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City, AARP mark 10 years of Age Friendly work; city says 70% of action plan complete
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Summary
City planning staff and AARP Michigan briefed the team on the Age Friendly Communities initiative’s 10-year progress, reporting demographic trends and that roughly 70% of the city’s action plan has been completed; staff highlighted partnerships, small grants and neighborhood pilot programs.
City planning staff and AARP Michigan representatives briefed the Economic Development Project Team on the city’s Age Friendly Communities work and next steps on the program’s 10-year anniversary.
"Making communities age friendly is the most effective strategy to promote wellness, active aging," said Jennifer Feierstein DeVita, associate state director for AARP Michigan and a lifelong Grand Rapidian, summarizing the partnership with the World Health Organization’s age-friendly network and AARP’s role as the U.S. affiliate.
Jennifer presented demographic projections used to justify the work: by 2040, roughly 22% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older; Michigan is projected at about 19.2%; Kent County at about 15.4%; and Grand Rapids around 13%. Elise Green, community assistant with the planning department, outlined the city’s timeline: listening tours beginning in 2016, a commission resolution in 2018, an action plan completed in 2020, and renewal and incorporation into the master plan in 2024. "Currently, we have completed 70% of the age friendly action plan," Green said.
Staff listed accomplishments and local projects tied to the plan: a dedicated Age Friendly website and content, distribution of the Senior Preference Guide and partnerships with organizations such as the United Methodist Community House, the Asian Association of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute and the Grand Rapids Public Library. Within the housing domain, staff noted advocacy for accessible accessory dwelling units and intergenerational housing; in outdoor spaces, they cited an AARP Challenge grant that funded benches and painted sidewalks in the Creston neighborhood and a greenhouse at the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.
Planning staff said they intend to increase focus on transportation actions in the coming phase and continue support for senior-serving organizations. Commissioner Sasse asked about partner organizations and outreach; staff said they routinely coordinate with Senior Neighbors and other community groups to distribute information and provide presentations to senior-serving providers.
The briefing was informational; no formal request or vote was made.
