An overview is provided of the governance, organization, enrollment, programs, finances, facilities, and significant activities and areas of concern of Illinois' public community colleges. The report begins by describing the organization of the system of 39 districts comprised of 50 colleges and 5 branch campuses. The next section deals with enrollment, pointing out that approximately 50% of all students in undergraduate higher education in Illinois are enrolled in community colleges; and that while overall enrollments decreased in fiscal year 1986, enrollments in occupational, vocational, and adult basic, secondary, and remedial programs increased. The next section focuses on college programs, highlighting the continuation in the increase in the number of occupational curricula offered by the colleges. Next, information on revenue sources is provided, including data on the five current state grants (i.e., credit hour, equalization, disadvantaged student, economic development, and advanced technology equipment grants). After discussing issues related to the construction or remodeling of permanent facilities, the report provides a summary of significant legislation affecting community colleges. Next, major activities of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) are discussed in the areas of access to labor market information; minority representation; transfer research; external evaluation of the ICCB recognition process; grants; protection, health, and safety projects; articulation with the Illinois State Board of Education; and admission criteria for transfer programs. Finally, areas of concern are discussed. (EJV)