Beginning in 1996, Mr. Ford and his organizers conducted neighborhood information sessions that led to the formation of a community coalition.

Our local community coalition, which consists of nine grassroots organizations, repeatedly asked for this commitment from the lead agencies sponsoring the project.

A community coalition has been working with the Army Corps of Engineers on possible solutions, including tearing it down and building a new one.

The groups, dubbing themselves "community coalitions," have often staged stormy protests that forced contractors to offer them jobs in return for labor peace.

"People who work full time should not remain mired in poverty," said Michael Gecan, the chief lobbyist for the community coalition.

Three community coalitions have already lined up against the proposal.

Meanwhile, advocates in community coalitions and in some government agencies are being pushed backward.

Local community coalitions have formed across the nation to address local threats with local solutions.

Yesterday, several members of the community coalition said they were frustrated by Mr. Golden's refusal to accept the compromise.

Additionally, labor unions found it less expensive to build community coalitions, and relied more heavily on staff-driven corporate campaigns.