Neoliberalism describes the form of capitalism currently dominating the global economy. The administrative logics and epistemologies used to think about the public purposes of higher education and community engagement are shifting to conform to neoliberal economic models. At this historical moment, the practice of community engagement is threatened by a general commitment to neoliberalism. This project examines the ways in which systems of thought and objects of knowledge tied to neoliberalism define the boundaries of possible community engagement projects. Readers will be introduced to theoretical and practical components of neoliberalism and how the phenomenon impacts understandings of community engagement practice. This public interest theory research will give administrators and stakeholders an analytical framework to think about constructing and maintaining a community engagement practice that can effectively respond to challenges associated with neoliberalism.