A Community Needs Assessment reveals the gaps and priorities your community is facing — while a Resource Assessment maps the strengths and services already in place. Together, they give you the full picture you need to plan with confidence, not assumptions. Learn what the process looks like and why community involvement makes all the difference.

Discover why site visits can transform strategic planning from paper to practice. Through SPS's recent work in rural Alaska, learn how participatory evaluation and in-person collaboration create actionable strategic plans that communities actually implement. This article explores when site visits add value to evaluation work, the importance of community-centered approaches, and practical insights for bridging the gap between strategic planning and real-world action.