REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 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 of May 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the progress of the Age-Friendly Austin Domains Work Groups. Briefing by Nicole Howe, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Family Eldercare on the LGBTQ+ Housing Groundbreaking at Cairn Point Montopolis (1013 Montopolis Drive, Austin, TX 78741) on June 18th from 9:30- 10:30 AM. Presentation by Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO, Family Eldercare. 4. Presentation from RBJ Senior Housing regarding their recent projects providing affordable housing for seniors. Presentation by Dylan Lowery, Director of Communication, and Shontell Gauthier, Executive Director, RBJ Senior Housing. 5. Update on Texas State Legislation that could impact the Commission on Aging and services to older adults. 6. Update regarding items discussed at the May 28, 2025 Joint Inclusion Committee meeting as related to Commission on Aging. 7. Discussion regarding information on the locations of City of Austin’s emergency centers and concerns raised at the May meeting by Commissioner Gloria Lugo regarding unhoused persons at the Dittmar Recreation Center. 8. Update on the outcome of the May 15th Aging with Power Conference. 9. Discussion regarding programming of the City’s We All Belong summer events. 10. Discussion on the commission’s 2025 Annual Internal Review and Report, based …
Commission on Aging REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 14, 2025 The Commission on Aging convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bondi called the Commission on Aging Meeting to order at 12:12 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi (Chair) Gloria Lugo Luan Tran Judi Nudelman Faith Lane Henry Van de Putte Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Teresa Ferguson (Vice Chair) Fred Lugo Jennifer Scott Martin Kareithi Suzanne Anderson Asif Zaidi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Aaron Alarcon – LGBTQ+ Housing APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Aging regular meeting on April 9, 2025. The minutes were approved with an amendment to strike “and” in the second paragraph of item 14 and replace it with “as” on Commissioner Van de Putte’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Zaidi was off the dais. Commissioners Gonzalez and Tyree were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 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. 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. Discussion was held. 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. Discussion was held. 5. Discussion of topics discussed at the April 23rd and May 8th Joint Inclusion Committee meetings related to the Commission on Aging. Discussion was held. 6. Discussion regarding the potential formation of a Native American and Indigenous Community Commission. Discussion was held. 7. Discussion regarding steps taken to follow up on budget recommendations submitted by the Commission on Aging. Withdrawn without objection. 8. Discussion on the background of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission’s recommendation for retirement living development. Discussion was held. This item was taken up after item 4 without objection. 9. Discussion regarding dates, times, and details of previous and upcoming Older Americans Month activities. Discussion was held. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250611-013): Proclamation for National Senior Center Month WHEREAS, National Senior Center Month is observed annually in September to recognize and celebrate the vital role that senior centers play in enhancing the health and well-being of older adults; and WHEREAS, senior centers serve as community hubs, offering a wide range of programs and services that promote social engagement, physical activity, lifelong learning, and access to health and wellness resources; and WHEREAS, the theme for National Senior Center Month 2025, as designated by the National Council on Aging is “Powering Connections,” highlighting the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and community connections among older adults; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to supporting its growing older adult population through programs and services that empower older adults to live healthy, active, and independent lives; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Program and the Commission on Aging strive to create a community that values and supports older adults, ensuring they have opportunities to connect, contribute, and thrive. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim the month of September 2025 as “National Senior Center Month” in Austin, Texas and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older adults and the essential role of senior centers in our community and encourage all residents to visit and participate in the programs and services they offer. 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)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250611-014): Proclamation for Ageism Awareness Day WHEREAS, ageism is discrimination based on age and affects people of all ages and can undermine the dignity, value, and contributions of older adults in our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to fostering inclusivity, respect, and opportunity for residents of all ages, ensuring that age is never a barrier to participation, employment, or engagement; and WHEREAS, Ageism Awareness Day, observed on October 9, 2025, serves as a national call to action to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and promote a culture of equity across the lifespan; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to promoting equity and inclusivity for all its residents, regardless of their age; and WHEREAS, by designating October 9th as Ageism Awareness Day, the City of Austin aims to educate its residents about the importance of challenging age-related stereotypes, promoting intergenerational dialogue, and creating an age-friendly environment for all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim October 9th 2025 as "Ageism Awareness Day" in Austin, Texas and urge all residents to recognize the value of every generation and together to build a city that values and empowers people of all ages, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the community. 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)
Cairn Point Montopolis Impactful, Permanent Supportive Housing Serving Older Adults Groundbreaking: June 18th, 2025 Today's Presenter Dr. Aaron Alarcon Chief Executive Officer Family Eldercare, Inc. Cairn Point Montopolis is not only a solution to housing—it’s a community for connection where all are welcome. Team • Founded in 1982 to support the family’s role as caregiver for frail elders • Soon expanded services to prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of elders & adults with disabilities • Today, FEC serves more than 16,000 clients in ATX Our mission: We provide services that promote dignity and stability for older adults and people with disabilities. The Need Helping solve homelessness for older adults in Central Texas… Unhoused people over the age of 55: Age 55 + 2023 • Unsheltered: 237 • Sheltered: 139 Total: 376 • Age 55 + 2025 • Unsheltered: 203 • Sheltered: 335 Total: 538 • These figures indicate that, even though the number of unsheltered older adults has decreased, the total number of unhoused individuals over the age of 55 has increased by 70%. This data comes from the Austin/Travis County PIT (Point in time) Demographics 2023-2025 The Need LGBTQ+ Older Adult population expected to grow from 1.1 million today to 7 million in 2030. 40% of them live below federal poverty line. 49% of them own their own home, compared to 65% in the general population. 48% of LGBTQ couples experience adverse treatment when seeking senior housing; trans individuals experience this at even higher rates 50% of the LGBTQ population live in some States with no laws prohibiting housing discrimination against them. * SAGE Site Map Back view of development 3 & 4 story new construction, 105,040 total sq ft • 1- and 2-Bed apartment mix 92 on site parking spaces 150 units: 65 of which set aside for Seniors with Chronic Homelessness. 10 of these units will be for veterans exiting homelessness. • Energy star appliances, In-unit laundry • Achieves Austin Energy Green Building Latin for “rainbow”. It’s also the flower whose many colors each represent a unique persona. Very much as Austin, our residents, and their path together. sustainability goals • • • Unit Plans One Bed Two Bed Community Amenities • Furnished community room • Business center (level 3) • Furnished fitness center • Mail and Package areas • Free WiFi throughout community areas • Management & Service provider offices • Recycling service • Community …
