REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026 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 Luan Tran Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Selina Yee Xiaoyi Zeng 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 February 11, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the progress of bylaw amendments, including adding an Age Friendly Advisory Committee. 3. Update regarding January and February 2026 JIC meeting topics that relate to or impact the Commission on Aging. 4. Discussion regarding commissioner feedback on City priorities & focus areas, safeguards and controls, and community engagement. 5. Discussion on the results of the Age-Friendly Austin Partner Summit. Presentation by Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, and Nicole Howe, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Report from the Quality of Life Study Working group regarding the final Quality of Life Study report and recommendations and at-a-glance sheets. 7. Report from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding its progress on formulating budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a budget recommendation to improve transit safety and equity for historically underserved older adults. 9. Approve a budget recommendation to address the digital divide for older adults. 10. Approve a budget recommendation for increasing in-language communications. 11. Approve a budget recommendation for older adult outreach. 12. Approve a budget recommendation for increasing partnering with community organizations. 13. Approve a budget recommendation for food insecurity and meals for older adults. 14. …
COMMISSION ON AGING REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 The Commission on Aging convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 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 12:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi (Chair) Suzanne Anderson Fred Lugo Judi Nudelman Luan Tran Selina Yee Xiaoyi Zeng Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Teresa Sansone Ferguson (Vice Chair) Martin Kareithi Jennifer Scott Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Aging regular meeting of January 14, 2026. The minutes were amended without objection on Commissioner Fred Lugo’s motion to strike “Jennifer” and insert “Judi” before “Nudelman” on the second page. The minutes were approved as amended on Commissioner Nudelman’s motion, Commissioner Fred Lugo’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Adams, Lane, and Gloria Lugo were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding programming for seniors at the Waterloo Greenway. Presentation by Kelly Pierce, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. 1 Presentation by Dr. Colette Piece Burnette, CEO, and Stephanie Bergara, Senior Manager of Community Engagement & Programs, Waterloo Greenway. 3. Presentation regarding addiction and mental health. Presentation by Dr. Roshni Koli, Medical Director, Meadows Mental Health Institute. Presentation by Dr. Roshni Koli, Medical Director, Meadows Mental Health Institute. 4. Discussion on advancing primary care for advancing populations, focusing on preventive education. Withdrawn without objection. 5. Discussion regarding the path forward for the quality of life study. Discussion was held. 6. Discussion regarding the services and programming of adult day centers. Presentation by Commissioner Suzanne Anderson. Item 6 was taken up before Item 5 without objection. The presentation was made by Commissioner Suzanne Anderson. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review. Item 7 was taken up after Item 14 without objection. The motion to approve a recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review was approved on Commissioner Kareithi’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Adams, Lane, and Gloria Lugo were absent. 8. Approve a recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographics. The recommendation was approved with the below amendments on Commissioner Nudelman’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second on …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-010: Increasing In-Language Communications WHEREAS, federal civil rights guidance under Title VI requires recipients of federal financial assistance to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency, underscoring that language access is a foundational equity practice for publicly funded services1; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides guidance and resources regarding limited English proficiency (LEP) obligations and language assistance as a means of ensuring equal access to services2; and WHEREAS, Texas Health and Human Services policy guidance addresses nondiscrimination and limited English proficiency, reflecting statewide expectations that programs ensure access for LEP individuals3; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Language Access Policy establishes that City departments must provide meaningful access to City programs, services, and information through translation and interpretation so residents can communicate with the City in the language in which they are most comfortable4; and WHEREAS, the City’s Language Access Plan (2025) describes a coordinated, citywide approach to language access services and expectations for departments’ implementation and ongoing improvement5; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor’s Language Access Follow-Up highlights the importance of consistent, effective execution of language access services across City operations to ensure equitable access for residents with limited English proficiency6; and 1 Federal Register :: Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, April 18, 2002 2 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) | HHS.gov Civil Rights 3 3400, Nondiscrimination and Limited English Proficiency | Texas Health and Human Services, October 29, 2025 4 Language Access Policy | AustinTexas.gov 5 Austin Language Access Plan 2025 6 City of Austin, Office of the City Auditor Language Access Follow-Up May 2023 Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the City’s iSpeak Austin resources provide residents information about language access services and how to request them, reinforcing the City’s commitment to in-language access7; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan (adopted 2012) emphasizes inclusive civic participation and engagement, which depends on communications that are accessible to Austin’s diverse communities8; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council has recently reaffirmed its commitment to improving outcomes for older adults through Age-Friendly Austin efforts, which necessarily require effective outreach and communications to older adults across communities9; and WHEREAS, a recent City of Austin Older Adults Quality of Life study found that Asian American older adults represented approximately 20% …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-011: Older Adult Outreach WHEREAS, the World Health Organization’s age-friendly guidance on Communication and Information notes that many older adults receive information through traditional print and broadcast media and through direct personal contact (including telephone and service centers), underscoring the importance of multi-channel, accessible communications1; and WHEREAS, the National Institute on Aging provides a Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit intended to be shared with older adults and caregivers, reflecting the importance of proactive outreach and practical, ready-to-use materials to reduce isolation and connect people with supports2; and WHEREAS, federal caregiver-support guidance through the Administration for Community Living’s Lifespan Respite Care Program explicitly includes outreach as a core activity—educating family caregivers about respite services and how to access those services—highlighting outreach as a best practice for improving awareness and enrollment3; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, which calls for the City to “engage community members…in ways that are timely, convenient, meaningful, and honor their communication preferences,” including strengthening staff capacity to engage “vulnerable and historically marginalized communities”; and further calls for the City to improve communication, engagement, and participation through clear, consistent communications;4 and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan—adopted in June 2012—serves as Austin’s long- range policy framework, and achieving City goals depends on residents being able to learn about and access City and community services and resources5; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health’s October 14, 2025 memorandum updating Council on Resolution No. 20250605-084 (Age-Friendly Austin) describes ongoing City actions to improve communication and engagement with older adults, including “Listen and Learn” sessions for City departments, centralized 1 WHO Age-friendly World, Communication and Information 2 National Institute on Aging, Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit 3 ACL Administration for Community Living, Lifespan Respite Care Program 4 Austin Strategic Direction 2023 5 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Adopted June 15, 2012 Page 1 of 3 guidance for communication for older adults, and a central “Senior Services Hub” intended to make City services more accessible6; and WHEREAS, nearly one-quarter (22.9%) of older adults struggled to afford utilities in the past year, with stark disparities among vulnerable groups. Utility insecurity affects 44.8% of people with disabilities, 40.2% of Native American/Indigenous seniors, and 34.5% of Asian American seniors—roughly three times the rate of White seniors (13.0%). Lower-income older adults earning under $20,000 face nearly 40% insecurity7; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Quality-of-Life study found that caregiver/provider …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-012: Food Insecurity and Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, the City of Austin adopted the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, which states that Austin should strive to be a community where all residents have access to healthy food and where public policies support health, equity, and well-being across the lifespan1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Travis County adopted the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, which identifies food access and food insecurity as critical public health and equity issues and calls for coordinated strategies to ensure residents—particularly vulnerable populations—have reliable access to nutritious food2; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan recognizes that older adults and residents with disabilities face structural barriers to accessing healthy food and recommends expanding partnerships and programs that deliver food directly to residents who cannot easily access grocery stores or food distribution sites3; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023 identifies access to healthy food and reduction of disparities in health outcomes as key components of the City’s goals related to health, equity, and community well-being4; and WHEREAS, meal programs serving older adults—including home-delivered meals, congregate meal sites, and grocery delivery services—serve as a critical part of Austin’s community safety net by addressing both nutritional needs and the social isolation that can accompany aging, disability, and limited mobility; and WHEREAS, a recent Quality-of-Life study of older adults in Austin found that older adults with disabilities experienced the highest level of food insecurity among the nine demographic groups analyzed, with an 186% higher risk of food insecurity compared with older adults without disabilities; and WHEREAS, the same Quality-of-Life study found that older adults with incomes below 60% of Median Family Income (MFI) experience 21% higher health insecurity than older adults generally; and 1 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan June 15, 2012 2 Austin/Travis County Food Plan 3 Ibid. 4 City of Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Quality-of-Life study also found that older adults living in Council District 3 experience significantly higher food insecurity than those in other districts; and WHEREAS, the Quality-of-Life study further found that 43% of older adults living alone utilize meal programs, and that for some individuals these programs may provide their only daily human interaction. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging recommends that the Austin City Council directs the City Manager to prioritize partnerships and funding …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-013: Food Insecurity and Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, nationwide, approximately one in four older adults ( malnourished or at risk of malnutrition1; and 65 years of age) is considered ≧ WHEREAS, according to the 2025 report from Feeding America, 15.9% of Travis County residents are food insecure2 and of Austin residents aged 50 and older, 38% live alone, 26% are functionally disabled, and 58% fall below 60% of Austin MFI3 4 5; and WHEREAS, 25% of Austin's population (251,519 people) are 50 years or older6 with residents 65+ being the fastest-growing age group and by 2035, adults 65+ will outnumber children under 18 nationally7; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin adopted the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, which states that Austin should strive to be a community where all residents have access to healthy food and where public policies support health, equity, and well-being across the lifespan8; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Travis County adopted the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, which identifies food access and food insecurity as critical public health and equity issues and calls for coordinated strategies to ensure residents—particularly vulnerable populations—have reliable access to nutritious food9; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan recognizes that older adults and residents with disabilities face structural barriers to accessing healthy food and recommends expanding partnerships 1 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Living in Long- Term Care or the Community July 15, 2024 2 Hunger & Poverty in Travis County, Texas | Map the Meal Gap 3 2025 Quality of Life Study, Austin Disabled Older Adults At-A-Glance, page 20 4 2025 Quality of Life Study, Austin Disabled Older Adults At-A-Glance, page 34 5 Ibid. 6 Austin Demographics 7 The Graying of America: More Older Adults Than Kids by 2035 8 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan June 15, 2012 9 Austin/Travis County Food Plan Page 1 of 4 and programs that deliver food directly to residents who cannot easily access grocery stores or food distribution sites10; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023 identifies access to healthy food and reduction of disparities in health outcomes as key components of the City’s goals related to health, equity, and community well-being11; and WHEREAS, approximately 113,850 Austin residents are age 65 and over12 and approximately 486,450 Austin residents earn low-moderate income13; and WHEREAS, food insecure older adults …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-014: Adult Day Health Centers (Day Activity Health Services) WHEREAS, Day Activity Health Services provide supervised daytime care, health monitoring, therapeutic activities, meals, and social engagement for older adults and adults with disabilities, helping individuals remain in their homes and communities rather than entering institutional care1; and WHEREAS, Day Activity Health Services provide critical respite for family caregivers by offering structured daytime supervision and care, allowing caregivers time to work, attend to personal needs, and maintain their own physical and mental health2; and WHEREAS, research demonstrates that adult day services can reduce caregiver stress and delay nursing home placement for older adults receiving care in community settings3; and WHEREAS, family caregivers play a critical role in the long-term care system, and caregiving responsibilities can significantly affect workforce participation as many caregivers reduce work hours or leave employment to provide care4; and WHEREAS, there are only two Day Activity Health Service Programs in the City, and only one with a Medicaid license; and WHEREAS, adult day health services are a recognized component of Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services designed to help older adults and people with disabilities remain in community settings rather than more costly institutional care5; and WHEREAS, national Medicaid data demonstrate that spending for institutional long-term care is significantly higher than spending for home- and community-based services6; and 1 National Council on Aging, What Is Respite Care for Caregivers? January 2025 2 What Is Respite Care? | National Institute on Aging 3 The effect of adult day care services on time to nursing home placement in older adults with Alzheimer's disease - PubMed, December 2005 4 Caregiving’s Toll on Work Happens Quickly – Center for Retirement Research, July 19, 2022 5 https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/index.html 6 10 Things About Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) | KFF, July 8, 2024 Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, family caregivers provide billions of dollars in unpaid care annually in Texas, representing a substantial but often invisible component of the health and long-term care system7; and WHEREAS, Austin’s population of residents aged 65 and older continues to grow rapidly, increasing demand for community-based services that support aging in place and family caregivers8; and WHEREAS, the Capital Area Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and caregivers across a ten-county Central Texas region—including Travis County—and works to promote independence and support aging in place for adults age 60 …
2026 Age Friendly Austin Partner Summit: Discussion for the Commission on Aging Public Health | March 2026 The 2026 Partner Summit • Date Hosted: February 20, 2026 • Primary Objective: Reflect on the 2021- 2025 Action Plan and kick off collaboratively drafting the 2026-2030 Action Plan. • Key Activities: ➢Review of recent community data. ➢Interactive stakeholder mapping (Circles of Involvement). ➢Breakout sessions to draft 5-year goals. 2 The Event Agenda Morning Session: Reflection ▪ Welcoming Remarks ▪ 2021-2025 AFA Action Plan Highlights Afternoon Session: Planning ▪ Networking Lunch ▪ Overview: How to Develop Goals ▪ Overview: 2025 Older Adult Quality of ▪ AFA Action Plan Goal Development Life Study ▪ Morning Break ▪ Interactive Activity: Circles of Involvement ▪ Morning Debrief ▪ Afternoon Debrief ▪ Wrap-Up and Next Steps 3 Partner Engagement: Circles of Involvement Activity ▪ Objective: Map how partners want to contribute and identify missing stakeholders. ▪ Post-Event Survey Results: ▪ 44.4% – Engagement (Directly Impacted) ▪ 33.3% – Champions (Willing to Advocate) ▪ 11.1% – Information/Awareness (Staying Informed) ▪ 5.6% – Core Team (Development/Implementation) ▪ 5.6% – Circle of Possibility (Exploring Connections) 4 Draft Goals: Social Engagement, Connection, & Inclusion Goal 1: Improve access to technology and community information. Goal 2: Reduce social isolation through inclusive, diverse community engagement. 5 Draft Goals: Health, Mobility, & Accessibility Increase Enhance Challenges Goal 1: Increase awareness and access to health, mobility, and accessibility resources. Goal 2: Enhance independence for older adults and caregivers through strategic funding and partnerships for transportation. Key Challenges Identified: Client outreach, resource navigation, language barriers, and long program waitlists. 6 Draft Goals: Housing & Economic Security Goal 1: Increase deeply affordable age-friendly housing that allows residents to age in place. Goal 2: Increase access to economic and age-friendly employment opportunities. 7 Looking Ahead: Next Steps • Refine: Polish the drafted goals from the summit in our Age Friendly Workgroups and continue drafting! • Engage: Continue building relationships with newly identified partners and stakeholders. • Finalize: Return to the Commission on Aging in the coming months with a finalized draft of the 2026-2030 Age Friendly Austin Action Plan for official endorsement. 8 Age-Friendly Austin (AFA) 2026-2030 Action Plan: Partner Feedback Survey Age-Friendly Austin (AFA) 2026-2030 Action Plan: Partner Feedback Survey 9 Questions? Nicole Alexander & Halana Kaleel, MPH AFA Program Staff Austin Public Health AgeFriendlyAustin@austintexas.gov Stay Connected: Age Friendly Austin 10
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260211-008: Improve Transit Safety and Equity for Historically Underserved Older Adults – Budget Neutral The Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that residents aged 50 and older reported only moderate transportation satisfaction citywide, with safety identified as a significant concern and only 58% reporting favorable safety conditions;1 and WHEREAS, geographic disparities in transportation satisfaction exist, with Southeast Austin—including City Council District 2 and portions of Districts 3 and 5—experiencing lower transportation safety and access conditions compared to other areas of the city;2 and WHEREAS, the study identified disparities in transportation satisfaction among Latino or Hispanic older adults and Black or African American older adults, demonstrating inequitable transportation conditions affecting historically marginalized racial and ethnic populations3; and WHEREAS, the study intentionally included and identified transportation barriers affecting diverse populations including Asian American older adults, Black or African American older adults, Latina/o/x/e or Hispanic older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, older adults living on limited incomes, socially isolated older adults, and older adults residing in all City Council district;4 and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety supports older adults’ ability to age in place, remain independent, and participate fully in community life, which strengthens public health, economic stability, and social connectedness across the city5; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin, serves as a 30-year roadmap guiding equitable growth, mobility, and livability, and explicitly directs the City to advance safe, accessible, and equitable transportation systems that serve residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds6; and 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 3 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 4 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 5 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 6 Austin Planning | AustinTexas.gov Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and related City planning efforts emphasize equitable mobility, inclusive community engagement, and ensuring all residents can safely access services, employment, and community life regardless of geography, income, age, race, disability, or background; and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety through prioritization, coordination, and community- informed planning can be accomplished through more effective use of existing resources, planning processes, and service adjustments without requiring additional funding. NOW, …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-009: Addressing Digital Divide for Older Adults WHEREAS, reliable broadband internet access and digital literacy are increasingly necessary for residents to access healthcare and telehealth services, government programs, transportation systems, employment opportunities, civic participation, emergency communications, and social connection; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Austin City Council in 2012, calls for a city that is inclusive and connected and emphasizes expanding access to information and communication technologies so residents can connect to services and opportunities1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Update identifies 'Government That Works for All' as a core outcome and highlights the importance of accessible communication and services so that all residents can participate fully in civic life2; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan Update (2021) identifies accessible communication and information as key factors enabling older adults to remain connected to services, health resources, and community engagement3; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan highlights the importance of accessible communication technologies and real-time information systems that enable residents to navigate transportation options and services4; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan recognizes that equitable access to information and communication systems is essential for ensuring all residents receive emergency alerts, climate preparedness information, and critical public safety communications5; and WHEREAS, the 1928 City of Austin Comprehensive Plan directed Black residents to relocate east of East Avenue—now Interstate 35—establishing patterns of segregation that shaped the distribution of public infrastructure and investment and continue to influence disparities in access to services today6; and 1 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, June 15, 2012 2 Citywide Strategic Plan FY 2026 Overview 3 Age-Friendly Austin Progress Report 2021 4 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Amended February 15, 2024 5 Austin Climate Equity Plan Full Document__FINAL.pdf 6 1928 Austin City Plan Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, research conducted as part of the City’s Residential Technology Study and Digital Inclusion initiatives has noted that historic patterns of infrastructure investment along the Interstate 35 corridor are reflected in disparities in broadband infrastructure and technology access in some Austin neighborhoods7; and WHEREAS, research on technology access in Austin estimated that approximately 50,000 Austin residents do not use the internet, with non-users more likely to be older adults, individuals with lower incomes, and residents of historically marginalized communities8; and WHEREAS, a Broadband and Digital Equity Needs Assessment conducted for Austin and Travis County found …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-009: Addressing Digital Divide for Older Adults WHEREAS, reliable broadband internet access and digital literacy are increasingly necessary for residents to access healthcare and telehealth services, government programs, transportation systems, employment opportunities, civic participation, emergency communications, and social connection; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Austin City Council in 2012, calls for a city that is inclusive and connected and emphasizes expanding access to information and communication technologies so residents can connect to services and opportunities1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Update identifies 'Government That Works for All' as a core outcome and highlights the importance of accessible communication and services so that all residents can participate fully in civic life2; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan Update (2021) identifies accessible communication and information as key factors enabling older adults to remain connected to services, health resources, and community engagement3; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan highlights the importance of accessible communication technologies and real-time information systems that enable residents to navigate transportation options and services4; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan recognizes that equitable access to information and communication systems is essential for ensuring all residents receive emergency alerts, climate preparedness information, and critical public safety communications5; and WHEREAS, the 1928 City of Austin Comprehensive Plan directed Black residents to relocate east of East Avenue—now Interstate 35—establishing patterns of segregation that shaped the distribution of public infrastructure and investment and continue to influence disparities in access to services today6; and 1 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, June 15, 2012 2 Citywide Strategic Plan FY 2026 Overview 3 Age-Friendly Austin Progress Report 2021 4 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Amended February 15, 2024 5 Austin Climate Equity Plan Full Document FINAL.pdf 6 1928 Austin City Plan Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, research conducted as part of the City’s Residential Technology Study and Digital Inclusion initiatives has noted that historic patterns of infrastructure investment along the Interstate 35 corridor are reflected in disparities in broadband infrastructure and technology access in some Austin neighborhoods7; and WHEREAS, research on technology access in Austin estimated that approximately 50,000 Austin residents do not use the internet, with non-users more likely to be older adults, individuals with lower incomes, and residents of historically marginalized communities8; and WHEREAS, a Broadband and Digital Equity Needs Assessment conducted for Austin and Travis County …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-010: Increasing In-Language Communications WHEREAS, federal civil rights guidance under Title VI requires recipients of federal financial assistance to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency, underscoring that language access is a foundational equity practice for publicly funded services1; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides guidance and resources regarding limited English proficiency (LEP) obligations and language assistance as a means of ensuring equal access to services2; and WHEREAS, Texas Health and Human Services policy guidance addresses nondiscrimination and limited English proficiency, reflecting statewide expectations that programs ensure access for LEP individuals3; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Language Access Policy establishes that City departments must provide meaningful access to City programs, services, and information through translation and interpretation so residents can communicate with the City in the language in which they are most comfortable4; and WHEREAS, the City’s Language Access Plan (2025) describes a coordinated, citywide approach to language access services and expectations for departments’ implementation and ongoing improvement5; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor’s Language Access Follow-Up highlights the importance of consistent, effective execution of language access services across City operations to ensure equitable access for residents with limited English proficiency6; and 1 Federal Register :: Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, April 18, 2002 2 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) | HHS.gov Civil Rights 3 3400, Nondiscrimination and Limited English Proficiency | Texas Health and Human Services, October 29, 2025 4 Language Access Policy | AustinTexas.gov 5 Austin Language Access Plan 2025 6 City of Austin, Office of the City Auditor Language Access Follow-Up May 2023 Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the City’s iSpeak Austin resources provide residents information about language access services and how to request them, reinforcing the City’s commitment to in-language access7; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan (adopted 2012) emphasizes inclusive civic participation and engagement, which depends on communications that are accessible to Austin’s diverse communities8; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council has recently reaffirmed its commitment to improving outcomes for older adults through Age-Friendly Austin efforts, which necessarily require effective outreach and communications to older adults across communities9; and WHEREAS, a recent City of Austin Older Adults Quality of Life study found that Asian American older adults represented approximately 20% …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-013: Food Insecurity and Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, nationwide, approximately one in four older adults ( malnourished or at risk of malnutrition1; and ≧ 65 years of age) is considered WHEREAS, according to the 2025 report from Feeding America, 15.9% of Travis County residents are food insecure2 and of Austin residents aged 50 and older, 38% live alone, 26% are functionally disabled, and 58% fall below 60% of Austin MFI3 4 5; and WHEREAS, 25% of Austin's population (251,519 people) are 50 years or older6 with residents 65+ being the fastest-growing age group and by 2035, adults 65+ will outnumber children under 18 nationally7; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin adopted the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, which states that Austin should strive to be a community where all residents have access to healthy food and where public policies support health, equity, and well-being across the lifespan8; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Travis County adopted the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, which identifies food access and food insecurity as critical public health and equity issues and calls for coordinated strategies to ensure residents—particularly vulnerable populations—have reliable access to nutritious food9; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan recognizes that older adults and residents with disabilities face structural barriers to accessing healthy food and recommends expanding partnerships 1 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Living in Long- Term Care or the Community July 15, 2024 2 Hunger & Poverty in Travis County, Texas | Map the Meal Gap 3 2025 Quality of Life Study, Austin Disabled Older Adults At-A-Glance, page 20 4 2025 Quality of Life Study, Austin Disabled Older Adults At-A-Glance, page 34 5 Ibid. 6 Austin Demographics 7 The Graying of America: More Older Adults Than Kids by 2035 8 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan June 15, 2012 9 Austin/Travis County Food Plan Page 1 of 4 and programs that deliver food directly to residents who cannot easily access grocery stores or food distribution sites10; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023 identifies access to healthy food and reduction of disparities in health outcomes as key components of the City’s goals related to health, equity, and community well-being11; and WHEREAS, approximately 113,850 Austin residents are age 65 and over12 and approximately 486,450 Austin residents earn low-moderate income13; and WHEREAS, food insecure older adults …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-014: Adult Day Health Centers (Day Activity Health Services) WHEREAS, Day Activity Health Services provide supervised daytime care, health monitoring, therapeutic activities, meals, and social engagement for older adults and adults with disabilities, helping individuals remain in their homes and communities rather than entering institutional care1; and WHEREAS, Day Activity Health Services provide critical respite for family caregivers by offering structured daytime supervision and care, allowing caregivers time to work, attend to personal needs, and maintain their own physical and mental health2; and WHEREAS, research demonstrates that adult day services can reduce caregiver stress and delay nursing home placement for older adults receiving care in community settings3; and WHEREAS, family caregivers play a critical role in the long-term care system, and caregiving responsibilities can significantly affect workforce participation as many caregivers reduce work hours or leave employment to provide care4; and WHEREAS, there are only two Day Activity Health Service Programs in the City, and only one with a Medicaid license; and WHEREAS, adult day health services are a recognized component of Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services designed to help older adults and people with disabilities remain in community settings rather than more costly institutional care5; and WHEREAS, national Medicaid data demonstrate that spending for institutional long-term care is significantly higher than spending for home- and community-based services6; and 1 National Council on Aging, What Is Respite Care for Caregivers? January 2025 2 What Is Respite Care? | National Institute on Aging 3 The effect of adult day care services on time to nursing home placement in older adults with Alzheimer's disease - PubMed, December 2005 4 Caregiving’s Toll on Work Happens Quickly – Center for Retirement Research, July 19, 2022 5 https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/index.html 6 10 Things About Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) | KFF, July 8, 2024 Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, family caregivers provide billions of dollars in unpaid care annually in Texas, representing a substantial but often invisible component of the health and long-term care system7; and WHEREAS, Austin’s population of residents aged 65 and older continues to grow rapidly, increasing demand for community-based services that support aging in place and family caregivers8; and WHEREAS, the Capital Area Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and caregivers across a ten-county Central Texas region—including Travis County—and works to promote independence and support aging in place for adults age 60 …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-008: Improve Transit Safety and Equity for Historically Underserved Older Adults – Budget Neutral The Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that residents aged 50 and older reported only moderate transportation satisfaction citywide, with safety identified as a significant concern and only 58% reporting favorable safety conditions;1 and WHEREAS, geographic disparities in transportation satisfaction exist, with Southeast Austin—including City Council District 2 and portions of Districts 3 and 5—experiencing lower transportation safety and access conditions compared to other areas of the city;2 and WHEREAS, the study identified disparities in transportation satisfaction among Latino or Hispanic older adults and Black or African American older adults, demonstrating inequitable transportation conditions affecting historically marginalized racial and ethnic populations3; and WHEREAS, the study intentionally included and identified transportation barriers affecting diverse populations including Asian American older adults, Black or African American older adults, Latina/o/x/e or Hispanic older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, older adults living on limited incomes, socially isolated older adults, and older adults residing in all City Council district;4 and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety supports older adults’ ability to age in place, remain independent, and participate fully in community life, which strengthens public health, economic stability, and social connectedness across the city5; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin, serves as a 30-year roadmap guiding equitable growth, mobility, and livability, and explicitly directs the City to advance safe, accessible, and equitable transportation systems that serve residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds6; and 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 3 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 4 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 5 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 6 Austin Planning | AustinTexas.gov Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and related City planning efforts emphasize equitable mobility, inclusive community engagement, and ensuring all residents can safely access services, employment, and community life regardless of geography, income, age, race, disability, or background; and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety through prioritization, coordination, and community- informed planning can be accomplished through more effective use of existing resources, planning processes, and service adjustments without requiring additional funding. NOW, …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260311-011: Older Adult Outreach WHEREAS, the World Health Organization’s age-friendly guidance on Communication and Information notes that many older adults receive information through traditional print and broadcast media and through direct personal contact (including telephone and service centers), underscoring the importance of multi-channel, accessible communications1; and WHEREAS, the National Institute on Aging provides a Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit intended to be shared with older adults and caregivers, reflecting the importance of proactive outreach and practical, ready-to-use materials to reduce isolation and connect people with supports2; and WHEREAS, federal caregiver-support guidance through the Administration for Community Living’s Lifespan Respite Care Program explicitly includes outreach as a core activity—educating family caregivers about respite services and how to access those services—highlighting outreach as a best practice for improving awareness and enrollment3; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, which calls for the City to “engage community members…in ways that are timely, convenient, meaningful, and honor their communication preferences,” including strengthening staff capacity to engage “vulnerable and historically marginalized communities”; and further calls for the City to improve communication, engagement, and participation through clear, consistent communications;4 and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan—adopted in June 2012—serves as Austin’s long- range policy framework, and achieving City goals depends on residents being able to learn about and access City and community services and resources5; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health’s October 14, 2025 memorandum updating Council on Resolution No. 20250605-084 (Age-Friendly Austin) describes ongoing City actions to improve communication and engagement with older adults, including “Listen and Learn” sessions for City departments, centralized 1 WHO Age-friendly World, Communication and Information 2 National Institute on Aging, Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit 3 ACL Administration for Community Living, Lifespan Respite Care Program 4 Austin Strategic Direction 2023 5 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Adopted June 15, 2012 Page 1 of 3 guidance for communication for older adults, and a central “Senior Services Hub” intended to make City services more accessible6; and WHEREAS, nearly one-quarter (22.9%) of older adults struggled to afford utilities in the past year, with stark disparities among vulnerable groups. Utility insecurity affects 44.8% of people with disabilities, 40.2% of Native American/Indigenous seniors, and 34.5% of Asian American seniors—roughly three times the rate of White seniors (13.0%). Lower-income older adults earning under $20,000 face nearly 40% insecurity7; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Quality-of-Life study found that caregiver/provider …
