REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH, 2025 AT 12:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission on Aging may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, Ryan.Sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Teresa Ferguson, Vice Chair Austin Adams Suzanne Anderson Mariana Gonzalez Martin Kareithi Faith Lane Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Judi L Nudelman Jennifer Scott Luan Tran Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Asif Zaidi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Aging regular meeting on April 9, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Age Friendly Austin’s recent work related to the Domains 1-2, Domain 3, and Domains 4-6 Working Groups, as well as the Older Americans Month newsletter. Briefing by Nicole Howe, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Review of the Older Americans Month proclamation on May 8th and discussion of items to include in the October 2025 Ageism Awareness Day proclamation and May 2026 Older Americans Month proclamation. 4. Discussion on process and approval of funds for a Quality of Life study based on the May 7th meeting with the Director of the Equity and Inclusion Office. 5. Discussion of topics discussed at the April 23rd and May 8th Joint Inclusion Committee meetings related to the Commission on Aging. 6. Discussion regarding the potential formation of a Native American and Indigenous Community Commission. 7. Discussion regarding steps taken to follow up on budget recommendations submitted by the Commission on Aging. 8. Discussion on the background of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan living recommendation retirement for Implementation Advisory Commission’s development. 9. Discussion regarding dates, times, and details of previous and upcoming Older Americans Month activities. 10. Discussion regarding questions to ask Dr. …
COMMISSION ON AGING MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Commission on Aging REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 9, 2025 The Commission on Aging convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Ferguson called the Commission on Aging Meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Teresa Ferguson Gloria Lugo Judi L Nudelman Luan Tran Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Bondi, Chair Suzanne Anderson Austin Adams Faith Lane Fred Lugo Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the March 12th, 2025, regular Commission on Aging Meeting. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Lugo’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Tyree was off the dais. Commissioners Angel, Gonzalez, Kareithi, Van de Putte, and Zaidi were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 1 COMMISSION ON AGING MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 9, 2025 2. 3. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan. Briefing by: Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. Withdrawn without objection. Staff Briefing regarding Centralized Guidance on Communicating with Older Adults. Briefing by: Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. Briefing by Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding the FY25-26 City of Austin Housing Action Plan, Rocio Pena- Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Presentation by Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager; and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) initiatives as they relate to the Commission on Aging including JIC Budget Recommendations for the City of Austin FY25-26 Budget. Update provided by Chair Bondi. Discussion on tracking of Texas Legislative Items that impact older adults. Discussion was held. Update on modifying the Commission on Aging Bylaws. Update provided by Chair Bondi Update on the Older Americans Month Proclamation, tentatively scheduled to go to Council on May 8th. Update provided by Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. Review of the Commission on Aging current workgroups and their goals and members including: the Domains 1-2 Workgroup, the Domain 3 Workgroup, the Domains 4-6 Workgroup, the Domain 8 Workgroup, the Quality of Life Study Workgroup, the Implicit …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING APRIL 9TH, 2025 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512-972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Austin Adams Jacqueline L Angel Suzanne Anderson Teresa Ferguson Judi L Nudelman Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Asif Zaidi Mariana Gonzalez Martin Kareithi Faith Lane Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the March 12th, 2025, regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan. Briefing by: Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. Staff Briefing regarding Centralized Guidance on Communicating with Older Adults. Briefing by: Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding the FY25-26 City of Austin Housing Action Plan, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) initiatives as they relate to the Commission on Aging including JIC Budget Recommendations for the City of Austin FY25-26 Budget. Discussion on tracking of Texas Legislative Items that impact older adults. Update on modifying the Commission on Aging Bylaws. Update on the Older Americans Month Proclamation, tentatively scheduled to go to Council on May 8th. Review of the Commission on Aging current workgroups and their goals and members including: the Domains 1-2 Workgroup, the Domain 3 Workgroup, the Domains 4-6 Workgroup, the Domain 8 Workgroup, the Quality of Life Study Workgroup, the Implicit Bias Workgroup, and the Collaboration with the Mayor’s Committee with Disabilities Workgroup. 10. Update on emergency preparedness efforts by Travis County in Manor, Texas. 11. Discussion regarding a transition of staff liaisons for the Commission on Aging. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 12. Recommendation from the Older Adults Quality of Life (QoL) Study Working Group for the City of Austin to provide additional funding for …
Is this nomination primarily for work performed In a paid/professional role Nominee's Occupation/Affliation Aging Services Council Nominee's Name Alida cautino Nominee's Length of Service in the Aging Community: (Years/Months - Required) 1 In a paid/professional role Community Health Worker Alida Coutino 2 years In a paid/professional role Community Relations/Injury Prevention Austin-Travis County EMS Captain Darren Noak & Clinical Specialist Dan Brown 9 mos In a paid/professional role In a paid/professional role Drive a Senior ATX/Operations Manager Drive a Senior ATX/Operations Manager Charis Fleming 7 years, 10 months Charis Fleming In a paid/professional role Older Individuals who are Blind Services Specialist Irma Pyka 2 years 6 months In a paid/professional role In a paid/professional role Bilingual Digital Literacy Instructor Jasmin Vargas Training and Education Coordinator Jessica Martone 3+ years 5 years In a paid/professional role Senior consultant John Brown 8 How did the nominee go above and beyond for the older adults community? promoting aging education information and helping aging business in the industry She always went above and beyond to find resources for clients, provided caring and empathetic services and communication The Austin-Travis County EMS Community Relations and Injury Prevention Team conducts community outreach and education for the residents of Austin and Travis County. Before the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, the team consisted of four full-time sworn uniformed staff and a program manager. The Team provided CPR and first aid training, senior home safety fall prevention risk assessments, safety presentations, Safe Baby Academy classes, and a robust Child Passenger Safety Program. However, due to the COVID pandemic and ongoing staffing issues, all uniformed personnel from this valuable team were reassigned to Field Operations in 2020. This staffing void continued for four years until June of 2024 when the Department was able to re-establish the section by adding back two full-time positions to the Injury Prevention team. In June of 2024, the Community Relations and Injury Prevention Team sprang back to life as Captain Darren Noak and Clinical Specialist Dan Brown were assigned as the new Sworn team members and joined the Community Relations and Injury Prevention Manager, Lisa Sepulveda. Darren, Dan, and Lisa hit the ground running. Since then, the team has been working very hard to reinstate many, of the previous programs offered during the former “glory days” of the team. One of the programs offered is our Senior Home Safety Assessments. Elderly falls contribute to a significant …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Carrie Rogers, Intergovernmental Relations Officer DATE: February 25, 2025 SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Update / Potential Reductions at the Department of Housing and Urban Development As a follow up to memorandums issued on January 29, 2025, February 11, 2025, and February 17, 2025, the Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO), along with partner departments, continues to review federal administration actions relating to direct and discretionary funding awarded to the City of Austin. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, public reports began circulating of a planned 50% reduction in staff across the entire workforce at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In some HUD divisions, the cuts could be deeper – up to 84% at HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) – according to reports. Such a drastic reduction would likely have a significant impact on efforts across the nation to address homelessness and make housing more affordable. CPD includes many programs critically important to the City of Austin, such as HOME Investments Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and Continuum of Care (CoC) programming. The City of Austin receives approximately $14 million per year in HUD block grants. An additional $14 million was awarded this January for CoC programs, which primarily support services to address homelessness in Austin through non-profit partners. City of Austin HUD Community Programming Based on the information we have today, and in reviewing the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) with the Housing Department, the Homeless Strategy Office and Austin Public Health, staff identified the following areas where drastic reductions to HUD personnel and/or a reduction in funding would impact the City of Austin’s community programming: Page 1 of 3 HOME Program ($3,073,266) • HOME provides Tenant Based Rental Assistance to 65 families/individuals experiencing homelessness. The contract is administered through the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and coordinated with our Continuum of Care (ECHO). • HOME provides funding for Down Payment Assistance (DPA) for 25 low- to moderate- income homebuyers who are first-time homebuyers. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - $7,223,444 • Currently, CDBG funding provides programs or services to more than 14,000 Austinites. • CDBG provides critical mental health services, childcare services, and services to …
City of Austin Action Plan Community Needs Assessment Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 25-26 Action Plan for federal grants. Agenda Federal Grants Overview FY23-24 Goals, Outcomes & Impact Community Engagement Background Continuing the dialouge: FY25-26 Priorities The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. These grants are part of a 5-year cycle. Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 3 HUD Funding Sources 4 Programs & Activities Overview FY 23-24 5 Goals & Outcomes FY 23-24 6 Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 2024 Median Income for family of 4: $126,000 Source: City of Austin FY 23-24 CAPER How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback immediate help stability trust building wealth access 11 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback from Boards & Commissions Commission on Aging The commissioners expressed interest in knowing more about the number of seniors being served by all HUD and housing programs and the percentage of funding going toward seniors. Transparency & Accountability What is the total funding for housing programs? What has changed since you came to us last? How are you holding partners accountable? Outreach and Engagement How are you reaching our community? Data and Impact How great is the need? How are you serving our community? Funding Possibilities Programs and projects specific to each community Disappointment and Distrust More questions than input Calls for accountability 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback Data and Impact Transparency Outreach to vulnerable communities Progress and Commitments New policy and data team in Housing Department New Housing Hub on Speak Up Austin, with impact of feedback as core component (launching in early …
Commission on Aging Workgroups Working Groups • Working groups are formed to “consider a defined matter or matters and report its recommendation to the board” (see City Code 2-1-42). They are designed for a specific assignment or project and are always temporary. • An action item on an agenda is needed to establish a working group. The “defined matter” or objective of the working group must be clearly outlined during the vote. • A working group is automatically dissolved after it reports its recommendations to the board. (see City Code 2-1-2) • Should additional projects be identified after a working group is dissolved (reports recommendations), a new working group must be formed. • Working groups may only consist of less than a quorum of members but can include nonmembers such as community stakeholders. • There is no staff support provided for a working group. Current Workgroups: Domains 1 & 2: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation Formed: October 2024 Goal: To advance initiatives outlined in Domains 1 & 2 (Outdoor Spaces and Buildings and Transportation) of the Age Friendly Action Plan for FY24/25 Name Mariana Gonzalez Martin Kareithi Preston Tyree Gloria Lugo Suzanne Anderson Domain 3: Housing Formed: October 2024 Goal: To advance initiatives outlined in Domain 3 (Housing) of the Age Friendly Action Plan for FY24/25. Name Richard Bondi Martin Kareithi Gloria Lugo Domains 4 – 6: Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Formed: October 2024 Goal: To advance initiatives outlined in Domains 4-6 (Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, and Civic Participation and Employment) of the Age Friendly Action Plan for FY24/25. Name Fred Lugo Richard Bondi Suzanne Anderson Teresa Ferguson Jennifer Scott Page 1 of 3 4/7/2025 Commission on Aging Workgroups Domain 8: Community and Health Services Formed: October 2024 Goal: To advance initiatives outlined in Domain 8 (Community Support and Health Services) of the Age Friendly Action Plan for FY24/25. Name Jacueline Angel Teresa Ferguson Henry Van de Putte Quality of Life Study Workgroup Formed: May 2024 Goal: To monitor and advise on the Commission on Aging Quality of Life Study Name Richard Bondi Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte The Implicit Bias Workgroup Formed: August 2024 Goal: To draft a recommendation on creating an Implicit Bias Day in Austin Name Richard Bondi Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree The Collaboration with Mayor’s Committee with Disabilities Workgroup Formed: August 2024 Goal: To identify …
4. 5. 6. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING MARCH 12TH, 2025 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512-972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice-Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Suzanne Anderson Jacqueline Angel Gloria Lugo Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy: District 6 Martin Kareithi Faith Lane Fred Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER/ATTENDANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the February 12th, 2025, regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan and centralized guidance on communicating with older adults. Briefing by: Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) initiatives as they relate to the Commission on Aging including a recap on presentations received by the JIC on bonds from Austin Public Health and a presentation from the City of Austin Budget Office. Discussion on the Commission on Aging 2025 Community Service Awards. Discussion on tracking of Texas Legislative Items that impact older adults. Discussion on Age Friendly Initiatives prioritized by the Commission on Aging. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Discussion and possible action on the 2025 Older American’s Month Proclamation language and development. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Increased Funding for Homeless Strategy Office. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Funds for Senior Transportation Programs. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year …
4. 5. 6. 7. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING MARCH 12TH, 2025 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512-972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice-Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Suzanne Anderson Jacqueline Angel Gloria Lugo Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy: District 6 Martin Kareithi Faith Lane Fred Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER/ATTENDANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the February 12th, 2025, regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan and centralized guidance on communicating with older adults. Briefing by: Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) initiatives as they relate to the Commission on Aging including a recap on presentations received by the JIC on bonds from Austin Public Health and a presentation from the City of Austin Budget Office. Discussion on the Commission on Aging 2025 Community Service Awards. Discussion on tracking of Texas Legislative Items that impact older adults. Discussion on Age Friendly Initiatives prioritized by the Commission on Aging. Update on the Older Adults Quality of Life Study, Nirali Thakkar, Cortez Consulting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Discussion and possible action on the 2025 Older American’s Month Proclamation language and development. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Increased Funding for Homeless Strategy Office. Discussion and possible action on a budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Funds for Senior Transportation Programs. Discussion …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-10): Increase Funding for Homeless Strategy Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, in 2024 over 27.6% of our unhomed population in Austin was 50 years of age or older2; and WHEREAS, homelessness decreases a person’s life expectancy and unhouse people over 50 tend to present as much older medically and have a greater need for social services than other unhomed populations3; and WHEREAS, while Austin leads the nation in new affordable housing construction4, in order to address the dynamic and multifaceted natures of poverty, homelessness, and housing instability as well as to accelerate access to concrete supports, dismantle systemic inequities, and mitigate barriers to healthy living, individuals and families, especially older adults and their caregivers with low incomes need access to safe, stable, and affordable housing bolstered by wraparound supportive services5; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to approve additional funds and explore all available means to provide additional social services funding for the Homeless Strategy Office to allow them to better serve homeless people over 50 years of age in Austin. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 3 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 4 https://www.kut.org/housing/2025-02-18/austin-tx-affordable-housing-construction-study 5 https://acf.gov/ocs/programs/ahssd Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-11): Funds for Senior Transportation Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, as the nation’s aging population continues to rise – with 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ by 2020 – the provision of safe and accessible transportation options remains a top concern of older adults, caregivers and the communities where they live2; and WHEREAS, older adults and those with a disability who cannot secure rides to social events can feel isolated from their communities, which puts them at risk for depression and cognitive decline3; and WHEREAS, according to City of Austin transportation data in 2022, less than 50% of our population has access to innovative public transit service or is within one quarter mile of regular fixed route transit4, lack of access is even more difficult for older adults and people with disabilities as they often need door to door services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund $250,000 in Austin Public Health’s Social Services grant funds annually specifically for older adult transportation programs, to insure our older adults and those with disabilities have access to medical appointments, food and necessities as well as social interaction to prevent isolation. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 https://www.nadtc.org/about/transportation-aging-disability/unique-issues-related-to-older-adults-and- transportation/ 3 “How Access to Affordable Transportation Leads to Better Health Outcomes for Older Adults”, National Council on Aging, June 17, 2024. 4 https://data.austintexas.gov/Transportation-and-Mobility/M-C-3_Percentage-of-population-that-has-access-to- /p3t8-4eip Page 1 of 2 Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-12): In Home Care for Older Adults WHEREAS, 9.5% of Austin’s population are 65 years of age or over (91,033) and 19.3% of Austin’s population are 55 years or over (185,570)1; and WHEREAS, most Americans want to age in their homes. In fact, in a survey from 2024, 75 percent of U.S. adults aged over 50 years said they would like to reside in their current residence for as long as possible2; and WHEREAS, in home care for older adults is an effective upstream solution for older adults, often preventing them from being unhoused. WHEREAS, in home care is typically less expensive than assisted living if the older adult needs 40 hours or less of paid home care each week3; and WHEREAS, nationwide over 3 million people received home health care in 20204; and WHEREAS, Austinites can expect to pay an average of $4,576 per month for home health care5; and WHEREAS, compared to the other three major Texas cities, the cost of home health care in Austin is higher6; and WHEREAS, Medicaid reimbursement for in home health care in Austin is $10.60 per hour, which is not a living wage; and WHEREAS, starting salary at McDonald’s in Austin is $11.00 per hour7; and 1 Austin Demographic Data Hub | Open Data | City of Austin Texas 2 Home care in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts | Statista 3 In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living Costs | Seniors Guide 4 FastStats - Home Health Care 5 Cost of Long Term Care by State | Cost of Care Report | Carescout 6 Home Care in Austin, TX | HomeCare.org NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund and explore all available means to provide reimbursement for in home care for older adults in Austin, including but not limited to adding applicable coverage provisions on in home care to City employee assistance programs or insurance plans. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) 7 McDonald's salaries in Austin, TX: How much does McDonald's pay? | Indeed.com
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-13: Home Delivered Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2023/2024 the City of Austin removed funding for home delivered meals from the Safety Net Funding; and WHEREAS, prior to that, the City of Austin had consistently funded home delivered meals for older adults and people with disabilities since the 1970’s; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population1 and the median age of Austin’s older adults is 72.7 years2; and WHEREAS, greater than 30% of Austin’s older adult population include groups that are historically underserved: • Asian older adults represent 7.4% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Black older adults represent 8.6% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Hispanic older adults represent 20.5% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Non-Hispanic or White older adults represent 60.8% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults3; and WHEREAS, of Austin’s older adults, 27.6% are individuals living with a disability and 9.5% are living below poverty.4 WHEREAS, despite Austin’s increase in the older adult population, increasing at a growth rate of 64.7% between 2010 and 2020 (from 55,695 in 2010, or 7.0% of population to 91,733 in 2020, or 9.5% of the population)5 City funding of older adult programs is less than of other cities of comparable size; and 1 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates 5 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/apps/a4e31fc68d37449b8e3c044e249699bc/explore WHEREAS, people who are unable to prepare their own meals or are enduring economic hardships, home delivered meals are an upstream solution, helping them to stay in their homes, living with dignity and independence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund home delivered meals in the amount of $700,000. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-14): Native American & Indigenous Community Commission WHEREAS, out of the sixty-seven City of Austin Boards and Commissions, none are focused on representing the needs of Native Americans and Indigenous communities1; and WHEREAS, all the City of Austin land was originally populated by local tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan peoples and later the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Comanche, Delaware, Lipan Apache and Tonkawa with the acknowledgement that many tribes, known and unknown have resided and migrated on these lands and region over time; and WHEREAS, the local group, Great Promise for Native Americans has identified local members of the Native American & Indigenous Community interested in serving on such a commission; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to create a Native American & Indigenous Community Commission, comprised of eleven members for the purpose of advising and consulting with City Council on all matters that impact the Native American and Indigenous community, including preserving culture, economic development, education, and health & wellness. The commission shall evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact; determine the needs of Native Americans and the Indigenous community in Austin and advise Council regarding these needs; and promote the contributions of Native Americans and the Indigenous community to the cultural, economic, and historical value of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging requests the Austin City Council to direct that commissioners are representatives from any of these groups, as well as federally and state recognized tribal members: • Great Promise for American Indians, • Central Texas Cherokee Township, • Chickasaw Community Council of Central Texas, • Native American HEART, and • Native American and Indigenous Collective. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging requests that the Austin City Council allows the commission to review its membership and community participation after the first 1 Boards and Commissions | AustinTexas.gov two years of operation and determine if additional representation from the Native American and Indigenous community groups is required. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is COMMISSION ON AGING ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory board to the council concerning the quality of life for older adults in the Austin area and to help ensure they are productive, independent, and healthy. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of fifteen members. Two members are nominated by the Mayor and each council member nominates one member. One member is appointed by Travis County Commissioners Court. One member is appointed by the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. One member is appointed by Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. (B) The commission should include members who are representatives of or sensitive to the needs of the older adult population. Members should have substantive knowledge on issues concerning older adults including but not limited to health, affordable housing, basic needs, transportation, social engagement and inclusion, and caregiver support. The commission should be inclusive and represent a diversity of ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and national origin; and include older adults who are representatives of the Austin community. (C) A member serves at the pleasure of the appointing body. (D) City appointed board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. County-appointed board members serve for a term of two years beginning in February of the year of appointment. The tenure of a board member nominated by a council member runs concurrently with the tenure of the city council member who nominated the member. (E) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (F) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of …
Presented by: Nirali Thakkar, Cortez Consulting Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study Today’s Agenda Previous Engagement O ur Task and Approach Focus Group Engagement Update ◼ ◼ ◼ Previous Engagement Age-Friendly Austin Survey highlights from the preliminary results in the March 2024 Commission on Aging meeting: 1. The survey received 409 responses total. 2. A majority of respondents identified as white (76.8%). 3. Respondents predominantly resided in Districts 5, 9, and 10. 4. The zip codes with the highest number of responses were 78745, 78759, 78723, 78749, and 78704. Kaleel, H. (2024, March 13). March Commission on Aging Meeting. Austin, TX.https://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/120_1.htm The Task at Hand: Building Partnerships: Results of Outreach: ● The scope of work in this project asked for this QOL study to prioritize several older adults who had not yet been meaningfully engaged: ○ LGBTQ+ Older ○ BIPOC Older Adults ○ Low Income Older ○ Older Adults living Adults Adults Alone ● Rely on networks to facilitate introductions ● Provide transparency to the partnership ● Provide compensation to partners ● Create a mutually beneficial process (offer activities such as bingo, yoga, etc). ● Utilize the existing systems within an organization to spread the word ● Build trust and buy-in by visiting programming sites in January ● 22 community partners, 10 that supported the focus groups. ○ Foundation Communities (3 properties) ○ Family Eldercare (2 ○ Meals on Wheels (2 programs) programs) ○ Jewish Community Center ○ SAIVA + AVSA ○ Caregiving Cafe Focus Group Engagement Update 01 02 03 Change in Zip Codes Change in Demographics Unique Perspectives ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 78701 (Capitol Studios at 309 E 11th Street) 78741(Arbor Terrace, at 2501 S I-35 Frontage Road) 78752 (Spring Terrace at 7101 N I-35 Frontage Road) Increased inclusion of BIPOC communities Increased inclusion of low-income older adults Increased inclusion of LGBTQ+ older adults Individuals participated in Vietnamese, Spanish, and ASL Individuals who experienced difficulty seeing, walking (due to physical impairments), and remembering participated. Individuals who lived alone participated, offering the perspective of social isolation and its impacts.
Older Americans Month 2025 Proposed Mayor’s Proclamation Be it known that WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is observed nationally as a time to recognize the contributions of Older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults; and WHEREAS, the 2025 theme for Older Americans Month, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging; and WHEREAS, Austin's growing population of older adults enriches our community with their strength, wisdom, and diverse life experiences, and the City of Austin is committed to honoring their contributions, exploring opportunities for them to stay active and engaged, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Austin Program and the Commission on Aging, in alignment with the 2025 Older Americans Month theme, are dedicated to empowering aging and educating and encouraging older adults to prepare and plan for the future while actively participating in the present; and Now, therefore, I, Kirk Watson, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas do hereby proclaim The Month of May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Austin.
