As Chesterfield County launches its first attempt to comprehensively shape countywide growth, the full force of decades of liberal development has yet to be felt. With development slowed to a crawl in the recession, leaders have some breathing room to catch up in a community that long ago outgrew its roads and public facilities in many areas. But the cash-strapped county is finding it difficult to make progress on billions of dollars worth of improvements, despite favorable costs.

The guest list for tonight’s inaugural gala honoring Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones swelled from initially fewer than 400 to about 1,200. Jones, a Democrat and former member of the House of Delegates, called the turnout proof that people of the region believe in the city’s potential. “Tonight is a celebration,“ he said in brief remarks to the crowd. “Let’s celebrate the fact that we love Richmond, and we’re going to build a better Richmond.“