Published to provide the reader with a working knowledge of the educational programs provided for local governments by land grant institutions in the 12 Northeastern states, these proceedings present papers and summary reports covering important aspects of the various programs. Part I contains in-depth papers concerning: the development of local government training programs with professional associations; use of practitioners as instructors; extension services; curriculum development; organizing and operating a local government publication program; local government education for youth; two programs outside the Northeast region; and program challenges from a national perspective. The in-depth papers were solicited for the conference based on reports submitted prior to the meeting by the 30 participants from 13 states and the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development. These initial overview statements, brief reports outlining separate training programs for local officials, and selected program summaries are presented in Part II. These proceedings mark the first publication of information describing the breadth and depth of educational programs for local governments in the Northeast. (Author/SB)