This publication presents the proceedings of a conference that brought together local leaders who are working for change in distressed communities in 16 cities. An overview discusses the background for the conference and describes common themes that emerged during its proceedings. The next section contains the keynote address, "Race, Class, and Poverty in Urban America: A Comparative Perspective" (William J. Wilson). Another section offers summaries of six conference sessions on the following topics: (1) neighborhoods as entry points for change; (2) the implications of an asset orientation for urban change strategies; (3) structuring effective community services; (4) dealing with race and ethnicity in urban change strategies; (5) moving toward community-responsive schools; and (6) a dialogue with the sponsoring foundations. A final section contains the following five conference papers, which were the basis for the sessions: (1) "Neighborhoods as an Entry Point for Change" (Ronald Shiffman); (2) "The Implications of an Asset Orientation for Urban Change Strategies" (Blandina C. Ramirez); (3) "Structuring Effective Community Services" (Audrey Rowe); (4) "Dealing with Race and Ethnicity in Urban Change Strategies" (Peter B. Edelman); and (5) "Toward Community-Responsive Schools" (Ralph R. Smith and Michelle Fine). Includes a listing of conference participants and their affiliations. (JB)