The evolving relationship between cities and urban colleges and universities is traced historically, and the implications of changing roles of the university are considered. The public service role of American higher education institutions has increased for both private and public schools. Attention is directed to the role of faculty, administration, and institutions in relation to the urban educational environment and its changing college student clientele. One development is accommodation to the world of work in the college curriculum. Reluctance of many faculty to engage in this new tendency has set some institutions apart from their urban context, yet, some other institutions have thrived on community service as a major part of institutional mission and development. Changes in the program structure of institutions seem mandatory to serve the diverse dimensions of urban life. The federal commitment to urban institutions is indicated by the Education Amendments of 1980, which altered Title XI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to read "The Urban Grant University Program." Many professional organizations also assist urban universities and their constituents. Reasons for the community college's ability to act effectively and efficiently in the area of community development are cited, and some model urban programs at community colleges are noted. Support for urban universities was expressed in the "Memorandum of Understanding" (1980), which was generated by several postsecondary education associations in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (SW)