Since 1947, public community colleges have grown faster than any other sector of higher education. Despite the dynamism of the community college movement, the early 1980's saw the beginning of a period of financial retrenchment, fear of declining enrollments, and skepticism about the future. From 1983 through 1987, the number of associate degrees awarded by community colleges declined by 9 percent. In addition, the influx of underprepared students during this period forced community colleges to improve their planning, and to try new approaches to remediation and occupational preparation. To address the decline in the numbers of traditional college-age youths, many community colleges have turned recruitment efforts towards adults, signed training agreements with local employers, and initiated federally-funded job training programs for the unemployed. In addition, colleges have expanded their career programs, and sought articulation agreements with four-year institutions to encourage the success of transfer-oriented students. Changes in faculty in two-year colleges have included more faculty with doctoral degrees, greater numbers of part-time instructors, and more women and minorities in teaching and administrative positions. With cuts in state and federal resources for higher education in the 1980's, the "open-door" policy of community colleges has come under fire. In response, colleges have undertaken student outcomes studies to demonstrate program successes, while increasing their assessment and remediation efforts. As financially efficient institutions, community colleges should receive the funding they need to continue their role as a critical segment of higher education. (29 references) (PAA)