5 2
5 DATE: January 16, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY’S AGE- FRIENDLY CITY INITIATIVE THREE (3) YEAR ACTION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by Minute Order, consider and accept the progress update on the City’s Age-Friendly City (AFC) Initiative and accept the three (3) year action plan that was developed. This action supports Foster City's initiative in joining the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Global Network.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the City Council Regular meeting on November 16, 2020, the City Council supported and approved Foster City’s initiative in joining the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Global Network and authorizing the submittal of an application and letter to the Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
The City’s application was submitted and accepted by AARP/WHO in 2020-2021, indicating Foster City’s commitment to assess the age friendliness of our community and to create an action plan to make the city more livable for people of all ages.
At the City Council Regular meeting on June 5, 2023, the Council authorized an agreement with consultant, Rachel Bell, to assist staff with the development of Foster City’s AFC Initiative Action Plan. Ms. Bell, with the support of staff and partnering organizations, developed an Action Plan aiming to address a few of the unmet needs of older adults as it relates to the eight (8) domains of age-friendly communities and as
5 2
5 identified by community members throughout the initial process. In November 2023, AARP reviewed and approved a submitted draft of Foster City’s AFC Initiative Action Plan.
The Foster City AFC Initiative Action Plan helps prepare the City for its aging population by gathering input from the community and pulling together public and private organization partners, resources, and strategies to address any issues that may arise. Over the next three years, the Action Plan will be used as a guideline as the City continues to build on what is already occurring in the community as well as provide recommendations on how to improve impacts and address gaps.
Staff is seeking the City Council’s acceptance of the City’s AFC Initiative Action Plan.
BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities offers opportunities for communities to address their aging population in a positive and inclusive way. The program provides resources to help communities actively help people live more comfortably in their homes and communities as well as encourages older residents to take an active role and have their voices heard. Being designated as an Age-Friendly Community through the WHO demonstrates that Foster City is dedicated to providing places for older adults to be engaged and that the community provides social opportunities and services that ensure older adults thrive and feel part of the community.
The eight (8) Domains of Age-Friendly Communities according to AARP are:
1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Social Participation
5. Respect and Social Inclusion
6. Work and Civic Engagement
7. Communication and Information
8. Community and Health Services
Foster City’s AFC Initiative began with an introductory report to the City Council at their regular meeting on July 6, 2020. This was the kick-off for the work the City began with the County of San Mateo and Center for Age-Friendly Excellence (CAFE). This work resulted in the formation of an ad-hoc Age-Friendly Community Task Force who led the initiative by hosting several focus group meetings and one-on-one surveys which culminated in the development project goals.
At the City Council Regular meeting on November 16, 2020, the Council passed City Resolution No. 2020-117 supporting Foster City’s initiative in joining the WHO Age- Friendly Global Network and authorizing the submittal of an application and letter to the 5 2
5 AARP with the Mayor as the designated signatory on behalf of the City.
In 2021, the City’s application to become a designated Age-Friendly City was accepted by AARP/WHO. However due to several management and personnel changes within the Foster City organization and the effects of COVID-19, further work on the City’s AFC initiative was paused.
In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, staff pursued additional resources and collaborated with other community organizations and partners to continue the City’s AFC Initiative. At the City Council Regular meeting on June 5, 2023, the City Council authorized an agreement with consultant, Ms. Rachel Bell, to assist staff with the development of Foster City’s AFC Initiative Action Plan. Ms. Bell has also assisted the following cities with development of their Age-Friendly Initiative Action Plans: City of Berkeley, the City of Fremont, the City of Redwood City, the City of San Mateo, and the County of Santa Clara.
ANALYSIS
The objectives of the AFC Initiative closely align with the goals of the City of Foster City. The City’s commitment is to cultivate public services that residents desire and appreciate, run an exceptional and sustainable local government, foster a sought-after and lively community for both residents and businesses, both now and in the future.
Additionally, the City is dedicated to investing appropriately to ensure the safety of our community, for all individuals. The City of Foster City is unwavering in its dedication to health, wellness, lifelong education, and overall quality of life for our older adult residents.
The Foster City AFC Initiative Action Plan helps prepare the City for its aging population by gathering input from the community and pulling together public and private organization partners, resources, and strategies to address any issues that may arise. The Action Plan is informed by the Age-Friendly Task Force's prior efforts, incorporating insights from focus groups, surveys, and interviews, along with updated information from staff and partnering organizations.
The Action Plan is designed to help build on what is already occurring in the community and provide recommendations on how to improve impacts and address gaps. While each of the eight (8) domains identified within the Age-Friendly framework holds significance, community feedback highlighted four (4) common themes that will be the focal points over the next few years:
•Volunteer and employment opportunities
•Access to information about services and activities
•Connecting isolated community members
•Organizing ongoing Age-Friendly efforts
5 2
5 Following the AARP/WHO's process, the Foster City AFC Initiative Action Plan underwent a thorough review and received final approval from AARP in November 2023. In addition, members of the Foster City Parks and Recreation Citizen Advisory Committee also reviewed and discussed the plan at their regular meeting on December 5, 2023. The next phase in this multi-year process involves the implementation of the Action Plan over the next three years, with a progress report scheduled for submission to AARP/WHO in 2029.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact in accepting the AFC Initiative Three (3) Year Action Plan.
However, there may be Action Plan recommendations that may have policy and program considerations which may result in a fiscal impact to the City. Any proposed changes would be brought back to the City Council separately for their consideration and approval and/or through the City’s annual budget process.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure, Operational Excellence and Social Equity
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Foster City Age-Friendly City Initiative Action Plan