These cities have great needs Extension can respond well to. Besides the programmatic and philosophical imperative, we would be naive not to acknowledge the political imperative for Extension to work in big cities. The redistricting that will follow the 1990 census will see a further shift in the legislative balance of power toward big cities. Extension can maintain its rural orientation. Small Extension staffs in the counties that include cities can serve the decreasing audiences who once knew Extension in rural settings.
Staffs can base programs on rural values and models.
Issues programming can give focus and visibility to the limited impact of proportionally tiny Extension staffs. Extension can deal with vast needs and limited staff by working primarily through other agencies. It can train other agency personnel with programs based on land-grant university research. These personnel can then use Extension information, program materials, and curricula to meet their goals more effectively. Extension as a Problem-Solving Link.