REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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 Martin Kareithi Faith Lane Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Judi L Nudelman Jennifer Scott AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Luan Tran Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Selina Yee 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 November 12, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding the Intergenerational Day Center Initiative. Presentation by Dr. Jacqueline L. Angel, Wilbur J. Cohen Professor of Health and Social Policy and Professor of Sociology; and Alice Mendoza, Sophie Drelinski, and Kiere Caston, Graduate Students, University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs. 3. Presentation regarding the development of a report to understand and address disparities in community conditions across neighborhoods and feedback. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr. and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. 4. Update regarding topics discussed at the December 3, 2025 Joint Inclusion Committee meeting as related to the Commission on Aging. 5. Discussion regarding the status of the Commission on Aging’s FY2025-2026 budget recommendations and the City’s upcoming FY2026-2027 budget process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the formation of a FY2026-27 Budget Recommendation Working Group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 Budget. 7. Approve changes to working group membership. 8. Approve a recommendation to City Council to change the icon for “65 and older” on the City Demographers website. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Quality-of-Life Study Working Group sharing the current status and the expected path forward. FUTURE …
Commission on Aging REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 12, 2025 The Commission on Aging convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Ferguson called the Commission on Aging Meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Teresa Ferguson (Vice Chair) Faith Lane Gloria Lugo Judi Nudelman Luan Tran Henry Van de Putte Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Suzanne Anderson Martin Kareithi Fred Lugo Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Selina Yee PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke – Equitable Aging for Older African Immigrants APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Aging regular meeting of October 8, 2025. The minutes of the October 8, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Motion Van de Putte’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on an 11-0-1 vote. Commissioner Gloria Lugo abstained. Chair Bondi and Commissioner Adams were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Presentation regarding the status of the Quality of Life Survey. Presentation by Emily D. Tisdale, M.Ed., Executive Director, University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community; and 1 Amanda Heckelsberg Wolfe, M.A., Senior Project Director, University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community. The presentation was provided by Amanda Heckelsberg Wolfe, M.A., Senior Project Director, University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community. 2. Presentation regarding cuts to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for older adults. Presentation by Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs + Advocacy, Central Texas Food Bank. The presentation was provided by Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs + Advocacy, Central Texas Food Bank. Commissioners Tyree, Anderson, and Lane left the dais during this item. 3. Discussion regarding the progress of Resolution 20250605-084. Discussion was held. 4. Discussion regarding feedback on the Aging Boldly Conference. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a working group to perform an in-depth analysis of the Quality of Life Survey Report to fully understand the report and associated recommendations. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to perform an in-depth analysis of the Quality of Life Survey Report to fully understand the report and associated recommendations was approved on Commissioner Van de Putte’s motion, Commissioner Nudelman’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson, Lane, and Tyree were off the dais. Chair Bondi and Commissioner Adams were absent. Members: Commissioners Nudelman, Tran, Gloria …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20251210-008: Older Adult Icon on City Demographer Website WHEREAS, the City of Austin has formally committed to becoming an Age-Friendly City through its adoption and continued implementation of the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan (AFAP), which emphasizes creating a community where older adults are respected, included, and supported across all domains of livability 1; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council has issued multiple proclamations recognizing Ageism Awareness Day in recent years 2, affirming the City’s commitment to combating ageism and challenging harmful stereotypes associated with aging; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s broader Equity and Inclusion goals call for policies, practices, and public communications that avoid stereotypes and promote fair, inclusive, and accurate representation of all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographic Website currently uses a human figure with a cane as the icon to represent the population “65 and over” 3; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Aging finds that this imagery, while likely unintentional, reinforces outdated and harmful stereotypes that equate aging solely with frailty, infirmity, and physical decline; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population is diverse, active, and engaged, including workers, caregivers, volunteers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who contribute significantly to the social, cultural, and economic life of the City 4; and WHEREAS, the current icon does not reflect this diversity of experience nor align with the City’s age- friendly, equity-focused, and anti-ageism values; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Commission on Aging formally recommends that the Austin City Council direct the appropriate City department(s) to: 1 https://www.idealist.org/en/government/84fca403523549ec9583c36ee83361f5-austin-public-healths-age-friendly-austin- austin?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=459764, https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/273298?ts=1436. 3 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/#profiles. 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=434253&utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=453915&utm_source=chatgpt.com. Page 1 of 2 • Replace the existing “65 and over” icon on the City of Austin Demographic Website with a neutral, inclusive, non-stereotypical image that does not imply physical limitation or infirmity; and • Ensure that the replacement icon aligns with the City’s Age-Friendly Austin principles, Equity and Inclusion goals, and anti-ageism commitments; and • Include the Commission on Aging and older adult stakeholders in reviewing and selecting the replacement icon; and • Establish internal guidance or standards for how older adults are visually represented across City web platforms, publications, and data tools to prevent future age-based stereotyping. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging affirms that this recommended change is a low- cost, high-impact action that meaningfully advances the City’s public commitment to respect, …
1 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS BOND PROPOSAL Repurpose Sims Elementary into an Intergenerational Day Center 2 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS VISION & PURPOSE Convert Sims Elementary building into a low-cost Intergenerational Day Center ● ● ● Community hub for services Familiar location and near bus stops Convenient location for families who take care of children and their parents Revitalize an underutilized community resource ● ● Opportunities for older adults and children to interact Older adults can share their talents such as gardening or painting 3 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS COMMUNITY NEED As the aging population grows, so does the need for quality caregivers Austin has limited adult day services Higher dependency ratio puts more pressure on working-age adults 4 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EQUITY & COMMUNITY BENEFITS ● Support low-income and ‘sandwiched’ caregivers ○ ○ Convenient location for families who take care of children and their parents Provide respite for caregivers ● Austin’s Age-Friendly and Livability goals ○ ○ Austin’s commitment to becoming “the most livable city for all identities” Expands access, removing barriers, and fostering inclusion ● ● Current resources are geographically concentrated with uneven access. Fragmented resources–co-location matters 5 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS BUDGET, FEASIBILITY, AND PUBLIC- PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS Proposed Bond Amount: $20 million St. David’s Foundation P3s: ● ● Meals on Wheels ● Community Non-Profits Through a multi-sectoral approach we will build partnerships, the center will share operational responsibilities and engage in networks aimed at older adults, caregivers, and families. - - - Lowers capital and operational expenses Builds public confidence Supports long-term continuity of services 6 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS EVALUATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ● Community Based Participatory Research ○ ○ Routine surveys Program updates ● Annual Activity and Evaluation Report ○ ○ ○ Co-production Community outreach & impact Achievements & insights ● Accountability ○ ○ Participant steering committee Aging and IDC Coalition initiative is an emerging oversight and learning network! 7 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS POLICY ALIGNMENT 1. RESOLUTION 84 2. Age-Friendly Action Plan ● ● Expand intergenerational programming Address underfunded recreational centers ● Measurable progress ○ ○ ○ Proposed assisted living Community support Social inclusion 3. Texas Aging Strategic Plan FY 2025-2030 ● ● Improve access to services Increase cross-agency collaboration to streamline accessibility and eligibility 8 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS POLICY ALIGNMENT 4. Intergenerational Day Center 5. Efficiency & Impact ● Close access gaps Transportation access ○ ○ Neighborhood cohesion Affordable childcare ○ …
Mapping Opportunity Gary Aaron | Business Process Consultant Sr. Shivani Datar | Business Process Specialist City of Austin's Commitment In every community, there are conditions—some visible, others deeply embedded—that shape how people live, work, and move through the city. Austin is committed to becoming the most livable city for all identities… Mobility Index The City is developing an index to better align department priorities with community priorities. This index will help: Identify neighborhood- level conditions that affect people’s daily lives Identify where barriers to opportunity persist Guide service delivery and decision-making with data and community insight Purposeful Design Neighborhood-level conditions are grouped into themes Reflect core dimensions of community life Organize conditions into actionable categories Identify shared needs and track progress ex. Limited English Proficiency ex. Median Household Income Belonging & Mobility Livelihood & Work Health & Well Being ex. Access to Health Insurance Indicators Health & Wellbeing ⚬ Access to Health Resources ￭ Percent uninsured ￭ Percent of children in poverty ⚬ Functional and Physical Health Context ￭ Residents with a disability ￭ Estimated Annual Loss Due to Environmental Hazard & Weather Livelihood & Work ⚬ Economic Stability Indicators ￭ Median household income ￭ Is this tract in concentrated poverty? ￭ Underemployment rate ⚬ Housing Stability and Cost Burdens ￭ Eviction Rate ￭ Percent living in poverty ￭ Percent of income spent on utilities Belonging & Mobility ⚬ Social Inclusion and Access ￭ Percent of households that speak limited English ￭ Percent of households with no internet access ￭ Percent of population aged 65+ with an ambulatory difficulty ⚬ Education, Environment, and Household Supports ￭ Percent of people with less than a high school diploma ￭ Percent of people with low physical activity ￭ Household Support Risk Score Building Together | Listening to What Matters Most to Our Community ❖What do you see as the most important issues or opportunities in your community today? ❖In your view, what are the key drivers of success or opportunity in your community? ❖What changes would have the greatest impact on mobility and opportunity in your community? Thank You!
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20251210-008: Older Adult Icon on City Demographer Website WHEREAS, the City of Austin has formally committed to becoming an Age-Friendly City through its adoption and continued implementation of the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan (AFAP), which emphasizes creating a community where older adults are respected, included, and supported across all domains of livability 1; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council has issued multiple proclamations recognizing Ageism Awareness Day in recent years 2, affirming the City’s commitment to combating ageism and challenging harmful stereotypes associated with aging; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s broader Equity and Inclusion goals call for policies, practices, and public communications that avoid stereotypes and promote fair, inclusive, and accurate representation of all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographic Website currently uses a human figure with a cane as the icon to represent the population “65 and over” 3; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Aging finds that this imagery, while likely unintentional, reinforces outdated and harmful stereotypes that equate aging solely with frailty, infirmity, and physical decline; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population is diverse, active, and engaged, including workers, caregivers, volunteers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who contribute significantly to the social, cultural, and economic life of the City 4; and WHEREAS, the current icon does not reflect this diversity of experience nor align with the City’s age- friendly, equity-focused, and anti-ageism values; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Commission on Aging formally recommends that the Austin City Council direct the appropriate City department(s) to: 1 https://www.idealist.org/en/government/84fca403523549ec9583c36ee83361f5-austin-public-healths-age-friendly-austin- austin?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=459764, https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/273298?ts=1436. 3 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/#profiles. 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=434253&utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=453915&utm_source=chatgpt.com. Page 1 of 2 • Replace the existing “65 and over” icon on the City of Austin Demographic Website with a neutral, inclusive, non-stereotypical image that does not imply physical limitation or infirmity; and • Ensure that the replacement icon aligns with the City’s Age-Friendly Austin principles, Equity and Inclusion goals, and anti-ageism commitments; and • Include the Commission on Aging and older adult stakeholders in reviewing and selecting the replacement icon; and • Establish internal guidance or standards for how older adults are visually represented across City web platforms, publications, and data tools to prevent future age-based stereotyping. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging affirms that this recommended change is a low- cost, high-impact action that meaningfully advances the City’s public commitment to respect, …
