SUBJECT
Title
Senior Advisory Commission Work Plan & Goals FY2021/22
Report
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Senior Advisory Commission develops a Work Plan & Goals to focus discussion and Commission effort throughout the year. The Plan is created utilizing the Senior Needs Assessment completed in 2017, taking into consideration the eight (8) domains of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly City. The eight (8) domains of the Age-Friendly City include: Economics and Employment; Community; Housing; Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation and Streets; Health, Wellness, and Nutrition; Social and Civic Engagement; and, Access to Community Resources and Information. At the June meeting, the Commission suggests potential goals, discussing current trends relating to the senior population, and prioritizing community needs given limitations of available resources. The Commission then prioritizes and finalizes the work plan goals at the July meeting of the new fiscal year.
DISCUSSION
At the June 2021 meeting, using the results from the 2017 Senior Needs Assessment and building upon the strategies that were suggested by focus group participants and partners, the Senior Advisory Commission brainstormed potential priorities and interests of older adult residents of Santa Clara ages 50 and over, utilizing the eight (8) domains of the Age-Friendly City guidelines. The brainstorming discussion included:
A. Economics and Employment - it was suggested that the Commission provide education, assistance, and advocacy for:
a. Older Adult Employment
i. Part-time jobs
b. Assisting Older Adults find and keep employment
i. Partner with local Corporations/Organizations
ii. Job search
c. Age Bias Education
B. Community - it was suggested that the Commission provide education and support for the Older Adult Community on the following topics:
a. Transitioning out of COVID
b. LGBTQ+ awareness
C. Housing - it was suggested that the Commission help advocate for the following:
a. Older Adult/affordable Housing
b. Rental assistance
c. Shared Housing
d. ADR/W Units
D. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
E. Transportation and Streets - it was suggested that the Commission continue to advocate for affordable, convenient, and safe transportation and streets by:
a. Evaluating the feasibility (strengths, weakness, opportunities and challenges) of various transportation options including a shuttle service in Santa Clara.
F. Health, Wellness, and Nutrition - it was suggested that the Commission provide resources for the following:
a. Addiction services
b. Social determinants of health
c. Wellness/Fitness
d. Chronic Diseases
G. Social and Civic Engagement
H. Access to Community Resources and Information - it was suggested that the Commission stays current on resource output and check for fresh/relevant up-to-date content through:
a. City of Santa Clara marketing avenues
i. Senior Center Monthly Newsletter
ii. City website
iii. Emails
iv. Channel 15
v. Social Media
b. Resource availability
i. Sourcewise
ii. ADA Committee - Delegate one (1) representative to attend the City’s ADA Committee meeting.
c. Education
i. Elder Fraud
ii. Caregivers
At the July 26 Senior Advisory Commission meeting, the Commission will review the list of ideas, potentially prioritize and finalize the list, and develop objectives for the Work Plan & Goals for FY2021/22.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Senior Advisory Commission’s agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
Staff
Reviewed by: Jennifer Herb, Recreation Supervisor
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation