This paper, a condensed report of the present state of the work in the Public Facility Location Task (formerly the Normative Location Modeling Task) at IIASA, has three main aims. The first is to build a general framework for location problems. The second is to use this framework to unify existing location models. The third is to use the framework to develop new, more general, and more meaningful location models. Finally, suggestions are given on how to introduce multiple services and multiple time periods in location problems. The multiactivity dynamic location models that this perspective generates is the subject of future research in the Public Facility Location Task.