The purpose of this study was to compare leaders in ruralTennessee counties ratings of 29 potential community problem areas in 1980 compared to 1984. Data were obtained in 1980 and 1984 from community leaders through mail survey conducted by Extension agents in rural Tennessee counties. The four most urban counties were not included in this study (i.e., Shelby, Davidson, Knox and Hamilton). The community resource development questionnaire was developed by Extension specialists in the Agriculture Economics and Resource Development section. County leaders from the following 12 organizations and agencies were surveyed: Rural Development Committee; county government officials; Home Demonstration Club presidents; community club presidents; senior 4-H club presidents; service club presidents; county agriculture Extension committee; ministers; merchants; bankers; school principals; and newspaper editors. Data were coded and processed for computer analysis. Computations were made by The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Computing Center. The chi square test was used to determine strengths and significance of relationship between independent and dependent variables. Chi square values which achieved .05 probability level were accepted as significant. Major findings included the following: 1. Leaders in each of the five Extension related audiences indicated that the condition of local agriculture was no better in 1984 than it was in 1980. Leaders in the 12 audience groups and in the business and professional audience groups indicated that the condition of agriculture in rural Tennessee counties was better in 1980 than it was in 1984. 2. The condition of local industry, jobs available, family income, and job training was rater higher in 1980 than in 1984 by leaders in the 12 audience groups, business and professional groups and leaders in the five Extension related audience groups. The condition of school buildings and of education in the rural counties was rated higher in 1984 than in 1980 by leaders in the 12 audience groups, business and professional groups and leaders in the five Extension related audience groups. Ratings of the conditions of seven public service and health facilities and services (i.e., public libraries, public health service, doctors and dentists, hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, public buildings, fire protection, sewage disposl, water supply, and garbage and trash disposal) by leaders in the 12 audience groups, business and professional groups and Extension related audience groups were higher in 1984 than in 1980. Ratings of the conditions of five of the 10 potential problem areas ragarding the general environment and recreation opportunities (i.e., general community appearance, community organizations, condition of homes, condition of parks and playgrounds, and road maintenance) by leaders in all 12 audience groups and Extension related audience groups were higher in 1984 than in 1980. Ratings of land use planning and family living conditions did not differ in 1980 compared to 1984. Conservation of natural resources was rated higher by leaders in all 12 audience groups and in business and professional groups in 1980 than in 1984. Likewise, public transportation was rated higher in 1980 than it was in 1984. Implications and recommendations also were included in the study
