Thirty-nine Federal programs enabled substate regional organizations to provide technical, managerial, and program assistance to local governments during 1977-79. Many of the programs were available nationally, but a large number imposed limitations on the eligibility of the various regions and substate areas. Five criteria guided the selection of the programs that are reviewed: (1) Federal connection, (2) multicounty area focus, (3) planning and policy development focus, (4) local control, and (5) continuing nature.