An overview is provided of the demographic and economic characteristics of the geographical area defined by the Peralta Community College District's boundaries in Northern Alameda County, California. In addition, projections are presented concerning the population and economy of the county until the year 2005. Highlighted findings of the environmental scan include the following: (1) the population of Northern Alameda County increased by 4.4% from 1980 to 1985, but is expected to remain relatively constant from 1985 until at least 2005; (2) the population of Contra Costa County and Southern Alameda County is projected to grow rapidly until the year 2005, with a projected increase of 26%; (3) in the next two decades, the number of persons in Northern Alameda County between the ages of 45 and 64 is expected to increase by 72.5%, while the number over 65 is expected to increase by 43.3%; (4) Asians and Hispanics are expected to be the ethnic groups with the greatest population increases; (5) 56,400 new jobs are projected by the year 2005, representing a 13% increase over 1983 job totals; (6) the new jobs in the Bay Area will be primarily in the areas of services, trade, high-tech manufacturing, construction, finance, insurance, and real estate; and (7) many of these new jobs are predicted to be filled by women, whose participation rate in the labor force is expected to increase to 61.5%. Implications of the data and projections for the community colleges in the district are discussed. (EJV)