Council approves two‑year MOU to fund supported La Mirinda Village memberships for Lafayette seniors

The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously on April 14 to enter a two‑year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with La Mirinda Village to fund supported memberships for Lafayette residents who meet a means‑test, providing $70,000 per year and streamlining enrollment so supported memberships are offered directly through the village’s sign‑up process.

Jonathan Katayanagi, the city’s Parks, Trails and Recreation Director, recommended the MOU after the Senior Services Commission unanimously endorsed a change that integrates the city‑funded supported memberships into the village’s registration process. “This new structure really helps us to create a more age friendly community through really putting that funding upfront for them to deliver those services,” Katayanagi said.

Susie Pack, La Mirinda Village’s community outreach coordinator, described the program and its results. She said La Mirinda Village provides services and programs for residents aged 55 and older across Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, and that the city’s earlier grant enabled the village to sponsor memberships for lower‑income residents. Pack told the council that since the city’s initial commitment the village has received $98,000 from Lafayette and used that funding to cover annual dues for qualifying residents, reach more isolated seniors and expand programming.

Pack said the village’s supported‑membership process requires applicants to attest to income eligibility (the village does not require financial documentation), and the village will pass eligibility information to city staff as part of the MOU. She outlined programs launched or expanded with city support, including weekly social gatherings at the library, strength and balance classes, volunteer driver support and partnerships with senior housing providers and community organizations.

Several residents who are village members spoke in favor of the program during public comments, describing the social and transportation services the village provides. Jonathan Katayanagi told the council the new arrangement provides predictable funding that lets the village plan staff and volunteer resources rather than repeatedly seeking sponsorships.

Vice Mayor Enduring moved the staff recommendation and Councilmember Dawson seconded the motion. Council members voted in favor and the mayor announced the motion carried unanimously.

The MOU will run for two years at $70,000 per year to make supported memberships available to Lafayette residents who meet the stated means test; the MOU also directs the village to coordinate with the Senior Services Commission to align programming with city age‑friendly goals. No additional action was required at the meeting beyond approving the MOU.

City and village leaders said they will continue outreach to seniors, increase volunteer recruitment for transportation and programs, and monitor membership uptake during the two‑year MOU.