Adopting the Lifelong Communities Initiative in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Adopting the Lifelong Communities Initiative in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area by Corneil Montgomery MA, Walden University, 2011 BS, University of Phoenix, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2016 Abstract The older adult population has been growing since 1950. The quality of life of older Atlanta citizens may be reduced if adopted Lifelong Communities (LLC) initiative principles are executed poorly or not at all. The purpose of this case study was to describe and explore the experiences of local government officials in Atlanta, Georgia who have adopted LLC initiatives. Research questions focused on local government officials’ experiences adopting the LLC initiative, their use of the LLC principles, as well as the benefits and challenges encountered when integrating principles within organizations and communities to ensure quality of life for persons served. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Lawton and Nahemow’s ecology of aging and ecological change model. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interview questions from 6 government officials in the Atlanta region. Additional data included relevant publicly available documents related to LLC initiatives. All data were inductively coded and then analyzed using content analysis. The findings of this study indicated that strategic planning and forming collaborative relationships with existing organizations and influential persons were key components of the LLC initiative process. According to LLC leaders, the initiative was beneficial for promoting housing andThe older adult population has been growing since 1950. The quality of life of older Atlanta citizens may be reduced if adopted Lifelong Communities (LLC) initiative principles are executed poorly or not at all. The purpose of this case study was to describe and explore the experiences of local government officials in Atlanta, Georgia who have adopted LLC initiatives. Research questions focused on local government officials’ experiences adopting the LLC initiative, their use of the LLC principles, as well as the benefits and challenges encountered when integrating principles within organizations and communities to ensure quality of life for persons served. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Lawton and Nahemow’s ecology of aging and ecological change model. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interview questions from 6 government officials in the Atlanta region. Additional data included relevant publicly available documents related to LLC initiatives. All data were inductively coded and then analyzed using content analysis. The findings of this study indicated that strategic planning and forming collaborative relationships with existing organizations and influential persons were key components of the LLC initiative process. According to LLC leaders, the initiative was beneficial for promoting housing and transportation options and enhancing quality of life. Furthermore, the findings of this study were consistent with the principles of the ecological change model. This study has implications for positive social change by providing information to local government officials and other stakeholders about capacity building, strategic planning, and the needs of the elderly that may lead to improving the implementation of LLCs. The Process: Adopting the Lifelong Communities Initiative by Corneil Montgomery MA, Walden University, 2011 BS, University of Phoenix, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2016 Dedication I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my mother, Joann MontgomeryGibson, who inspires me to soar beyond the stars. I am grateful for her prayers and support, and not allowing me to give up. As a result, I am proud to be the first doctor in my family. Acknowledgments I want to express my deepest gratitude to the individuals that help make this study possible: Dr. Ross Alexander, chair, and committee members Dr. Mark Stallo and Dr. Tanya Settles, I would like to thank you for your guidance, feedback, and attentiveness, which made this journey even more rewarding. I would also like to thank my mentor and editor, Dr. Sharonica Johnson, for her support and encouragement. Special thanks to my dear brother, Ricky Lampkin, who supported and encouraged me every step of the way. To my father, Marion Gibson, and my brothers, Cornelius Montgomery and Calvin Montgomery, your kind words and big gestures are greatly appreciated. To my other best friend, who has always been there, Kevin Tucker, thank you for your prayers and wisdom. I could count on you for everything. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my big sister Dr. Felicia Tuggle for inspiring me to obtain a doctoral degree and finish strong.