Such programs are gaining increasing acceptance and recognition and have advantages such as permitting the use of jails for more dangerous offenders, using offenders in a variety of community work projects, and generating revenues through per diem or administrative charges. The effects of bond measures funding new jail construction and heightened public concerns about crime and punishment on the future viability of such programs is examined in terms of public, judicial, and law enforcement attitudes. A list of major trends was developed, and a nominal group technique was used to forecast the future development of major trends, their probabilities, and impacts. From this process, three alternative future scenarios were constructed. In the chosen alternative, work programs will abound, although community and political opposition also is predicted. A strategic plan is developed for implementation and change management. Law enforcement and judicial practices that serve to undermine such programs are discussed, including inappropriate applications and inconsistent operating standards. Supplemental research data are appended. 12 endnotes and 16 references.