From September 4 to 6, 1996, the Committee on the Future of Arizona Community Colleges conducted a charrette, or structured decision-making process designed to develop consensus, to provide recommendations for improving Arizona's community colleges. In developing the charrette, the Committee issued a request for ideas in March 1996 and selected 79 participants from the state's community colleges, community groups, universities, and state government. Following an opening panel discussion, participants were divided into six groups, discussing a series of issues and presenting results to a six-person jury. Issues addressed in the process included the mission of the Arizona community colleges, methods for developing a better understanding of and appreciation for community colleges, recommendations regarding the future of teaching and learning in the colleges, and strategies for strengthening the working relationships within the college system. The following themes emerged from the discussions: (1) community colleges should position themselves as learning providers of first choice; (2) they should retain local control with statewide coordination; (3) operational paradigms must change; (4) the importance of collaboration to break down barriers of "turf" and protectionism; (5) the need for faculty, staff, and resource development to study alternatives and to propose a rational system to finance Arizona Community Colleges; (6) the importance of providing services for diverse learners; and (7) the colleges should build on strength and celebrate successes. Summaries of panel presentations and small group reports and a list of participants are appended. (HAA)