Getting From Important to Urgent

The literature and mass media is replete with the aging of the boomer population and the unprecedented size of this age cohort. Yet, today's elected officials and public administrators are themselves moving closer to retirement. Given that, what is being done to prepare the next generation of public officials who will inherit these sweeping demographic changes and the concomitant opportunities and challenges that will occur over the next two decades? In response, the Center for Civic Partnerships has a multi-pronged statewide educational program underway and is providing assistance (both technical and financial) to several cities using the California Healthy Cities and Communities Model. The goal for each of these grantee cities is to collaborate with residents and local partners to thoughtfully plan for the future needs of their aging populations. Cities have conducted resident surveys to learn about what older adults think would be important for them to age in their communities. The results were presented to City Councils and department heads to highlight how this phenomenon will impact housing, transportation, and many other aspects of community life. In some cases, additional targeted focus groups will be conducted to further understand special needs within priority populations. Applied research underway by the Center will help communities become more livable for a more diverse and older population.