The Commission to Study the Future of Community Colleges in Kentucky was established in 1988 to review the accomplishments of the Kentucky Community College System (KCCS) and to provide direction for the KCCS towards the year 2000. Developed as part of a collection of reports on the KCCS for use by the Commission, this two-part report reviews the current national economic situation, the special role of community colleges in economic development, and examines issues of economic development specific to Kentucky and the KCCS. Part 1 begins with a review of future research pointing to the need for national economic development policies and activities, and related educational programs. Next, an examination of the role of community colleges is presented, which includes a review of technology transfer; exemplary economic development programs at two-year colleges nationwide; tech-prep/associate degree programs; and a summary of recommendations from special commissions and policy boards. Part 2 focuses on issues of economic development for Kentucky and activities involving the KCCS and its programs. Following a review of the recommendations from a statewide coalition of business, government, and education leaders, part 2 reviews economic development efforts of the KCCS including the preparation of skilled workers, training/retraining for business and industry, advanced technology training, service to the agricultural and coal industries, services to small businesses, and pre-professional programs. A list of discussion questions for the Commission, a graphical analysis report of economic development issues in Kentucky, and a copy of educational legislation relating to tech-prep programs are included. (PAA)