Between 1969 and 1972, the Washington Center for Metropolitan Studies will attempt to establish (1) an urban observatory program (a network of research-action programs) that will heighten the understanding of and deal with critical conditions in the Washington metropolitan area, and (2) an educational affairs program that will assist area universities and educational systems in developing or strengthening urban affairs programs and metropolitan studies. Part I of the document describes these proposed programs, and Part II presents the purpose, history, and development of the enter. The observatory program will furnish the means for active involvement by the Center's staff, university faculty, and students in the advancement of knowledge about urban problems and the direct communication of this knowledge to public officials and community leaders. The educational affairs program will focus on interuniversity and interdisciplinary staff and program development, financial support for faculty and students, the development of and administrative support for university programs in urban studies for which federal funds may be obtained, and the preparation and adaptation of materials on the Washington area for use in public and private schools. The Center will serve as a principal coordinating mechanism for the programs, developing strategies for change in governance, social and economic development, and physical growth of the Washington area. (WM)