In 1992, Hudson County Community College (HCCC), in New Jersey, began a mission review process to expand from a limited, career-oriented institution to a comprehensive urban community college. Mission statements were reviewed from 67 comprehensive community colleges in 22 states and a questionnaire was devised to determine college staff and community perceptions of the importance of 33 possible functions, programs, or services; record personal/professional data; and generate open-ended comments. The questionnaire was distributed to 1,117 HCCC staff and students, county residents, and representatives from business and industry, with 367 responses being received. Functions ranked as most important by respondents included career and transfer-oriented degree programs, comprehensive curriculum, affordability and physical accessibility, and job re-training. Items ranked lowest in importance were access regardless of educational background, college as resource for economic development, courses to develop informed citizenry, space for community groups, intercollegiate athletic teams, and bilingual courses. Responses also indicated that there were no significant differences between the college and community responses, but respondents who identified themselves as "informed" rated every item as more important than those who identified themselves as "not informed." From these activities, a draft mission statement was prepared and discussed at an all-day forum held with 100 college and community members. Finally, a new mission statement was adopted in April 1993. (KP)