The programs operated in Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. They emphasized the principles of youth empowerment, community revitalization, and grassroots action. Several foundations and corporations as well as local funders provided small amounts of initial funding to community organizations for program planning and implementation. Results of outside evaluations showed that community-based organizations can create effective strategies to reduce crime and drug abuse in inner cities. However, effective programs must be comprehensive and adequately funded. Recommended measures include establishing a Youth Investment Corporation to provide Federal seed funding and local cash matches. The corporation would combine private-sector flexibility and managerial cost-effectiveness together with public funding to ensure sufficient national impact and oversight. Footnotes, text of proposed law, and 144 references