Abstract: The strategy for designing a non-hydrostatic multi-scale community model dynamic core is proposed, based on the advances of the numerical weather prediction model and new techniques of radar and satellite observations, etc. There are two approaches in developing community models at present: one is that both global and regional models share a common temporal, spatial discretization approach and codes; the other is to use a single global variable resolution model that can be reconfigured according to applications. Attention is then focused on various desing issues, including the strategy for designing community models, the choice of model equations, the construction of model grid properties, the temporal and spatial discretization, the selection of the vertical coordinate, etc.