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Council hears update on ‘Communities for All Ages’; city highlights senior programs and universal-design incentive
Summary
Laura Mize, the city’s neighborhood specialist, told the Excelsior Springs City Council on March 3 that the city has received gold-level recognition from the Mid‑America Regional Council for its Communities for All Ages work and is expanding several programs aimed at older residents.
Laura Mize, the city’s neighborhood specialist, told the Excelsior Springs City Council on March 3 that the city has received gold-level recognition from the Mid-America Regional Council for its Communities for All Ages work and is expanding several programs aimed at older residents.
"I'm super excited to bring you an update of our continuing work with Mid America Regional Council and the Communities for All Ages program," Mize said, describing a task force called ES Aging Well made up of residents and professionals from the hospital, nonprofits and the library.
The program uses an "age lens" across parks, housing, transportation and community services and operates on a bronze–silver–gold framework. Mize said the city has adopted an ordinance to "waive a partial permit fee, for developers who implement universal design in their builds." She also described a printed guide, Remodeling for Accessible Homes, developed with Mid-America Regional Council and participating communities.
Among local initiatives Mize highlighted: a $5,000 grant awarded to the senior center for technology education; a 10-week Aging Mastery program planned in partnership with Glenn Smith of Elder Law; an existing minor home-repair program that sets aside funds for residents who need modifications after illness or injury; and Boundless Backyard, a park project with inclusive playground features and a butterfly garden.
Mize described partnerships aimed at food and wellness: the local farmers market, Harvesters working with the Good Samaritan Center to provide groceries, and a forthcoming meal-and-visit program led by Jesse Hall that organizers hope will identify residents at risk and connect them to services. She said Jesse Hall has sought funding from Clay County Senior Services and is working with Mid-America Regional Council.
Council members asked for sources for demographic projections; Mize said the AARP supplied the county-level aging data shown in her slides. Council comments noted the program’s regional visibility and the city’s role as a model for similar efforts.
Mize closed by thanking the council for support and offering to follow up on data requests.
Ending: The council did not take formal action on the presentation. Staff said ongoing task-force work and program partnerships will continue and that specific funding and scheduling for new programs (for example the Aging Mastery class and Boundless Backyard openings) will be provided as details are finalized.
