The development and functioning of urban social networks in highly politicized environments--particularly, the neighborhood based community organization, political coalition building of urban mayors, and community action programs--suggest implications for building locally based educational reform capacity through network development. Community organizations are useful political resources that over time tend to assume and adopt a distinct mode of operation involving either community development, social planning, or social action. The adoption of one specific mode of operation is related to group ethos and relationships with the external community, as well as the role of group leadership and staff. Research involving leadership and staff suggest that full-time outside professionals, incentives, tactics, and friendship networks, along with the organizational attachments of and rewards for members, affect network development. Kotter and Lawrence's study of mayoral coalition building identifies strategies and tactics useful in developing and maintaining networks. Federally funded community action programs have been the most successful in linking social and political reform through network and institution building, although such achievements have been largely unrecognized. Sustained and sincere federal commitment was and still remains crucial. Insights and tactical issues from these social groupings can be applied to the establishment of education-related networks. (CWM)