County presents final draft Older Americans Act area plan; seeks April 10 consent adoption

Clackamas County social services staff presented the final draft of the Older Americans Act Area Plan 2025–2029 and asked the Board to place the plan on the April 10 consent agenda for adoption.

Tracy Gerell, Social Services Division Director, said the four‑year plan is the framework for aging services and sets service goals and objectives. Staff conducted a community needs assessment that included about 1,200 survey respondents (roughly 80% aged 60 or older), focus groups, listening sessions and engagement with the Aging Services Advisory Council. The public comment period ran from Feb. 10 through March 14 and staff said comments are included in the packet.

Key issues identified were older adults struggling with basic needs, demand for home maintenance and repair, socialization, and transportation access. Gerell described transportation services in the plan: demand‑response rides (including paid and volunteer drivers), 10 county community centers that provide transportation and services, Clackamas County Connects last‑mile shuttles (about 35,000 rides last year) and Mount Hood Express for rural communities (56,264 rides last year). Gerell said the plan will emphasize outreach because many older adults are unaware of available services.

Commissioner West asked about budget implications; staff and the county administrator indicated a $70,000 general‑fund match was included (described in the session as a one‑time general fund allocation tied to the plan). Staff said other funds are braided and that much of the plan’s funding will come from Older Americans Act federal/state funds administered through Oregon. Gerell said plan implementation begins July 1, with yearly progress reports to the state and to the Aging Services Advisory Council.

Chair Roberts and commissioners signaled support for placing the final plan on the April 10 consent agenda; no formal motion was required at the policy session.