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Encinitas accepted into AARP Age-Friendly Network, city officials say work begins
Summary
The Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission and city staff marked the city's acceptance into the AARP Age-Friendly Network and outlined next steps including community surveys funded by the San Diego Foundation and a yearlong planning process.
Encinitas received a certificate recognizing the city's acceptance into the AARP Age-Friendly Network during the May 20, 2025, meeting of the Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission.
The presentation, led by Israel Hernandez of AARP, was followed by remarks from commissioners who said the designation will guide a yearlong effort to gather community input and develop an action plan. Commissioner Martin said the recognition aligns with the commission's mission to "enhance the quality of life for the adult 50+ community." Commissioner Hanwit thanked the city council, Mayor Ehlers and staff for their roles and singled out staff members and community partners for supporting the work.
Why it matters: AARP's Age-Friendly Network provides a framework and technical assistance for cities to collect input from older residents and to prioritize changes in services, transportation, housing and public space. City staff said the designation will help organize community feedback into a formal action plan and make the city eligible for additional support.
City staff and commission members said funding from the San Diego Foundation allowed the city to engage technical assistance and launch the program. Manager Hamer and staff confirmed an advisory board and public outreach schedule are being established as part of the launch.
Quotes from the meeting reflect the outreach focus. Israel Hernandez said the age-friendly process "gets community feedback from your older adults on what they like about the community" and also identifies what residents may want more of. Commissioner Hanwit said the network can bring "dignity, inclusion, and connection" to residents.
Next steps: Manager Hamer said a community survey will be launched June 2, will remain open through August and be offered in both online and paper formats. Listening sessions and interviews with stakeholders are scheduled to follow the survey; ad hoc commission members were invited to serve on the advisory board. Staff said the city hopes for more than 1,000 survey responses and will publicize opportunities for participation.
The presentation closed with thanks to staff and community partners and the commission scheduled further discussion of age-friendly planning during upcoming meetings.
