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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20260316AGENDA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 16, 2026 4:00 PM, City Council Chambers 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen I.Work Session I.A Pitkin County Age Friendly Initiative I.B Collaboration and Preparedness in Regional Water and Wildfire Planning II.Council discussion of the items published in the most recent information update, as needed Zoom Meeting Instructions Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83393280143? pwd=L0TCwT44BJ4KL0EuCM403azPK7DCSr.1 Passcode:81611 Join via audio: +1 346 248 7799 US Webinar ID: 833 9328 0143 Passcode: 81611 International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kTsIcV0dz 2026 COA Agenda Summary - Pitkin County Age Friendly Initiative (1).docx 2026 City of Aspen Pitkin Age Friendly Initiative.pptx 1 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY WORK SESSION DATE: March 16, 2026, City of Aspen - City Council AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Chad Federwitz, Manager, Pitkin County Senior Services ISSUE STATEMENT: The City of Aspen, City Council, is asked today to review the 2026 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative (PCAFI) (Attachment A), and provide perspective and offer feedback into future partnership towards the implementation of the initiative. BACKGROUND: In 2017, Pitkin County became the 149th member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. This membership signified a commitment by Pitkin County to become a more livable, inclusive and supportive place to grow up and grow older. Since 2017, Pitkin County has made significant strides in becoming more age-friendly with a broad focus on all eight domains of livability, as defined by AARP which include: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, and Community and Health Services. This momentum builds on the groundwork laid by the 2014 Aging Well initiative, which set the stage for long-term, community-driven efforts to support older adults. With that foundation in place, Pitkin County has continued to advance a coordinated approach to age-friendly planning. This initiative is led by Pitkin County Senior Services, with support from the Pitkin County Senior Council, Board of County Commissioners, and other community partners. Engagement activities and plan development were provided by Aging Dynamics consulting firm in partnership with Pitkin County Senior Service staff. The purpose of this updated age-friendly action plan is to act as a north star towards the efforts of Pitkin County over the next five years. It builds on the achievements of the past eight years and responds to the evolving needs of Pitkin County’s aging population. The plan is informed by community input gathered through a series of six town hall meetings and two surveys between June and September 2025. These conversations and surveys reached older adults across the County and included long and short-time residents, caregivers, homeowners and renters, and people in their 60s through 90s. 2026 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative The 2026 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative (Attachment A) provides a north star for the next five years. It reflects the voices of older adults, the leadership of Pitkin County Senior Services, the County’s continued partnership with the AARP 2 Network of Age-Friendly Communities, the statewide Lifelong Colorado initiative, and the Colorado Multi-sector Plan on Aging. Together, these efforts reinforce Pitkin County’s vision of being a community where residents of all ages can live safely, stay connected, and continue to contribute to the place they call home The 2026 PCAFI aligns with AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 2. Transportation 3. Housing and Supportive Living Options 4. Wellness and Enrichment 5. Diversity and Inclusion 6. Civic Engagement and Employment 7. Communication and Information 8. Health and Community Services Within these 8 domains, the 2026 initiative sets forth goals for future consideration by the community at large as a guide for addressing both the opportunities and challenges presented by aging to Pitkin County and the region. Focusing on and exploring these areas demonstrates an ongoing commitment to improving and enriching the lives of residents in specific ways. This work is also connected historically to the Public Health Community Health Assessment, and linked directly to the current Pitkin County Comprehensive Plan. A brief overview of the 8 Domains with descriptions and action steps can be found below, and will be reviewed today. Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Accessibility and safety of public spaces, trails, and facilities that support mobility, connection, and recreation for all ages. ● Collaborate with parks and recreation departments to assess parks and trails using age-friendly design standards identifying opportunities to add benches, shade structures, restrooms, accessible paths, and signage that support safe, enjoyable outdoor use for older adults. ● Work with law enforcement and traffic planners to assess and implement speed control measures along Highway 133 and within Redstone improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and older adults who rely on walking or wheeling. ● Invest in sidewalk maintenance and pedestrian infrastructure in communities with high concentrations of older adults prioritizing repairs, winter maintenance, curb cuts, and continuous, well-lit walkways in areas like Redstone. 3 ● Partner with public agencies to assess accessibility of public buildings and identify upgrades such as ramps, elevators, automatic doors, and signage to ensure spaces are safe, welcoming, and compliant with universal design principles. ● Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders, (e.g Pitkin County, Aspen, Valley Health, City of Aspen) on the establishment of a new Pitkin County Senior Services facility (“Senior Center”) that is properly sized, designed, and located to serve the needs of a growing older adult population. A larger and improved Senior Center, grounded in both best practices and community partnership and needs, allows for expanded services and programs to prepare for anticipated demographic changes over the next 40 years, while supporting long- term the opportunity to age-in-place. ● Partner with Eagle County to assess the feasibility of co-developing a new senior center in Basalt in which both county aging services will share the cost of development and provision of a robust menu of programming. Domain 2: Transportation Availability of safe, accessible, and affordable ways to get around the community. ● Collaborate with RFTA and other local partners to expand flexible, senior- focused transportation options such as Senior Van services and explore subsidized ride programs or vouchers for older adults needing transportation for medical or personal errands. ● Implement a dedicated shuttle route from the Brush Creek Intercept Lot to the Senior Center during peak program hours, improving access for older adults who rely on park-and-ride options. ● Launch a volunteer driver program that connects older adults with community members willing to provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, or social activities filling critical transportation gaps in rural areas. Domain 3: Housing & Supportive Living Options Housing that is affordable, accessible, and adaptable to allow residents to age in place. ● Create and maintain a trusted handyman and contractor list featuring affordable providers who are willing to work in rural areas focused on small jobs, home modifications, and timely support for aging residents. ● Establish a volunteer support program that matches older adults with helpers for snow shoveling, yardwork, and minor home repairs strengthening safety, independence, and neighborly connection. 4 ● Explore intergenerational and shared housing models such as home-sharing, ADUs, or roommate matching to increase housing choices and optimize use of existing homes. ● Review and update workforce housing regulations to identify and reduce barriers for older adults who are transitioning out of full-time employment but want to remain in the community considering alternatives like volunteer hours or long- term residency as eligibility factors. ● Incentivize development of senior-friendly, affordable housing in rural areas like Redstone encouraging models like Whitcomb Terrace that follow Universal Design or visitability principles. ● Expand programs that support affordable home modifications such as ramps, railings, and bathroom updates so older adults can safely age in place in homes that meet their evolving needs. Domain 4: Wellness & Enrichment Focus on increasing the variety, frequency, and local availability of activities that appeal to a wide range of older adults, including younger retirees. ● Expand access to enrichment, fitness, and wellness programming in under-served areas like Redstone by offering regular classes and services that support active aging, community connection, and local engagement. ● Partner with local organizations including recreation centers, libraries, and nonprofits to broaden the calendar of social, educational, and cultural programs available to older adults across the county. ● Create and support special interest groups focused on hobbies like birding, gardening, crafting, and music offering opportunities for peer connection, creative expression, and regular social engagement. Domain 5: Diversity and Inclusion Actions aimed at combating ageism, fostering trust, and ensuring all community members feel valued and included. ● Continue public education efforts to address ageism by highlighting the contributions, diversity, and value of older adults through storytelling campaigns, local media, and community forums that challenge outdated stereotypes. 5 ● Promote intergenerational connection and inclusion by partnering with schools, youth organizations, and faith communities to co-create programs that foster shared learning, mutual respect, and meaningful cross-age relationships. ● Host community listening sessions with law enforcement and county agencies to build trust, strengthen communication, and address older adults’ concerns about safety, responsiveness, and inclusion in public processes. ● Support the creation of neighbor-to-neighbor networks that encourage social connection and mutual support matching residents for shared walks, grocery runs, check-ins, or other informal exchanges that strengthen community ties and meet everyday needs. ● Increase access to Senior Services programs and information for non-English speaking older adults and caregivers by assessing needs, expanding bilingual outreach, and identifying program offerings that support meaningful participation. Domain 6: Civic Engagement and Employment Suggestions for increasing meaningful engagement, volunteer opportunities, and access to work for older adults. ● Celebrate the contributions of older adult volunteers and workers through annual recognition events, public storytelling, and features in county communications that highlight their impact and encourage continued engagement. ● Create a centralized, regularly updated list of flexible volunteer and part-time employment opportunities that are well-suited to older adults’ skills, interests, and availability. ● Develop a volunteer matching program that connects older adults with meaningful, flexible opportunities to give and receive assistance whether through neighbor-to-neighbor support, mentoring, or community-based projects. ● Partner with workforce development agencies to offer older adults access to job- seeking support, digital skills training, and lifelong learning opportunities that support late-life employment or career transitions. ● Offer training and mentorship in civic engagement, preparing older adults to serve on county boards, advisory councils, or other public initiatives by increasing awareness, access, and confidence. Domain 7: Communication and Information 6 Accessible and reliable communication channels to help residents stay informed about programs, services, and events. ● Develop a centralized information hub, a single calendar or platform where all older adult events, programs, and services are listed and regularly updated. Ensure access both online and in print at trusted community locations. ● Expand hands-on digital literacy sessions on platforms like Facebook, Zoom, and email, with a focus on helping older adults connect socially, access services, and navigate technology safely. ● Support the creation of local phone tree networks especially in rural areas like Redstone to connect residents who need assistance with neighbors willing to help and share timely information. ● Recruit and train community liaisons to serve as trusted messengers helping to share timely, accurate information within their neighborhoods, buildings, or networks. Domain 8: Community & Health Services Action steps aimed at increasing access to localized, specialized, preventative care, and financial assistance navigation. ● Host recurring legal aid clinics in partnership with Alpine Legal Services and others, in areas like Redstone or Snowmass Village focused on estate planning, long-term care decisions, and benefits access. ● Collaborate with local mental and behavioral health providers to offer age- friendly counseling, support groups, and outreach programs tailored to the needs of older adults, with expanded availability in rural and under-served areas. ● Expand partnerships with regional health providers to deliver mobile or community-based health clinics, screenings, and wellness workshops in accessible, trusted settings. ● Develop a caregiver resource and support hub that includes information on respite services, local caregiver networks, training opportunities, and emotional support groups. ● Host an annual Navigating Your Finances After 60 event with workshops/resources on Medicare, Medicaid, property tax exemptions, utility assistance, prescription savings, and other local/state financial supports. 7 The Age-Friendly Initiative The 2026-2030 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative (PCAFI) builds off of the previous work and successes of Pitkin County on supporting people not only as they grow older, but throughout the life course. The vision of this work is to assist and support the community as a whole in developing strategies, building partnerships, enhancing resources and leading to meaningful positive change so that, into the next decade and beyond, Pitkin County achieves its full potential as a thriving community to age in place. This Initiative provides a rich long-term community-wide plan, including realistic action steps to address the needs of a growing older adult population. Pitkin County Senior Services/Human Services will ensure that the work of the initiative will be connecting with other Pitkin County departments, community organizations and municipalities in order to collaborate on the goals and domain areas of this plan. Collaboration and partnerships will be a key success factor in fulfilling this vision. The next steps include the department setting priorities for this year, then connect with other county departments and community organizations on action steps. There are also planned presentations on the plan to the City of Aspen, Village of Snowmass and the Town of Basalt over the next few months. KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Review the 2026 Pitkin County Age Friendly Initiative. BUDGETARY IMPACT: None RECOMMENDED ACTION: None ATTACHMENTS: A. 2026 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative 8 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative March 16th, 2026 City of Aspen - City Council 9 How it started • 2014 Aging Well Community Planning Initiative • March 2017 Pitkin County became the 149th Age-Friendly Community (1008), 5th in Colorado (26) and 2nd on the Western Slope • Public input on needs & opportunities of the community • Partnered with local and regional organizations • Restructured the Aging Well Plan utilizing the AARP 8 Domains of Livability in 2019/2020 • Updated the Initiative in 2025 working with a consultant • Age Friendly Moving Forward! 10 Initiative Vision The 2026-2030 Pitkin County Age-Friendly Initiative (PCAFI) builds off of the previous work and successes of Pitkin County on supporting people not only as they grow older, but throughout the life course. The vision of this work is to assist and support the community as a whole in developing strategies, building partnerships, enhancing resources and leading to meaningful positive change so that, into the next decade and beyond, Pitkin County achieves its full potential as a thriving community to age in place. 11 Pitkin County Demographics 12 Pitkin County Demographics 13 Supports Aging in Place Throughout the Life Course The ability to live in one’s own home and/or community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. 14 Framework for Moving Forward • Framed by the 8 Domains, the initiative sets forth goals for future consideration by the community at large • A guide for addressing both the opportunities and challenges presented by aging locally and regionally • Ongoing commitment to improving and enriching the lives of residents in specific ways • Collaborate with other county plans, initiatives • Facilitation lead by Senior Service/Human Services 15 Age-Friendly Basis – The 8 Domains of Livability 16 •Collaboration •Advocacy and Policy •Outreach and Community •Innovation •Embracing •Funding This Initiative provides a rich long-term community-wide plan, including realistic action steps to address the needs of a growing older adult population. Pitkin County Senior Services/Human Services will take the lead on connecting with other Pitkin County departments, community organizations and municipalities in order to collaborate on the goals and domain areas of this plan. Collaboration and partnerships will be a key success factor in fulfilling this vision. Solutions and Opportunities 17 Next Steps • Pitkin County Senior Services is presenting the plan to all the municipalities in the county over the next few months • PCSS staff will go through the plan and set priorities for the remainder of 2026, with focus on items that are already in action from the department • PCSS staff will reach out to other county departments and other organizations on goal areas to collaborate on • PCSS will provide an annual report and progress updates on a twice a year basis, or as requested 18 Questions and Feedback Thank you 19