Empowering Communities to Create a Livable New York

1. Empowering Communities to Create a Livable New York Presented at the Madison County: Healthy Community Design Workshop Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 Colgate University Lathrop Hall Auditorium John Cochran, Assistant Director – Intergovernmental Affairs and Strategic Planning

2. Livable New York Sustainable Communities for all ages

3. Livable Communities

4. Livable Communities Tangible&Intangible elements

5. Tangible elements Communication venues— accessible Accessible public spaces Healthy environment— air water food Basic necessities— good quality easily accessible affordable Mobility options Housing choices Universally designed homes & buildings Healthy— homes & buildings Supportive services & health care— choices accessible affordable Transportation— accessible & affordable Work & volunteer opportunities

6. Intangible elements Perception of safety Sense of “community” Social connections Community integration Sense of “empowerment” Valued “social capital”: all ages all cultural & ethnic groups all functional abilities Community “identity” Community’s heritage & character

7. Some outcomes More responsive community More “invested” residents & community members More creative solutions More vibrant community More stable population base More efficient use of resources Higher quality of life Better business climate

8. Livable Why now? Our communities . . . our world — Changing significantly Changing rapidly New York

9. Why now? Livable New York – a strong representation of diversity: Geographic Economic Demographic (age; disabilities) Social (households; cultural) Race / ethnicity New York

10. Why now? • Based on 2009 Census estimates–there are over 3.7 million individuals ages 60 and over in NYS. • By the year 2030, the population of New Yorkers age sixty and over is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030, comprising nearly 25% of the general population. NY ranks third in older adult population behind California and Florida.

11. Why now ? • LTC System is un-sustainable . • Medicaid is the source of the majority of funds for formal long term care services both nationally and in NY. 27 percent of Medicaid spending in New York is on long term care service. • NY spends $12.4 billion for an array long term care services -- $6.6 billion being allocated for nursing home level care and $5.8 billion for home and community based services. • All should understand these facts for economic reasons (keeping older adults in their communities and paying privately helps the local and state economy) and for budgetary reasons (reliance on Medicaid as long-term care financing is unsustainable). A major driving force for a more Livable New York

12. Why now ? Enhance the Health of Seniors /help address Chronic Illness American Journal of Public Health - (Nov. 12/ 09) Research done by UCLA and supported by the National Institute on Aging, has shown that disability rates are on the rise for the baby boom generation. People entering their 60’s from 1999-2004 were much more likely to be obese, have larger waist sizes and get less exercise than those people who turned 60 from 1988-1994 NYS BRFSS Data/Expanded Data Sets - July 2008- June 2009 • Avg./percentage by county of Overweight and Obese Adults (65 +) ranges from 53.6% to 76 %. • 56% of those age 65+ have high blood pressure and almost 50% have high cholesterol • 59% of those 65+ have arthritis • Approximately 20% of those 65+ have diabetes • Falls are a top reason for requiring hospitalization or nursing home placement

13. Why now ? • $3.6 billion per month /$43.2 billion a year is paid to New Yorkers through Social Security, 65% of this is received by our older residents and they receive billions in retirement pension benefits, a majority of which are used to purchase goods and services. • In New York according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-07 American Community Survey 72 percent of persons over 60 own their own homes - pay real property taxes and do not create additional demands on a community’s local school system. • In New York, over 143,014 grandparents are caring for their grandchildren (300,000) – who would otherwise need placement in the state’s foster care system at an average annual cost of $47,000. • 80% of long-term care is provided by over 2.2 million informal caregivers in New York, saving tax payers an estimated $40 billion annually – average age of a caregiver, 64. • Helping Communities become Livable Communities through a process of thoughtful planning and engagement that by design supports seniors so that they can safely live independently. AARP membership survey revealed that 90% of their members want to stay in their homes and communities as they age – i.e. not move.

14. Why now ? The Coping Conundrum- Caregiving “The life cycle is at once miraculous and cruel, launching us as soft, smooth, frail creatures, until we grow and harden, then curve back toward infancy, our final days spent once again being fed and bathed and gently tended”. “Unlike our great, rollicking debate about parenting, the inverted question is harder; we raise kids, but we lower parents, however gently”. (Nancy Gibbs – 10/15/ 2010 Time Magazine)

15. Why now ? Older People Represent a Tremendous Source of Economic and Social Capital: • The Baby Boom generation has amassed a tremendous amount of personal wealth that is estimated at $7 trillion • This age cohorts spends more disproportionally to their numbers • They volunteer and support community activities not only through their service – but with their financial support

16. Why now ? Economic Development: • Gray Gold States court retirees as a "clean" growth industry– 3.7 jobs associated with supporting an older couple. • The "graying" of the U.S. population creates substantial opportunities for businesses that target their products and services at older consumers. Increasingly, economic development experts - regard affluent, mobile retirees as a key customer base with a stable stream of income to be spent on local purchases and investments. • Just as states have competed in "smokestack chasing" for years, many have begun to focus on attracting and retaining retirees. http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/fnotes/fn9611.html

17. Why now ? Often the climate is a main reason by some to dismiss New York as a retirement destination–but: • AARP has selected two northern cities-with cold winters – in its list of top five places to retire in the United States - Boston and Milwaukee, • These cities that tend to have higher housing costs and taxes - since the tradeoff is that they have the resources to invest in the programs and services that make a place livable: mass transit systems, expanded sidewalks to encourage walking, better health care, and a wide range of mixed use housing and are host to colleges and universities that provide opportunities for life long learning and cultural activities, • Wisconsin has a net in-migration of residents ages 60-plus between 2000 and 2005. http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/currentissue/full_feature_story.asp?NewMessageID=18904 • AARP healthiest places to live - Ann Arbor, Michigan; Fargo, North Dakota; and Minneapolis- St. Paul, Minnesota.

18. Why now ? Other states and countries are actively seeking to recruit/attract retirees: “States rushing to lure retirees” USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-29-recruiting-retirees_x.htm “Send us your baby boomers, states plead” Stateline http://www.stateline.org/live/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=136&languageId=1&contentId=45531

19. Why now ? Newsweek - (May 21/ 09)highlights New York’s desirable retirement communities: • The list included New York City, Ithaca, Cold Spring, Skaneateles, Aurora, Cooperstown, Woodstock, Hudson, Saratoga, Seneca Falls, Watkins Glen and Greenport. http://www.newsweekshowcase.com/retirement/newyork/articles/new-york-retirement

20. With change . . . Comes changes in: Expectations Preferences Needs . . . and in Issues & Solutions

21. Livable Change requires “future-based” planning A Livable NY principle . . . New York Future-oriented planning

22. With diversity . . . Comes increased opportunities for: Broadened perspectives Creative & innovative solutions Greater resources

23. Livable Livability relies on including all members of the community– for defining issues and identifying solutions. A Livable NY principle . . . New Cross-community approach: all ages, all cultures, all abilities York

24. Why now ? Livable Public & private policy shift nationwide – a growing emphasis on: Partnerships Coalitions Collaborations Teaming of sectors & disciplines New York

25. With collaboration . . . Comes: Creative, innovative ideas Efficient use of resources Sustainable solutions Strengthened communities

26. Livable Livability relies on a sustainable planning and implementing approach --- bringing all community sectors to the planning and decision-making table. A Livable NY principle . . . New Inclusive planning York

27. in N.Y. & U.S. • Many communities trying: • Future-oriented planning • Involving community groups • Inclusive planning • Coalition-building Here and there Lack information Face challenges Need help but . . .

28. Livable New York focus areas Livable Housing Universal design Planning Zoning Energy alternatives Green Building Transportation Mobility Not trying to re-invent the wheel New York

29. in N.Y. & U.S. Different options / models Innovative zoning strategies Successful planning approaches Practical community tools Here and there Lack awareness Face challenges Need help but . . .

30. Not trying to re-invent the wheel Principles of Smart Growth Create Range of Housing Opportunities and ChoicesProviding quality housing for people of all income levels is an integral component in any smart growth strategy. Create Walkable NeighborhoodsWalkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn, worship and play, and therefore a key component of smart growth. Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration Growth can create great places to live, work and play -- if it responds to a community’s own sense of how and where it wants to grow. Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of PlaceSmart growth encourages communities to craft a vision and set standards for development and construction which respond to community values of architectural beauty and distinctiveness, as well as expanded choices in housing and transportation. Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair and Cost EffectiveFor a community to be successful in implementing smart growth, it must be embraced by the private sector. • Principles of Livable Communities • Choice in living environments • Universally designed and accessible: housing, communities, and communication methods/venues • Walkable communities and complete streets • Accessible, affordable transportation options • Sustainable homes and communities— using green, energy-efficient, and smart growth strategies • Flexible land-use policies • Inclusive, collaborative planning process used for defining issues and designing solutions—includes all residents and all community sectors • "Community-driven" planning and development • Social connections among residents  • Active social and civic engagement in community life by residents of all ages, all cultures, and all abilities • Meaningful volunteer and paid work opportunities • Access to appropriate and affordable basic necessities: • Healthy food • Social interactions • Amenities and social services • Preventative health services • Medical care

31. Not trying to re-invent the wheel • Principles of Livable Communities • 13. Healthy home environment • 14. Safe neighborhood environment • 15. Support for family caregivers • 16. Ability to exercise preferences: Age-in place • Privacy • Personal autonomy • Maximized independence • 17. Residents, businesses, and community organizations feel: • a. A "sense of community“ • b. Community identity • c. Shared feeling of belonging • 18. Community leaders build upon their "social capital": • a. Value and use skills, creativity, and ideas of all community members—all ages, all cultural/ethnic groups, and all functional abilities—for planning and decision-making • 19. Community decisions reflect the changing characteristics of the overall • community profiles Principles of Smart Growth 6. Mix Land UsesSmart growth supports the integration of mixed land uses into communities as a critical component of achieving better places to live. 7. Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty and Critical Environmental AreasOpen space preservation supports smart growth goals by bolstering local economies, preserving critical environmental areas, improving our communities quality of life, and guiding new growth into existing communities. 8. Provide a Variety of Transportation ChoicesProviding people with more choices in housing, shopping, communities, and transportation is a key aim of smart growth. 9. Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing CommunitiesSmart growth directs development towards existing communities already served by infrastructure, seeking to utilize the resources that existing neighborhoods offer, and conserve open space and irreplaceable natural resources on the urban fringe. 10.Take Advantage of Compact Building DesignSmart growth provides a means for communities to incorporate more compact building design as an alternative to conventional, land consumptive development.

32. Community Empowerment Initiative $490,000 in State grants have been awarded in August 2009 to fifteen not-for-profit organizations and local governments to support the creation of communities in which older adults can successfully age in place. The grants provide funding for innovative programs and activities that support and enhance opportunities for community participation in planning and creating aging friendly neighborhoods. Applicants submitted proposals to either: • Organize and undertake a planning process that will lead to development of a community empowerment plan; or • Implement innovative strategies, programs . services or activities resulting from a community empowerment planning process that has already been undertaken to enable aging in the community

33. Community Empowerment Initiative Community Empowerment grants awarded by the New York State Office for the Aging to: • Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network, Inc. • Albany County Department of Social Services - w/Schenectady County • Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care • Claire Heureuse Community Center, Inc. • Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County • Family of Woodstock, Inc. • Grand Street Settlement • Heights and Hill Community Council • Isabella Geriatric Center • Mental Health Association of Rockland County • Mercy Care of the Adirondacks • North Fork Women for Women Fund, Inc. • Steuben County Office for the Aging • Town of North Hempstead Department of Services for the Aging • Upper Hudson Primary Care Consortium

34. Intent of Livable New York Help communities advance their efforts to improve their level of livability.

35. Livable New YorkAcademy Education Training Technical Assistance

37. Livable New YorkAcademy Three major steps 1. Community training 2. Community evaluation 3. Project(s) implementation

38. 1. Community Training A training day for: public officials, local government, community leaders, community groups, professional disciplines / sectors Training day: assistance by the Academy.

39. training Step 1 ● Understanding the impact of demographic and social change on your community. ● Elements and benefits of— a livable community, and an inclusive approach to achieving livability. ● Steps in the Academy process. ● Roles for different community sectors— in the Academy process, and in achieving community livability. ● How to sustain a community-coalition approach. ● Role of the Livable New York initiative.

40. Step 1 outcome Community decision – Whether to engage in the Academy’s second step: Community Evaluation

41. 2. Community Evaluation An evaluation of residents’ perceptions of their community’s livability. Evaluation: assistance by the Academy.

42. Residents’ views— For example: Step 2 community evaluation ● What they like & don’t like about their community. ● What are their community’s strengths & what is missing. ● Why would they stay in their community. ● Why would they consider moving away. Check-up on the elements of a livable community: housing, mobility, walkability, sense of empowerment, accessibility, services, others. ●

43. Step 2 community evaluation Assistance with identifying— ● Training for forming the evaluation team and for implementing the process. ● Successful evaluation tools; roles for various community sectors and residents. Resources for analysis of findings. ● Strategies for publicizing the evaluation activity. ● Strategies for involving the community in prioritizing the evaluation’s findings. ●

44. community evaluation Part 2 Must follow Livable New York principles— Inclusive and cross-community planning and implementation: ● Community-wide resident engagement. ● Intergenerational— across all ages. Across cultures. ● ● Across disability groups. Involve multiple & non-traditional sectors. ●

45. Step 2 outcomes ● Broad community involvement. ● Heightened awareness of the community’s livability goals. Activated interest in achieving livability. ● Findings form basis for Step 3 of the Academy: Selecting and implementing livability projects and activities. ●

46. Selecting and implementing models, approaches, and strategies that form solutions in response to the findings from the community evaluation. 3. Implementing Solutions Step 3: assistance by the Academy.

47. Step 3 implementing solutions Technical assistance with— ● Prioritizing evaluation findings and selecting projects and activities to implement. ● Identifying community-coalition sectors for implementation. ● Information on successful and innovative: Models, strategies, and approaches related to the chosen projects and activities. ● Weighing alternative solutions— Training & education on the benefits of various models, strategies, & approaches. ● Facilitate overcoming implementation challenges and barriers.

48. For example: Step 3 implementing solutions Technical assistance sources— ● Government agencies. ● Private sector professionals. ● Universities and researchers. ● Industry. Others. ●

49. Part 3 Must follow Livable New York principle— Implementing solutions Inclusive planning and implementation: Involve multiple & non-traditional sectors.

50. The Academysummary Education, training, facilitated technical assistance: • Meet with key local official. Educate/train community members & leaders. • Facilitate/train for community evaluation process. 3. Facilitate project-selection process. Train on alternative models/strategies. Facilitate technical assistance in implementation.