To respond to changes in the needs of consumers, priorities of funding agencies, and institutional capacity, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory initiated a planning process involving the laboratory staff and board members as well as educational stakeholders in a seven-state area. The process consisted of three studies, followed by an analysis. The studies included a needs-sensing survey of stakeholders, a futures study using exploratory methodology, and an institutional assessment that gathered staff members' perceptions using nominal technique. The analysis effort identified educational issues appearing to have the greatest potential impact. The staff subsequently recommended 10 major changes to the board. The board, in a series of interactive meetings with the staff, redefined the institution's missions and goals, changed its service area, modified its governing body, and specified strategies for the laboratory to pursue in regard to selected issues. (Author/JG)