Sacramento County approves Local Age and Disability Friendly Action Plan for community support

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss the Sacramento County Local Age and Disability Friendly Action Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities in the community. The meeting featured presentations from Deputy Director for Senior and Adult Services, Melissa Jacobs, and project manager Mike King from Pear Street Consulting.

Jacobs opened the discussion by highlighting the growing demographic of individuals aged 60 and over, as well as those living with disabilities, which currently constitutes approximately 28% of Sacramento County's population. Projections indicate this figure will rise to 30% by 2030. In response to this demographic shift, Sacramento County has aligned its efforts with the California Master Plan for Aging, which has been in effect since 2021.

The county received a $200,000 grant from the California Department of Aging to develop the Local Age and Disability Friendly Action Plan. Jacobs acknowledged the contributions of former staff members who played pivotal roles in initiating this project. The plan was shaped through extensive community engagement, including 26 listening sessions that gathered input from over 500 residents.

Mike King presented the plan as a five-year strategy designed to create more livable communities for older adults and people with disabilities. Key priorities identified include affordable housing, accessible transportation, and improved communication about available services. The plan proposes a county-wide awareness campaign to promote the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), which serves as a centralized resource for long-term care services.

Additionally, the plan aims to combat ageism and ableism by implementing an age and disability-friendly business program, enhancing accessibility in public spaces, and fostering partnerships to address transportation needs, particularly in rural areas. A village program is also proposed to connect volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities to assist with caregiving.

The meeting concluded with public support for the plan, notably from Don Angelo, Sacramento Regional Director for AARP, who emphasized the importance of creating connected and engaged communities for successful aging.

The Board of Supervisors expressed appreciation for the presentation and the collaborative efforts involved in developing the plan. The next steps include the implementation of the proposed initiatives and continued community engagement to ensure the plan meets the evolving needs of Sacramento County's residents.