Results of a nationwide study of public mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) spending in the states during Fiscal Years 1977 through 1986 were summarized. Trends identified included: (a) continuing growth in spending for community services, (b) contraction of total spending for institutional operations, and (c) predominance of ICF/MR support in large (16+ beds) congregate care settings. Periodic replication of the study was recommended as was additional research to identify the political and economic determinants of state MR/DD spending.