Designed to aid in the planning process of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) for 1984-1989, this report assesses educational and resource needs; discusses the community college mission and functions; and points to changing directions in educational programs and services in the district during the coming years. Introductory material presents the purposes of the report, a retrospective view of California's community colleges, an overview of the LACCD, and conclusions and recommendations. Next, an assessment of educational needs is provided, covering the areas of population and enrollment growth; changes in student characteristics in terms of ethnicity, age, and educational levels; economic and social changes; employment trends; and educational and staffing needs. Next, the community college mission and functions are discussed, with special focus on the educational philosophy of the LACCD. Then, the direction of change in educational programs and services is considered with respect to evaluation and planning objectives; the transfer, vocational, remedial, and guidance functions; general education; community services; and instructional and institutional support. Next, the resource needs of the district's colleges are specified, including the need for a stable funding mechanism, flexibility in funding sources, equity, funding guidelines, support of enrollment growth, and assistance in recovery from recent budgets. Finally, a summary and conclusions are presented. (HB)