Item 3: Austin Public Health Slide Deck — original pdf

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APH Staff Response Resolution 20250605-084 Presented by Halana Kaleel, PH Community Engagement Specialist Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Adopted on June 5th, 2025 by Austin City Council, this resolution directs the City to enhance resources and programming for older adults. Austin Public Health is leading the response and progress will be reported out at the October 9th, 2025 City Council meeting. Resolution Directives: • Assigning a point of contact in each City • Exploring reimbursement options for in- Department home care • Prioritizing new senior centers and • Securing additional funding for home • programming Improving transportation options for older adults • delivered meals Implementing key recommendations from the 2022 audit City Services for Older Adults • Developing fraud prevention initiatives • Exploring the feasibility of an older adult internship or volunteer program Resolution 20250605-084: Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Key Progress and Initiatives City Staff has made progress on several fronts: • Improved Communication: The Austin Senior Services Hub was launched in November 2023 to centralize resources for older adults. Austin Public Health is also conducting "Listen and Learn" sessions to help city departments better engage with seniors. • Action Plan Update: The Age Friendly Action Plan (AFAP) is being amended to include clearer metrics and responsibilities, with a new 2026-2030 plan scheduled for completion in July 2026. • Community Partnerships: The City is partnering with organizations like Meals on Wheels, Family Eldercare, and the Austin Geriatric Center to provide home-delivered meals, financial literacy services, and culturally responsive in-home care. • Fraud Prevention: The Austin Police Department is planning a Seniors Fraud Awareness Month for March 2026 and is working with partners to distribute educational materials. Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Senior Centers and Programming There is a focus on expanding both space and programs available to older adults: • New Senior Center: Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) has identified Northeast Austin as a priority for a new senior center. The Gus Garcia Recreation Center Senior Wing project has been proposed, with community engagement underway for a potential 2026 bond program. • Intergenerational Programs: In Fiscal Year 2025, APR hosted 153 multigenerational events and programs, including family yoga and activities at community gardens. • Current Funding: APR currently allocates over $2.8 million for senior services across six different budgets. Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Critical Resource and Staffing Needs While progress has been made, several key initiatives require identifying funding to move forward effectively: • Programming Staff: To provide dedicated senior programming staff at all recreation centers, APR would need to hire 18 new full-time programmers at an annual cost of over $1.29 million. • Home-Delivered Meals: An additional $400,000 is needed for the FY2026-2027 budget to expand the home-delivered meals program, which would serve an estimated 290 more clients. • Language Access: To improve program accessibility, APR identified the need for four new marketing positions at an annual cost of $597,038. • Internship Program: A dedicated budget for a paid older adult internship program does not currently exist and would require a new funding strategy. Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Transportation and Employment Efforts are underway to ensure seniors have access to transportation and employment opportunities: • Transportation: CapMetro is updating its Transit Plan 2035, with older adults serving as a vital stakeholder group. The service already provides discounted fares and shuttle routes connecting senior living facilities to essential locations. • Employment: The Human Resources Department holds an annual 50+ Job Fair and plans to add informational speakers for older adults. Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin The Path Forward: Next Steps To continue this important work, staff recommend the following actions: 1. Identify Funding for Key Projects: Prioritize identifying resources for items such as funding for new full time recreation staff members and additional funding for home-delivered meals. 2. Formalize Departmental Roles: Establish a clear timeline for all City departments to designate a point of contact for age-friendly initiatives. 3. Continue Collaboration: Staff will continue to work across departments and with community partners to implement these initiatives and will provide updates to the Council as work progresses. Resolution 20250605-084: Age-Friendly Austin Thank you to the following for collaborating with Austin Public Health on the resolution response: • Austin Parks and Recreation • Human Resources • Financial Services • Transportation and Public Works • CapMetro • Austin Police Department Questions? Halana Kaleel, MPH Community Engagement Specialist Austin Public Health Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov 512-972-5019