An 18-month National Rural Community Facilities Assessment Study, commissioned by the Farmers Home Administration and conducted by Abt Associates, Inc. will assess community facilities serving rural populations and identify the types and extent of investment in facilities necessary to provide an adequate flow of services to these populations. In order to provide assistance and direction to this major policy research effort, the National Rural Community Facilities Assessment Conference was convened in Austin, Texas. The Conference brought together experts in 10 facility areas (safety, justice, water and waste water, energy, housing, communications, health, education, solid waste, and transportation). The Conference generated advice on what facilities and what characteristics and physical services contribute most to the provision of basic human and physical services in rural communities, and guidance to determine if and how those characteristics can be measured. The report includes a summary of the conference proceedings, presentations, panel reports, a list of participants, a list of federal representatives, and a list of organizations, agencies and institutions contacted for nominations. (NEC)