This publication is concerned with the task of developing a strong and balanced structure of services for the disadvantaged at state and local government levels, and it makes the case for a comprehensive program at the community level, specifically. In examining what decentralization would mean for the country's manpower development programs and what steps communities would need to take if a policy of decentralization is to be successful, three sources of material have been drawn on in brief survey: statistical information secured from the Federal Manpower Administration and other governmental sources; public and private reports on training and related programs in different cities; and, personal interviews with officials and close observers of these programs in six cities in the Middle Atlantic Region--Baltimore, Md., Camden, N.J., Chester, Pa., New York City, Philadelphia, Pa., and Wilmington, Del. Specific sections of the publication deal with: (1) Designing a community manpower delivery system (decentralization issue, existing structure, and framework for local manpower policy); (1) Choosing goals and strategies (approaches to and elements in manpower strategy, and policy implications and guidelines); (3) Redirecting existing programs; and, (4) Developing community public employment programs. A select bibliography and statistical tables of relevant data are appended. (Author/RJ)