HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.b. Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime Initiative 4 ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: May 1, 2012
AGENDA ITEM: Dakota County Communities for a AGENDA SECTION:
Lifetime Initiative Presentations
PREPARED BY: Dwight Johnson, City Administrator AGENDA NO. 3, h.
ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information item only.
BACKGROUND
Several years ago, Dakota County coordinated an initiative to help prepare the County, municipalities and
private service providers for the demographic shift to an aging population. Task forces were convened
and coordinated under a contract with DARTS. While reports were issued, Dakota County officials were
not entirely satisfied that a common accepted sense of direction and strategy emerged from the process.
Recently, County Administrator Brandt Richardson and staff member Jess Luce visited Rosemount and
other area cities to discuss a new County initiative; develop ideas for making current services and programs
(such as our bus transportation system) more responsive to the needs of an aging population; and identify
new program initiatives. We agreed that it would be good to introduce the new County program to the
Council before other community groups are contacted.
Mr. Jeff Luce will generally introduce the subject. If we have further questions and discussion, we could
invite him to a future work session. Mr. Luce is the Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Supervisor
working out of the County Department of Public Health.
Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime (CFL) Initiative
What makes a Community for a Lifetime?
• Simply put —a good place to grow up and grow older
• A community for people of all ages and abilities that support health and vitality
• Walkable neighborhoods, with sidewalks and paths for exercise
• Access to grocery stores, clinics, shops, and cultural activities
• A full range of affordable housing options as needs change: single family homes,
apartments, condos, which are near amenities /services, and parks
• Flexible and supportive employment and volunteer opportunities, such
as intergenerational activities
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• Effective technology to help and connect people S.e
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Dakota County Demographics for 65+
• From 2010 to 2020, the number of people 65+ is projected to increase
by Transpatabon
• In 2010, 39,816 people were 65 +, 10% of the population.
• In 2030, it is projected that people 65+ will make up 20% of the population.
As Boomers Age
• 2011 marked the beginning of the first cohort of Boomers turning age 65.
• 10,000 Boomers a day will turn 65 and the trend will continue for the next 20 years.
• Nationally, 1 in 5 people will be age 65 and older in 2030; in MN, it will be closer to 1 in 4
• The number of individuals age 85 and over will triple.
• By 2020 in MN there will be more people over the age of 65 than in elementary, middle
and high schools combined.
• 24% of Minnesota Boomers (441,000 people out of 1.8 million) may not have sufficient
resources to cover their long term care expenses.
• Boomers have very different expectations from their parent's generation in terms of
work, housing, activities, and the services they desire.
Contact Jess Luce to learn more about Dakota County's Communities for a Lifetime Initiative,
jess.luce 651 - 554 -6104.
."t COUNTY Public Health
Prevent. Promote. Protect.
TO LIFELONG SUPPORT
Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, Key Challenges & Action Steps
Issue Challenge Action Step
Housing Affordable housing options are Encourage development of full range
limited. of housing options (apts., condos —
single level units).
Housing "Peter Pan Housing" — home and • Institute home modification and
building design is tailored to narrow repair programs (ex. Augustana).
range of physical abilities. • Encourage universal design,
"visitability" in new housing
Housing Housing and services are not Build partnerships with housing and
coordinated. service providers.
Planning & Zoning Lack of public support for community Engage Boomers /older adults in
design that supports aging in planning process (asset mapping);
place /community. create focus groups.
Planning & Zoning Zoning regulations discourage a Incorporate accessory dwelling units;
broad range of age- appropriate update zoning codes.
housing options.
Transportation Road design makes walking difficult. Use walkability audits to identify and
prioritize pedestrian improvements.
Transportation Many older drivers experience • Improve signage and road design.
specific difficulties related to the • Provide safety programs and
driving environment. driving refresher courses (ex. Car
Fit).
Transportation Customer - oriented community • Make transit more flexible and
transportation options are lacking. responsive.
• Support volunteer driver programs.
• Support a circulator bus model.
Health & Community information on available • Promote DARTS Info. Hotline, One
Supportive services is dispersed across agencies Stop /Senior LinkAge Line,
Services and providers. www.MinnesotaHelp.info
• Create an (online; easily updated,
printable) directory of local service
providers
Health & Home -based services are often Encourage providers to integrate
Supportive provided piecemeal. home -based services.
Services
Health & Lack of transportation to hospitals, Improve access to medical
Supportive doctors' offices affects access to transportation.
Services health care.
Cultures & Few arts and cultural programs are Provide opportunities for
Lifelong Learning offered to older adults. intergenerational learning around arts
and cultural activities.
Cultures & Few opportunities for older adults to Increase technology trainings (ex.,
Lifelong Learning stay up -to -date on technology. classes pairing older adults and
youth).
Public Safety Safety could be improved in some • Encourage Neighborhood Watch
neighborhoods. programs.
• Create Neighbor to Neighbor
networks to strengthen
connections.
Civic Engagement Civic engagement options are limited Provide more options; community
Opportunities in many communities. education classes in schools, and
programs linking older adults and
youth.
*Form adapted from: A Blueprint for Action: Developing a Livable Community for All Ages