During site visits, interviewees were asked about ways in which the community planning process could be improved. The following recommendations are based on their feedback. Given the time between data collection and publication of this report, USCM acknowledges that some of these recommendations may have already been addressed.

1. CPGs need ongoing rather than one-time technical assistance and training in achieving the core objectives. Training should accommodate the varying skill levels and communication styles of CPG members. When utilizing the CDC’s national technical assistance network, CPGs should have the option of receiving assistance from local technical assistance providers, who may have a better understanding of the local context than national providers. Further, training offered through the national technical assistance network should be tailored to the needs of each jurisdiction, rather than being "generic."

2. CPG members need training materials to assist them in understanding all aspects of the planning process. Major areas include epidemiology, priority setting, behavioral science theory, and evaluation. Materials should be short and easy to understand.

3. Technical assistance in evaluation is a priority need for CPGs and health departments. Most health departments in profiled jurisdictions do not have in-house evaluation expertise.

4. Since member retention is a challenge for many CPGs, successful strategies that have been employed in addressing this issue should be compiled and shared with CPGs and health departments nationwide.

5. The CDC’s community planning guidance should be revised to address the future direction of the initiative. The most pressing issues are those surrounding: 1) implementation of CPG recommendations; 2) evaluation of the impact of the initiative on funding allocation; and 3) evaluation of the quality and outcomes of HIV prevention interventions.

6. CPGs and health departments need information on strategies for addressing the HIV prevention needs of rural residents.

7. CPGs in jurisdictions with multiple planning groups, especially those in rural areas, need to be given more flexibility in implementing the core objectives.

8. The community planning guidance and HIV prevention funding announcement should be released earlier in the planning cycle to allow health department grantees sufficient time to respond to any changes. Receiving the guidance earlier is particularly important for jurisdictions with multiple planning groups, who have to disseminate the information more broadly.

9. Federal funding initiatives (for example, the 704 announcement) should be better coordinated with the community planning process.

10. New community planning-related requirements from CDC should acknowledge health departments’ widely varying resources and capacities. Most importantly, new requirements should be accompanied by additional funds.