellas Park, FL

Recently, city leaders in Pinellas Park, Florida broke ground on the site of their new sports venue, Sprowls Horizon Sports Park. Named for ardent supporter and former Florida speaker of the house Chris Sprowls, the complex features six baseball fields designed as replicas of popular spring training fields. The venue also features a full-sized soccer field, an outdoor roller hockey rink, and a community plaza.

Sprowls Horizon Sports Park’s goal is to drive economic impact through tournaments and events and elevate the profile of the small community in the center of the rapidly growing Tampa Bay area. With Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida, all in their backyard, Pinellas Park looks to put itself on the map as a prime destination for youth sports.

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