The Committee on Social and Behavioral Urban Research was asked to advise the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) on elements of its long-range research and development program (R & D). Federal, state, and local governments have had access to only small amounts of relevant social and behavioral science knowledge or small numbers of skilled scientists in these areas; thus the nation responds too slowly to urban problems. Scientific and technical knowledge must be used to inhibit misconceived programs as well as create new options. HUD's present research program is limited by insufficient funds and inadequate intramural R & D capacity. Additional extra-mural research capacities can be found in the universities and the non-academic private sector. The "systems" approach shows promise for coping with urban problems and for designing R & D programs. Research is relevant if the results provide: (1) greater understanding of obstacles to successful program implementation; (2) identification of new program instruments for goal achievement; and, (3) the basis for reliable estimates of the future. The Committee therefore specifically recommends research on planning and information systems, sources of obstacles, and new program instruments which foster desired social outcomes. (DM)