The Community College Futures Assembly has served as a national, independent policy thinktank since 1995. Its purpose is to articulate the critical issues facing American community colleges and recognize innovative programs. Convening annually in January in Orlando, Florida, the Assembly offers a learning environment where tough questions are raised, critical issues are discussed, and policy implications are vetted. The focus for the 2009 Community College Futures Assembly was leading change. This special focus issue of the "Community College Journal of Research and Practice" highlights the best practices of 30 Bellwether trend-setting institutions, as well as other articles that relate to the conference.