Instead of being the bane of American corrections, local control is now considered the best opportunity for correctional reform because of the availability of better facilities, lower costs, and interest in providing humane treatment. Legislatures in seven States -- California, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, and Oregon -- have adopted legislation to encourage communities to undertake progams similar to the successful programs in Des Moines, Bucks County, and Montgomery County. Despite complex local politics, difficulty in creating ties with other local service providers, and the fragmentation, these three programs have achieved considerable success. Bucks County initiated a pioneering effort to avoid building a new jail. The program provides presentencing and postsentencing evaluations and uses community education, treatment, and training services. Extensive pretrial release and sentencing alternatives are used by the courts. The Des Moines project offers comprehensive services including diversion and pretrial release using community services. Project activities have been replicated in other communities with limited success. The Montgomery County Prelease Center reintegrates offenders into the community through work release, furloughs, and life skills programming, as well as community recreation opportunities. A total of 75 percent of the Montgomery County participants complete the program; 12.6 percent commit a new offense within 1 year of release. Photographs are included.