This document discusses community college governance. Because the challenges to governance are many, a solution to one problem could aggravate another and create new (and sometimes greater) difficulties for the college and those it serves. It would be better to have a full grasp of the problems before considering how they might all be solved. Advocates should strengthen community colleges by recognizing the increasing frequency of criticisms of governance and by advocating workable solutions. College governance fails when it does not ensure that the board focus on its primary responsibilities: protecting the college so it can serve the public interest; setting a clear and appropriate mission; checking college performance; and ensuring adequate support for the institution. Critics identify the following current problems in college governance: confusion over who is in charge; insufficient trustee education; boards that are out of touch; controlled boards; a conflict of interest; failure to assess the college's performance; lack of commitment by some; ethical failures; and failures in governance design. Suggested ways to improve governance of "the people's colleges" are: clarify responsibility; restructure boards if necessary; serve the public interest; encourage partnerships; require orientation for trustees; interact with students and employers; consult with other officials; establish and method of recall; and report on performance. (VWC)