Commission hears update on transportation survey and $24,900 consultant to develop Age‑Friendly action plan

Manchester Senior Services Commission members received an update on a transportation survey aimed at improving mobility for older residents and on a consultant‑led Age‑Friendly action plan the city expects to complete by June 30.

Elaine, speaking to the commission, said the transportation survey has collected “over 250 surveys completed from all different, parts of the city.” The goal, she said, is to reach neighborhood residents who use or want to use buses so the commission can make recommendations to improve affordability, convenience and access for older adults. She said the commission is talking with the Manchester Transit Authority; the MTA director, Mike Whitton, was identified as a partner in outreach and potential focus groups.

Elaine said the Manchester Health Department contracted Patrick Tufts, the former CEO of Granite State United Way, as a consultant to lead the Age‑Friendly planning and community engagement work. She said Tufts and a colleague will produce a written plan with recommendations and that “they have agreed that they're going to get that done by June 30.” The transcript records a cost for the consultant of $24,900: “he's gonna do it for the low, low price of $24,900,” Elaine said.

The commission discussed how the Age‑Friendly plan fits larger efforts. Elaine noted that Manchester committed in 2022 to work toward Age‑Friendly community goals under the World Health Organization framework, which covers pillars such as transportation, housing, health care and social engagement. She said the plan will include an advisory panel of community partners and residents and that ARP (American Rescue Plan) funding and other sources could be considered to implement prioritized actions.

Elaine told commissioners the plan’s initial work will include focus groups, interviews and outreach with community partners such as the Mental Health Centre of Greater Manchester to capture barriers to accessing appointments and services. The commission discussed using some sponsorship funds from the mayor’s luncheon to pilot selected initiatives if needed; Elaine said the mayor indicated those funds could be available for related initiatives.

No formal commission vote on contracting with the consultant was recorded in the commission’s transcript; the consultant engagement and timeline were presented as staff activity and planning work already under way.

The commission did not take additional formal action on the transportation survey or the Age‑Friendly planning during the meeting.