City Commission unanimously approves AARP Age‑Friendly Communities application

The Marquette City Commission voted to approve a resolution supporting the city's application to join the AARP Age‑Friendly Communities network during its June 29 meeting.

The city clerk presented the proposed designation and said the program joins a global network focused on improving livability for residents of all ages, with particular attention to older adults. The clerk outlined the commitments associated with the designation: conducting a community assessment with the senior center, engaging older adults and stakeholders in planning, developing an action plan based on the assessment, monitoring outcomes and reporting to AARP. The clerk stated the designation "does not create a regulatory requirement or a financial obligation" and offers access to planning resources and technical assistance.

Commissioner Davis moved to approve the resolution and to authorize the mayor and clerk to sign the application and a corresponding letter of support; the motion was seconded. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote: Commissioners Davis, Gotautle, Hanley, Larson, Commissioner Mayor (as recorded in the meeting), Mayor Prom Otawway and Mayor Schlaggel each answered "yes." The clerk recorded the motion as passing unanimously (transcript recorded as "Motion passes 70").

Commissioners said they supported the designation and highlighted the city's senior center as an asset that could help the community meet program expectations. The vote authorizes staff to complete the application and continue the process of community assessment and planning; no fiscal commitments were attached to the action at the time of the vote.