Developed by a state-appointed committee comprised of college faculty, administrators, trustees, representatives of the Governor of Maryland and state legislature, this report addresses the mission, governance, and finance of the Maryland community colleges in light of current trends and future needs. Chapter I offers an introduction to the committee's charge and the questions it investigated. Chapter II examines demographic, social, economic, technological, intellectual and cultural trends shaping community colleges. Chapter III examines the mission of the community colleges, touching on future directions, community-centeredness and flexibility, access, programs, services, and other issues. Chapter IV focuses on governance, pointing to the need to strengthen both local boards of trustees and the State Board for Community Colleges. Chapter V highlights financial concerns, providing a description of the current funding method used in Maryland and other funding models used in other states, stating principles for evaluating funding methods, offering a funding proposal for the state system, and examining issues related to capital and external funding and student financial aid. Finally, chapter VI offers a numerical listing of the 57 recommendations made in other sections of the report. Appendices include relevant sections of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article. (EJV)