Numerical modeling executed in the NCEP Production Suite (NPS) forms the foundation of all forecasting of the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS needs to remain at the cutting-edge of research and model development, and continuously transition science advances from the research community to operations. A key element in modernizing the NPS is the 2015 external review performed by the UCACN Model Advisory Committee (UMAC). Some of the key recommendations were simplification and better governance of the NPS, and a closer working relationship between the NWS and NOAA research and academia in general. A second key element is the Next Generation Global Prediction System project, where the NWS has started to adopt a more project-oriented approach to improving the NPS. This town hall is designed to communicate progress on model development and response to UMAC recommendations to the public, and to provide a forum for gathering feedback from our customers.