The nine-college Los Angeles Community College District, which has an enrollment of 135,000 and a payroll of 11,000 and which receives 80% of its operating budget from local property taxes, faced post-Proposition 13 cutbacks of 52% of its non-restricted operating revenue. Three types of alternative budgets based on state funding possibilities were…

In the near future, community colleges must meet the challenges presented by lack of funds, growing government control, uncertain enrollment projections, and potential changes in public policy. Their best defense is to develop an overall strategy for flexibility in the use of funds, assignment of faculty, and utilization of facilities. To achieve…

California's Proposition 13 set a maximum property tax of one percent of appraised market value, limited assessment increases to no more than two percent of cash value each year, and required that no new taxes be imposed to make up for lost revenues without a two-thirds vote of the state legislature or a two-thirds vote of all qualified voters.…

The forces influencing or reflecting change in California's community colleges are discussed in this paper in the context of the crisis of identity facing these institutions. First, factors contributing to the rapid expansion of community college education in California are outlined, and the consequences of that growth are examined. Next, the…