This digest, drawn from a larger study, looks at six community colleges and community college systems in regard to how they are attempting to serve their urban communities. The author defines urban community colleges as being in or close to major cities, and serving large numbers of economically and educationally disadvantaged students from diverse ethnic groups. In order to provide "gateways to democracy" for all students, urban community colleges must provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for upward mobility. For example, all six of CUNY's Community Colleges (NY) provide remedial courses, enhancing entry into higher education for many nontraditional groups. The Los Angeles Community College District faces a constantly changing demographic landscape that serves the largest Limited English Proficient population in the nation, and expects to accommodate a two-fold increase in its student body by 2005. LA City College serves its community by designing educational opportunities for new U.S. citizens as well as traditionally disadvantaged students. Whether in New York or Seattle, urban community colleges face similar challenges in serving diverse demographics. All colleges seek to provide the kind of liberal arts education that promotes transfer rates, meet the special demands of their particular and diverse student populations, and provide occupational and vocational programs that serve their communities. (AF)