Papers in this publication deal with the needs of local communities for answers to their development questions, the needs of action agencies for assistance in determining appropriate development strategies, the ability of universities to respond to these needs, and problems in responding to community and agency needs. Tony Byrne, mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, emphasizes that many problems facing smaller communities (i.e., economic development, criminal justice, environmental services) can be and perhaps have already been answered with help from universities, the Federal government, and organizations such as the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists, but there is a communications problem in getting this information to the communities. Tom Marshall stresses that current funding from the Farmers Home Administration is viewed as an opportunity to work cooperatively with state and local communities and to explore ways to involve community organizations and the private sector with local and state governments in the rural development planning process. Edward Moe advocates the Community Technology Initiatives Program as an imaginative approach to help small communities use science and technology in problem solving and outlines the role of the university in a user/education/research partnership. Paul D. Warner comments on these three presentations and draws a rejoinder from Edward Moe. (NEC)