Burlington Aging Council — Burlington, VT
Date: 2024-10-24
Time: 13:00

CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT
 Burlington Aging Council
 c/o Community & Economic Development Office
 City Hall, Room 32 • 149 Church Street • Burlington, VT 05401
 802-865-7144 VOX • 802-865-7024 FAX •
 www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo



 Special Meeting of the Burlington Aging Council
 Thursday October 24th, 2024 1:00pm – 2:00pm
 Pickering Room Fletcher Free Library College St Burlington 05401.
 Please contact mgange@burlingtonvt.gov if you have questions or concerns.


 Draft Agenda
1. Motion to approve agenda 10 24 24
2. Welcome DAIL and SoV Officials (Brian Pine)
3. Public Comment
4. Overview Draft AgeStrong Burlington Plan (Glenn McRea and Brian Pine)
5. Discussion synergies with SoV AgeStrong Vermont Plan
6. Any other business and motion to adjourn




 The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities.
 For accessibility information, call 865-7144. For questions about the meeting
 Contact Marcella Gange at mgange@burlingtonvt.gov or 802 865 7178

CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT
 Burlington Aging Council
 c/o Community & Economic Development Office
 City Hall, Room 32 • 149 Church Street • Burlington, VT 05401
 802-865-7144 VOX • 802-865-7024 FAX •
 www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo



 Special Meeting of the Burlington Aging Council
 Thursday October 24th, 2024 1:00pm – 2:00pm
 Pickering Room Fletcher Free Library College St Burlington 05401.
 Please contact mgange@burlingtonvt.gov if you have questions or concerns.


 Draft Agenda
1. Motion to approve agenda 10 24 24
2. Welcome DAIL and SoV Officials (Brian Pine)
3. Public Comment
4. Overview Draft AgeStrong Burlington Plan (Glenn McRea and Brian Pine)
5. Discussion synergies with SoV AgeStrong Vermont Plan
6. Any other business and motion to adjourn




 The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities.
 For accessibility information, call 865-7144. For questions about the meeting
 Contact Marcella Gange at mgange@burlingtonvt.gov or 802 865 7178
 AGE STRONG BURLINGTON

An Action Plan Summary from the Burlington Aging Council 2024
Ageism and Ableism are engrained in our attitudes, our public policies, our institutions, and
our infrastructure. They are systemic. The goal for Burlington is one of inclusivity, building an
age-friendly community for all.
 The Action Plan focuses on 5
 key areas:
People aged 65 and older are often considered a
 a. Social Connection and
homogenous population in cognitive and physical Engagement
decline. In line with how we view and treat those in our b. Family Caregiver Support
community under the age of 18 as a diverse group with c. Financial Security
different age-related abilities, needs, and opportunities d. Optimal Health and Wellness
that are an asset, so should we relate to our older e. Housing, Transportation and
community members. The universal benefit accruing Community Design
from the Age Strong Burlington plan is simple: improving
the conditions of and opportunities for older adults in a community improves the lives of
everyone.

The objective in organizing actions is to raise awareness of both the diverse needs and
opportunities and to provide guidance on moving Burlington along a conscious path to being a
fully Age-Friendly Community. Burlington, as a single entity, cannot do everything to ensure
 that as members of our community age, they
 Burlington Aging Council are offered opportunities and support that
 Symphorien Sikyala, Congolese Community allow them to contribute and have a sense of
 Frederick Neu, UVM Center on Aging
 Molly Dugan, Cathedral Square
 belonging, as well as provide them with the
 Jane Catton, Age Well Vermont care and support they need to continue their
 Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP-VT lives with dignity. All population projections
 Andrea Viets, Heineberg Senior Ctr tend to point to a significant rise in the number
 Alison Miley, Howard Center of 65+ residents in Burlington and a growing
 Christopher Damiani, GMT
 Brian Pine, CEDO
 percentage of the overall population. The
 Barbara Shaw-Dorso, Resident action plans are not comprehensive, but they
 Martha Molpus, Resident are targeted to what the Aging Council believes
 Charles J Messing, Resident is a possible starting point to set the stage to
 Lorna Kay, Resident have full community engagement in continuing
 Glenn McRae, Resident
 to develop and implement it.
 Burlington Population 2023
The action plans align, as much as possible with the State’s 65+
Age Strong Plan, and provide a basis for synergy and
 11.6
coordination with the many partners who provide direct
services. These action plans are meant to engage our 11 >18
community of all ages to make Burlington a city that works
for everyone. For this to be more than a slogan, the
Burlington Aging Council urges the city to make the 77.4
 18-65
necessary investments and policy changes needed to
advance a clear focus toward an Age-Friendly city.
 AGE STRONG BURLINGTON Action Briefing: Priority Measures
The Burlington Aging Council’s action agenda emphasizes building out opportunities for engagement and
a more coordinated and efficient system of services to meet diverse needs and take advantage of the
many abilities to contribute to older adults in our city. This is done in cooperation with the many partner
organizations working with this sector and the state of Vermont on its new Age Strong Vermont plan. The
7-point action items below are drawn from the full action plan seeking to make Burlington a community
that embraces the notion of improving the conditions of and opportunities for older adults in a manner
that improves the lives of everyone.

 1. Dedicated City Staff Support That:
 • Fills the role of an Older Adult Ombudsperson to coordinate the efforts of the Aging Council and
 City Departments to:
 o Provide direct service to employers, and work with partners to advance opportunities for
 training, education, and resources for older workers of all backgrounds.
 o Build Age-Friendly criteria into city employee job descriptions and performance reviews.
 o Provide city staff with adequate training and upskilling to succeed in supporting these
 efforts, expanding City staffing functions in key city departments (e.g., REIB, CEDO,
 Planning, DPW, Parks, Recreation & Waterfront).
 o Connect to and Coordinate with the State of Vermont Age Strong lead.
 • Supports functions to advance social connection and engagement, and optimal health and
 wellbeing across city departments and the coalition of local service organizations in Age Strong
 Burlington.
 • Provides full support for a reinvigorated Burlington Aging Council to continue in its mission to
 elevate the contributions of older adults in Burlington; raise issues facing older adults in
 Burlington and the organizations that serve them; support current and address new policy
 recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to address gaps, needs, and opportunities that
 impact older adults in Burlington; ensure that the voices of older adults in Burlington are at the
 forefront of City policy; and maintain and monitor the “Burlington Plan on Aging: Age Strong
 Burlington,” acting as a facilitator for City policy and initiatives, and to advance advocacy at the
 state level for adequate program resources, and targeted investments at the local level.

2. Issue Key Proclamations and Host Special Events to educate the community, elevating the
contributions of and raising issues facing older adults in Burlington, ensuring that the voices of older
adults in Burlington are at the forefront of City policy.
 • Family Caregiver Awareness Campaign – Beginning in November 2024 (Family Caregiver
 Month).
 • National Employ Older Workers Week – September.
 • Provide a clear public resolution declaring Agism and Ablism as public health threats, and
 committing Burlington to actively fighting agism and ablism through policy and programs,
 providing resources and attention needed to enable all community members to enjoy a full and
 fruitful life, contributing to the greater good, and receiving support as it is needed.
 • Create baseline data on key indicators of successful social connection and engagement with
 all city departments around their programming and work and add it to the City Dashboard.

 3. Create an Official City Online Resource Site
 City Staff working with the BAC will set up an online City Resource site that will include:
 o a list of family caregiver resources.
 o resources for older workers and employers seeking to hire and retain older workers.
 o a single point of information access to City Programming that enhances social
 engagement and connection and advances healthy aging.
 o resources for older adult housing and transportation information.
 o a Dashboard indicating progress on the Age Strong Burlington Plan with connections to
 the State’s Age Strong Plan progress reports.

4. Advance a Focused City Policy Agenda
 • Review of City Human Resource policies. Accommodation for employees of the city who are
 family caregivers. Report to the Aging Council with recommendations and a timeline for what
 modifications and enhancements can flexibly meet the needs of the city and the employee.
 • Expand investment in digital literacy resources specific to the needs of older community
 members. Include alternatives that are culturally appropriate and translated into a variety of
 languages. This work can be coordinated through the City Departments and other partners.
 • Increase opportunities for Home Share programming in Burlington.
 • Direct DPW and BPRW to coordinate planning efforts put in place supportive physical
 amenities to make Burlington a year-round accessible active city providing opportunity for activity
 in support of health in line with the WHO’s Active Aging Policy Framework.
 • Require all new construction to adhere to Universal Design Standards.
 • Update PlanBTV: Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan (2019) with a focus explicitly including the
 growing older population. Require PlanBTV to incorporate a comprehensive strategy to prioritize
 the needs of older adults in elements of community design.
 • Build a Policy/Program/Resource Framework to address the specific needs of older adults in
 the event of another emergency (e.g., pandemic) and to meet the challenge of the ongoing climate
 emergency as it specifically impacts older adults.
 • Assess the status and future need for staffing and funding of efforts needed to expand age
 friendly infrastructure and design efforts across all city departments.

5. Direct City Departments to Advance or Expand Programming for Older Adults
 • Evaluate and provide additional funding to continue and expand the CEDO/Age Well pilot to
 train / develop PCAs to increase workforce for in home supports/Personal and Home Health Aides
 to increase this critical and skilled workforce providing services in home and institutional settings.
 • City departments that make use of national service programs (e.g., AmeriCorps) will also
 make use of national service programs for older adults (e.g., AmeriCorps Senior). These
 programs can also fulfill some of the functions required to support the future work of the Council.
 • Provide incentives to fill the gaps with volunteer and assisted ride programs.
 • Expand the 50+ Programming of Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department to
 ensure that all older adults can access a variety of affordable opportunities for exercise within an
 inclusive environment. Align planning with the state’s comprehensive physical activity plan and
 provide evidence-based physical activity and strength training programs to promote positive
 health outcomes.
 • Build on the success of the CORE Adult Center (run by Burlington Parks, Recreation, and
 Waterfront Department) and engage partners to support the development of a part-time care
 facility in Burlington to assist older adults with higher intensity care needs (Adult daycare) and
 provide respite to family caregivers.
 • Expand funding for and promotion of the Housing Access Modifications program at CEDO.

6. Support a Robust Outreach and Engagement Process
 • Allocate funding to support the education of the BIPOC and New American advocates and
 associations on family caregiving practices and supports. Develop multilingual resources for
 Burlington residents, and support training and education for service providers to better
 understand and support the variety of cultures of caregiving in our community.
 • Fund a Marketing Campaign to highlight older worker experiences and employer success
 stories and narratives.
 • Work with GMT to increase usage of public transportation, with special attention to the needs
 of older adults.
 • Conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment, with targeted emphasis on understanding the
 needs of the older adults, including BIPOC and New American communities, addressing
 technology access, affordability, and supports focused on infrastructure, capabilities,
 training/education, path to 6G.

7. Support New and Existing Partnerships
 • Work with GMT, DPW, and other relevant agencies on processes and funding needed to
 support a standardized bus stop amenity plan that addresses winter maintenance. Apply a similar
 process to handicapped parking spaces.
 • Direct City Departments, such as the Police Department to pursue partnerships with
 community organizations (e.g., UVMMC Emergency Department, Chittenden Housing Alliance,
 CVOEO) to identify older individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness (or experiencing
 homelessness) so that they can more effectively connected with resources.
 • Collaborate with and include diverse social and cultural groups to ensure inclusion of all
 older residents in a concerted effort to increase usage of public transportation, with special
 attention to the needs of older adults, and support GMT staffing and resource needs to
 accomplish this.
 • Work with GMT to ensure that the fare structure is transparent and understandable to riders,
 and that it considers the needs of older riders in terms of access, comfort, and AFFORDABILITY.
 • Build a Technology for Connection Initiative for older adults, based on a community needs
 assessment. Identify and secure funding for technology infrastructure and access. Collaborate
 with partner groups (e.g., Technology for Tomorrow) to expand and standardize the use of in-home
 technology to help older adults age in place.
 • Promote the newly adopted BTV Neighborhood Code to increase opportunities for middle
 housing with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability for older adults.
 • Increase collaboration between city departments (e.g., Fletcher Free Library and Parks and
 Recreation) to collaborate with community partners to expand the accessibility to and
 participation in volunteer programs, especially those that offer additional support and assistance
 to help older adults stay in their homes. Provide focus on outreach to local BIPOC, New American,
 LGBTQ+, and other groups to promote volunteer information and opportunities within these
 groups.
 • Support the expansion of existing Burlington programs that work to connect housing, health
 care, and social supports for aging residents, with an emphasis on broadening the provision of
 diverse types of housing options/situations depending on level of independence.
 • Expand the supply of affordable age-specific housing options. Work with housing
 organizations to increase affordable and accessible assisted living opportunities.
 Collaborate with developers and partners to create opportunities to provide affordable
 dementia-focused housing.
 AGE STRONG BURLINGTON: Vision of an Age-Friendly City
Burlington Aging Council Mission: To understand the opportunities and challenges facing all older
community members, and to recommend policies and programs that respect and empower all older
Burlington community members, to ensure and expand their quality of life.
On April 26, 2021, the City Council formally created the Burlington Aging Council, and on May 2nd the Mayor
signed the resolution, with the purpose of:
 • elevating the contributions of older adults in Burlington;
 • raising issues facing older adults in Burlington and the organizations that serve them;
 • making policy recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to address gaps, needs, and
 opportunities that impact older adults in Burlington;
 • ensuring that the voices of older adults in Burlington are at the forefront of City policy; and
 • creating and maintaining a “Burlington Plan on Aging,” a guiding template for policy and initiatives.
The Burlington Aging Council built a plan of action for the City around five core areas.

Age Strong Burlington Goals
 Social Connection and Engagement: Older Residents will be free from isolation and loneliness, with
 affordable and accessible opportunities for social connectedness, including work, volunteering, lifelong
 learning, civic engagement, arts, culture, broadband access, and other technologies. Older Residents are
 critical to our local communities and their contributions are valued by all.
 Family Caregiver Support: Family caregivers are fundamental to supporting the health and well-being of
 older Vermonters, and their hard work and contributions are respected, valued, and supported. Family
 caregivers of all ages should have affordable access to education, training, counseling, respite, and
 support that is both coordinated and efficient.
 Financial Security: Older Residents will receive an adequate income and maintain assets for a
 reasonable quality of life as they age. They can seek and maintain employment without fear of
 discrimination and with any needed accommodations. Mechanisms are in place to protect from
 consumer and financial fraud. Older Residents can retire after a lifetime of work, if they so choose,
 without fear of poverty and isolation.
 Housing, Transportation, and Community Design: Burlington is designed, zoned, and built to support
 the health, safety, and independence of older residents, with affordable, accessible, appropriate, safe,
 and service-enriched housing, transportation, and community support options that allow them to age in a
 variety of settings along the continuum of care and that foster engagement in community life.
 Optimal Health and Wellness: Older Residents receive, without discrimination, optimal physical, dental,
 mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the end of their lives. Holistic options for health, exercise,
 counseling, and good nutrition should be both affordable and accessible. Access to coordinated,
 competent, and high-quality care is provided at all levels and in all settings.

Finally, the Burlington Aging Council acknowledges that an Age Strong Burlington will balance offering and
enhancing self-determination and self-actualization with an infrastructure for safety and protection.
 • Self Determination will be at the core of a coordinated and efficient system of opportunity. Older
 residents bring years of experience, wisdom, and energy to their lives and communities. They are an
 asset to the community and pathways to afford them opportunity to contribute to the social, civic,
 and economic fabric of the community should be enhanced, and they should be actively engaged as
 workers, volunteers, and leaders.
 • Safety and Protection will be at the heart of a coordinated, efficient, and self-evident system of
 services. Older residents can benefit from a system of services, support, and protections, that is
 coordinated, equitable, and efficient, promoting choice, flexibility, and creativity. The system should
 be easy for individuals and families to access and navigate, including as it relates to the major
 transitions of care.
AGE STRONG
BURLINGTON
September 2024

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM THE BURLINGTON
AGING COUNCIL
  • Elevate the contributions of older
 adults in Burlington.
  • Raise issues facing older adults in
 Burlington and the organizations that
 serve them.
  • Make policy recommendations to the
 Mayor and City Council to address
 gaps, needs, and opportunities that
 impact older adults in Burlington.
  • Ensure that the voices of older adults
 in Burlington are at the forefront of
 City policy.
  • Create and maintain a “Burlington
 Plan on Aging” to act as a guiding
 template for City policy and
 initiatives.
Contents

AGE STRONG BURLINGTON: Priority Measures..................................................................................................2
 1. Dedicated City Staff Support: ..................................................................................................................2
 2. Issue Key Proclamations and Host Special Events ................................................................................3
 3. Create an Official Online City Resource Site ..........................................................................................3
 4. Advance a Focused City Policy Agenda ..................................................................................................3
  5. Direct City Departments to Advance or Expand Programming for Older Adults .................................4
  6. Support a Robust Outreach and Engagement Process .........................................................................4
  7. Support New and Existing Partnerships ..................................................................................................5
AGE STRONG BURLINGTON: Vision of an Age-Friendly City ...............................................................................6
 Age Strong Burlington Goals ........................................................................................................................7
  What Does an Age Strong Burlington Look Like? ........................................................................................7
  Aging and Equity in Burlington ...................................................................................................................10
BAC PLAN: Objectives & Action Steps for an Age Strong Burlington ..........................................................12
 Action Plan for an Age Strong Burlington ..................................................................................................13
 SOCIAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................13
 FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT ...................................................................................................................18
 FINANCIAL SECURITY .................................................................................................................................22
 OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING .........................................................................................................25
 HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ...................................................................31
BURLINGTON SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE..................................................................36
 City Positions and Functions .....................................................................................................................36
 Support Tasks and Functions .....................................................................................................................36
 Network of Providers and Partners ............................................................................................................37
  Burlington Aging Council ............................................................................................................................37
AGE STRONG VERMONT: How Does the Age Strong Burlington Plan Fit into the State’s Plan? .......................38
APPENDICES – Age Strong Burlington...........................................................................................................42
 A. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................43
 B. City Council Charge Creating the Burlington Aging Council ...............................................................44
 C. Organizations Promoting Equity in Aging .............................................................................................47
 D. Detailed State Age Strong Objectives and Strategies ..........................................................................48
 E. BAC Interim Actions................................................................................................................................64
 E.i. HomeShare Vermont Pilot Incentive Program ...........................................................................64
 E. ii. Family Caregiver Month 2023 Proclamation ............................................................................67




 0
 BURLINGTON AGING COUNCIL Age Strong Introduction
Ageism and Ableism are engrained in societal attitudes, public policies, our institutions, and our
community infrastructure. They are systemic. People over the age of 65 are often considered a
homogenous population in cognitive and physical decline. It is time to understand and relate to our
older adult community in a similar manner to how we view and treat those under the age of 18, as a
diverse group with different age-related abilities, needs and opportunities, an asset to the present and
future. The goal for Burlington is one of inclusivity, building an age-friendly community for all. The
universal benefit accruing from the Age Strong Burlington plan is that improving the conditions of and
opportunities for older adults in a community improves the lives of everyone.

On April 26, 2021 the City Council formally created the Burlington Aging Council, and on May 2nd the
Mayor signed the resolution, with the purpose of:
 • elevating the contributions of older adults in Burlington;
 • raising issues facing older adults in Burlington and the organizations that serve them;
 • making policy recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to address gaps, needs, and
 opportunities that impact older adults in Burlington;
 • ensuring that the voices of older adults in Burlington are at the forefront of City policy;
 • creating and maintaining a “Burlington Plan on Aging” to act as a guiding template for City
 policy and initiatives.
The detailed Action Plans that follow are consolidated around 5 principal areas:
 a. Social Connection and Engagement
 b. Family Caregiver Support
 c. Financial Security
 d. Optimal Health and Wellness
 e. Housing, Transportation and Community Design
The objective in organizing actions is to raise awareness of both needs and opportunities, and to
provide guidance on moving Burlington along a conscious path to being a fully Age-Friendly
Community. Burlington, as a single entity cannot do everything to ensure that as members of our
community age, they are offered opportunities and support that allow them to contribute and have a
sense of belonging, as well as provide them with the care and support they need to continue their lives
with dignity. The action plans that have been incorporated into this document are not comprehensive,
but they are targeted to what the Aging Council believes is possible. The action plans align, as much as
possible with the State’s Age Strong Plan, and provide a basis for synergy and coordination with the
many partners who provide direct services. These action plans are meant to engage our community of
all ages to make Burlington a city that works for all. To achieve this, the Burlington Aging Council urges
the city to make the investments and policy changes needed to create a truly Age-Friendly city.

 Burlington Aging Council Members
 Symphorien Sikyala, Congolese Community Christopher Damiani, GMT
 Rick Neu, UVM Center on Aging Brian Pine, CEDO
 Molly Dugan, Cathedral Square Barbara Shaw-Dorso, Resident
 Jane Catton, Age Well Martha Molpus, Resident
 Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP VT Charles J Messing, Resident
 Andrea Viets, Heineberg Community Senior Lorna-Kay Peal, Resident
 Center Glenn McRae, Resident
 Alison Miley, Howard Center
 1
 AGE STRONG BURLINGTON: Priority Measures
The Burlington Aging Council addressed its charge by determining those actions needed to
simultaneously provide for both self-determination and for necessary safety and protection in
this diverse sector of our community. Burlington residents, aged 65 and over, represent
approximately 11.6% of the city’s population, some 5,175 residents, slightly more than the
number of those 18 and under. Members of this demographic are all too often lumped in a
single class of “seniors, old people, elderly,” or some other term that connotes declining
capability and need for care, representing a deficit to the community. The story not told is that
this portion of our community is as diverse as any other group of Burlington citizens in their
background, heritage, capabilities, and needs. The Council developed its action agenda by
emphasizing a systemic approach to recognizing opportunity for and the contribution of our
older citizens. It also calls for a coordinated and efficient system of services to meet their
diverse needs, with dignity, in coordination with the many partner organizations working with
this sector and the state of Vermont with its new Age Strong Vermont plan.

A Summary of Priority Actions for Consideration:

 1. Dedicated City Staff Support:
 • Fills the role of an Older Adult Ombudsperson to coordinate the efforts of the Aging
 Council and City Departments to:
 o Provide direct service to employers, and work with partners to advance
 opportunities for training, education, and resources for older workers of all
 backgrounds.
 o Build Age-Friendly criteria into city employee job descriptions and
 performance reviews.
 o Provide city staff with adequate training and upskilling to succeed in
 supporting these efforts, expanding City staffing functions in key city
 departments (e.g., REIB, CEDO, Planning, DPW, Parks, Recreation &
 Waterfront).
 o Connect to and Coordinate with the State of Vermont Age Strong lead.
 • Supports functions to advance social connection and engagement, and optimal
 health and wellbeing across city departments and the coalition of local service
 organizations in Age Strong Burlington.
 • Provides full support for a reinvigorated Burlington Aging Council to continue in its
 mission to elevate the contributions of older adults in Burlington; raise issues facing
 older adults in Burlington and the organizations that serve them; support current and
 address new policy recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to address gaps,
 needs, and opportunities that impact older adults in Burlington; ensure that the voices
 of older adults in Burlington are at the forefront of City policy; and maintain and
 monitor the “Burlington Plan on Aging: Age Strong Burlington,” acting as a facilitator for
 City policy and initiatives, and to advance advocacy at the state level for adequate
 program resources, and targeted investments at the local level.

 2
2. Issue Key Proclamations and Host Special Events to educate the community, elevating
the contributions of and raising issues facing older adults in Burlington, ensuring that the
voices of older adults in Burlington are at the forefront of City policy.
 • Family Caregiver Awareness Campaign – Beginning in November 2024 (Family
 Caregiver Month).
 • National Employ Older Workers Week – September.
 • Provide a clear public resolution declaring Ageism and Ableism as public health
 threats, and committing Burlington to actively fighting agism and ablism through
 policy and programs, providing resources and attention needed to enable all
 community members to enjoy a full and fruitful life, contributing to the greater good,
 and receiving support as it is needed.
 • Create baseline data on key indicators of successful social connection and
 engagement with all city departments around their programming and work and add it
 to the City Dashboard.

 3. Create an Official Online City Resource Site
 • City Staff working with the BAC will set up a web-based City Resource site that will
 include:
 o a list of family caregiver resources.
 o resources to support older workers and employers seeking to hire and retain
 older workers.
 o a single point of information access to City Programming that enhances social
 engagement and connection and advances healthy aging.
 o resources for older adult housing and transportation information.
 o a Dashboard indicating progress on the Age Strong Burlington Plan with
 connections to the State’s Age Strong Plan progress reports.

 4. Advance a Focused City Policy Agenda
 • Review of City Human Resource policies that affect accommodation for
 employees of the city who are family caregivers and report to the Burlington Aging
 Council with recommendations and a timeline for what modifications and
 enhancements can be made to flexibly meet the needs of the city and the employee.
 • Expand investment in digital literacy resources specific to the needs of older
 community members. Include alternatives that are culturally appropriate and
 translated into a variety of languages.
 • Increase opportunities for Home Share programming in Burlington.
 • Direct DPW and BPRW to coordinate planning efforts put in place supportive
 physical amenities to make Burlington a year-round accessible active city providing
 opportunity for activity in support of health in line with the WHO’s Active Aging Policy
 Framework.
 • Require all new construction to adhere to Universal Design Standards.
 • Update PlanBTV: Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan (2019) with a focus explicitly
 including the growing older population.

 3
 o Require PlanBTV to incorporate a comprehensive strategy to prioritize the
 needs of older adults in elements of community design.
  • Build a Policy/Program/Resource Framework to address the specific needs of older
 adults in the event of another emergency (e.g., pandemic) and to meet the challenge of
 the ongoing climate emergency as it specifically impacts older adults.
  • Assess the status and future need for staffing and funding of efforts needed to
 expand age-friendly infrastructure and design efforts across all city departments.

5. Direct City Departments to Advance or Expand Programming for Older Adults
  • Evaluate and provide additional funding to continue and expand the CEDO/Age Well
 pilot to train/develop PCAs to increase the workforce for in-home supports/Personal
 and Home Health Aides to increase this critical and skilled workforce in providing
 services in home and institutional settings.
  • Recommend that City departments that make use of national service programs
 (e.g., AmeriCorps) will also make use of national service programs for older adults
 (e.g., AmeriCorps Senior). Determine if these programs can also fulfill some of the
 functions required to support the future work of the Aging Council.
  • Provide incentives to fill the gaps with volunteer and assisted ride programs.
  • Expand the 50+ Programming of Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront
 Department to ensure that all older adults can access a variety of affordable
 opportunities for exercise within an inclusive environment. Align planning with the
 state’s comprehensive physical activity plan and provide evidence-based physical
 activity and strength training programs to promote positive health outcomes.
 o Build on the success of the CORE Adult Center (run by Burlington Parks,
 Recreation, and Waterfront Department) and engage partners to support the
 development of a part-time care facility in Burlington to assist older adults with
 higher-intensity care needs (Adult daycare) and provide respite to family
 caregivers.
  • Expand funding for and promotion of the Housing Access Modifications program at
 CEDO.

6. Support a Robust Outreach and Engagement Process
  • Allocate funding to support the education of the BIPOC and New American
 advocates and associations on family caregiving practices and supports. Develop
 multilingual resources for Burlington residents, and support training and education for
 service providers to better understand and support the variety of cultures of caregiving
 in our community.
  • Fund a Marketing Campaign to highlight older worker experiences and employer
 success stories and narratives.
  • Work with Green Mountain Transit (GMT) to increase usage of public transportation,
 with special attention to the needs of older adults.



 4
  • Conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment, with a targeted emphasis on
 understanding the needs of older adults, including BIPOC and New American
 communities, addressing technology access, affordability, and supports focused on
 infrastructure, capabilities, training/education, path to 6G.

7. Support New and Existing Partnerships
  • Work with GMT, DPW, and other relevant agencies on processes and funding
 needed to support a standardized bus stop amenity plan that addresses winter
 maintenance.
 o Apply a similar process to handicapped parking spaces.
  • Direct City Departments, such as the Police Department to pursue partnerships
 with community organizations (e.g., UVMMC Emergency Department, Chittenden
 Housing Alliance, CVOEO) to identify older individuals at risk of experiencing
 homelessness (or experiencing homelessness) so that they can more effectively
 connected with resources.
  • Collaborate with and include diverse social and cultural groups to ensure
 inclusion of all older residents in a concerted effort to increase usage of public
 transportation, with special attention to the needs of older adults, and support GMT
 staffing and resource needs to accomplish this.
  • Work with GMT to ensure that the fare structure is transparent and
 understandable to riders, and that it considers the needs of older riders in terms of
 access, comfort, and affordability.
  • Build a Technology for Connection Initiative for older adults, based on a community
 needs assessment. Identify and secure funding for technology infrastructure and
 access. Collaborate with partner groups (e.g., Technology for Tomorrow) to expand and
 standardize the use of in-home technology to help older adults age in place.
  • Promote the newly adopted BTV Neighborhood Code to increase opportunities for
 middle housing with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability for older adults.
  • Increase collaboration between city departments (e.g., Fletcher Free Library and
 Parks and Recreation) to collaborate with community partners to expand the
 accessibility to and participation in volunteer programs, especially those that offer
 additional support and assistance to help older adults stay in their homes. Provide
 focus on outreach to local BIPOC, New American, LGBTQ+, and other groups to
 promote volunteer information and opportunities within these groups.
  • Support the expansion of existing Burlington programs that work to connect
 housing, health care, and social supports for aging residents, with an emphasis on
 broadening the provision of diverse types of housing options/situations depending on
 level of independence.
  • Expand the supply of affordable age-specific housing options. Work with housing
 organizations to increase affordable and accessible assisted living opportunities.
 Collaborate with developers and partners to create opportunities to provide affordable
 dementia-focused housing.


 5
 AGE STRONG BURLINGTON: Vision of an Age-Friendly City
Burlington Aging Council Mission: To understand the opportunities and challenges facing all
older community members, and to recommend policies and programs that respect and
empower all older Burlington community members, to ensure and expand their quality of life.

Age-Friendly Burlington: An Age-Friendly Burlington will balance offering and enhancing self-
determination and self-actualization with an infrastructure for safety and protection.
 • Self Determination will be at the core of a coordinated and efficient system of
 opportunity. Older residents bring years of experience, wisdom, and energy to their
 lives and communities. They are an asset to the community and pathways to afford
 them the opportunity to contribute to the social, civic, and economic fabric of the
 community should be enhanced, and they should be actively engaged as workers,
 volunteers, and leaders.
 • Safety and Protection will be at the heart of a coordinated, efficient, and self-evident
 system of services. Older residents can benefit from a system of services, supports,
 and protections, that is coordinated, equitable, and efficient, promoting choice,
 flexibility, and creativity. The system should be easy for individuals and families to
 access and navigate, including as it relates to the major transitions of care.




The Burlington Aging Council built a plan of action for the City around five core areas: Social
Connection and Engagement; Family Caregiver Support; Financial Security; Optimal Health
and Wellness; Housing, Transportation and Community Design. For each core area of focus,
we outline key investments, action steps, and how the city can measure its progress.

 6
Age Strong Burlington Goals

• Social Connection and Engagement
Older Residents will be free from isolation and loneliness, with affordable and accessible
opportunities for social connectedness, including work, volunteering, lifelong learning, civic
engagement, arts, culture, and broadband access and other technologies. Older Residents
are critical to our local communities and their contributions are valued by all.

• Family Caregiver Support
Family caregivers are fundamental to supporting the health and well-being of older
Vermonters, and their hard work and contributions are respected, valued, and supported.
Family caregivers of all ages should have affordable access to education, training, counseling,
respite, and support that is both coordinated and efficient.

• Financial Security
Older Residents will receive an adequate income and maintain assets for a reasonable quality
of life as they age. They can seek and maintain employment without fear of discrimination and
with any needed accommodations. Mechanisms are in place to protect from consumer and
financial fraud. Older Residents can retire after a lifetime of work, if they so choose, without
fear of poverty and isolation.

• Housing, Transportation, and Community Design
Burlington is designed, zoned, and built to support the health, safety, and independence of
older residents, with affordable, accessible, appropriate, safe, and service-enriched housing,
transportation, and community support options that allow them to age in a variety of settings
along the continuum of care and that foster engagement in community life.

• Optimal Health and Wellness
Older Residents receive, without discrimination, optimal physical, dental, mental, emotional,
and spiritual health through the end of their lives. Holistic options for health, exercise,
counseling, and good nutrition should be both affordable and accessible. Access to
coordinated, competent, and high-quality care is provided at all levels and in all settings.

What Does an Age Strong Burlington Look Like?

Burlington’s population, aged 65 and over, represents approximately 11.6% of the city’s
population, some 5,175 residents, slightly more than the number of those 18 and under.
Members of this demographic are all too often lumped in a single class of seniors, older
adults, old people, elderly, or some other term that connotes declining capability and need for
care. They are a diverse population requiring a multifaceted city strategy to ensure that they
prosper, have opportunities to contribute, and feel safe and assured of services to support
them as they age.


 7
Asset-based thinking is not often applied to a community’s older population. As in the recent
series in Seven Days (“Getting On: An Aging Population Is Transforming Vermont’s Schools,
Workplaces and Communities” | https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/getting-on-an-aging-
population-is-transforming-vermonts-schools-workplaces-and-communities-40368495) an
 aging population is related to a host of interrelated
 Vermont’s 50-plus population and seemingly insurmountable problems—from
 creates outsize economic economic stagnation to lack of safe housing and
 impact and will drive economic adequate care. While these are critical issues that
 growth for the next 30 years. need to be addressed, they have roots that extend
 • In 2018, the 50-plus population
 beyond the narrow view of aging populations and
 accounted for 42% of Vermont’s
 negate our ability to see the large number of
 population yet contributed 47%—or community members, aged 65+, as real and potential
 $18 billion—of the state’s total GDP. assets.
 • Their activities also supported
 227,000 jobs and generated $12 For example, suppose that just 22% of Burlington
 billion in wages and salaries. residents, 65+, are in the labor force, that is 1138
 • The purchasing power of Vermont’s workers. How many businesses would be shut down
 50-plus population will generate tax without those workers? We don’t have the numbers of
 revenue for decades to come. In those who are also business owners, or independently
 2018, the market activities of people employed, full or part-time. Nor do we have solid
 50-plus supported $1.7 billion in numbers on what percentage of the volunteer
 state and local taxes (44% of workforce is 65+, powering our rich nonprofit sector in
 Vermont’s total). That figure will arts, recreation, social services, and education, but
 more than triple to $5.7 billion by we know it is significant. We cannot measure the
 2050. impact because we have not collected the data. The
 • People aged 50-plus will continue to data we do have, and it is important, is focused on the
 play a significant role as part of need for services, care, and special housing. If that is
 Vermont’s workforce: by 2030, 50- the only lens, we will continue to move forward in a
 plus workers in the state are deficit-based approach to our aging population.
 projected to number 130,000,
 representing 37% of the state’s total
 The Burlington Aging Council is recommending taking
 labor force. a new and activist approach to addressing our aging
 • Beyond their economic population, like the perspective we take with the
 contributions, the 50-plus cohort  members of our community under 18. There are
 also spends time engaging in vital special needs, structures, supports, and investments
 activities like volunteering and needed, but they are full of potential. We don’t know
 caregiving for children and adults.
 what that potential is, but we invest in it willingly. The
 The 50-plus population in Vermont
 potential of the members of our community, 65+, (and
 contributed $421 million in
 that community is growing in numbers) is largely
 volunteering activities and $0.9
 untapped. As with all our citizens we want to create
 billion in unpaid caregiving in 2018.
 the conditions that increase good health outcomes,
 AARP Longevity Economy Report: provide secure and appropriate shelter, ensure food
 Vermont
security, and create opportunity for personal fulfillment in activities, both for personal and
professional growth. Given the right conditions and incentives, how many more would join the
 8
formal workforce, would volunteer hours, would apply to serve on commissions and boards
and increase their contribution to the vitality of our community?

Those unanswered questions, as well as the necessary initiatives covered in this Action Plan,
are at the heart of what the Burlington Aging Council sees as its future mission in supporting
Burlington as a model Age-Friendly Community.

Burlington’s drive to be an Age-Friendly Community is Aging Vermonters
a drive toward social justice. It is time to end Ageism
once and for all in our community. In 2021 about 133,173 Vermonters
 were 65 years or older, or about
 Aging is not the problem, but the way we think 20.6% of all Vermonters.
 and talk about aging is. Most people, without even • In 2021 22.0% of 65+ Vermonters
 thinking about it, use language that describes aging were in the labor force.
 as a negative experience. Unfortunately, this
 negative thinking and language contributes to • The average income/earnings for
 “Ageism” in our culture, which is a stereotyping or the 65+ population in Vermont in
 discrimination of a person or group of people 2021 was about $59,180.
 because of their age. This is a serious challenge in  • 9.1% of Vermonters 65 years or
 our culture and communities, manifested in the older were at or below the poverty
 unconscious thoughts we have, the actions we level in 2021.
 take, and the policies, institutions, and systems we
 create. • 18.7% of Vermonters 65 or older
 Ageism negatively impacts Vermonters’ health rent their home, with a median gross
 and well-being. It prevents people from seeking rent of $889 in 2021.
 support they may need or gaining employment they • 81.3% of 65+ Vermonters own their
 are more than qualified for. It contributes to errors home, with median monthly costs of
 in the healthcare system. It leads to higher rates of about $714 (those without a
 chronic illness and morbidity. Older adults who mortgage).
 have a negative view of aging have a life
 expectancy of 7.5 years less than older adults who • 29.2% of Vermonters over 65 years
 have a positive view of aging (Breaking the Age of age have a disability
 Code by Becca Levy, 2022). Ageism also intersects Vermont State Data Center Source:
 with other forms of discrimination such as racism, 2011 & 2021 American Community
 quietly exacerbating inequities faced by people of Survey
 color, LGBTQ+, speakers of other languages, those
 who are low income, etc.
 — Age Strong Vermont Plan (February 2024, page 8)




 9
Aging and Equity in Burlington

Burlington’s vision of equity in aging is to transform every person’s older years into their
golden years. To achieve this vision, the City of Burlington, through the work of the Burlington
Aging Council (BAC), must work to ensure that all residents have access to opportunities and
services to age how and where we choose—regardless of age, disability, race, ethnicity,
immigration status, religion/faith, income, geography, sexual orientation, gender identity,
language, or family status. The BAC aging plan for the City of Burlington, through programs
and partnerships will accomplish:

 1. Engagement of all older adults in the civic life of the city with the expressed purpose of
 achieving the goals of an Age-Friendly Community.
 2. Recognition of the wide range of capacities and resources among older people.
 3. Expansion of culturally relevant and accessible services to older adults, people with
 disabilities, caregivers, and families.
 4. Addressing health and other inequities that can become cumulative as we age.
 5. Anticipating and responding flexibly to ageing-related needs and preferences and
 respecting older person's decisions and lifestyle choices.

 The commonly held view that old age is a period of declining faculties that is natural and
 inevitable is therefore not wholly accurate and has hidden preventable inequalities in the
 quality of life of older people. Importantly, the causal role of social conditions in the great
 variations in the quality of life of older individuals within a country – as well as across
 countries – raises profound questions of social justice and social action. (Venkatapuram
 S, Ehni HJ, Saxena A. Equity and healthy ageing. Bull World Health Organ. 2017)

The community we build, the infrastructure we improve, the attitudes and institutionalized
biases we counter, or change are choices we make to ensure that as we age in our
community, we can maintain functional abilities, including maintaining roles and holding on
to relationships, and enjoying the possibility of autonomy, pleasure, personal growth, and
security. Our ability to thrive is not dependent on individual attributes and capacities alone.
Maintaining our health and capacities as we age is greatly dependent on how we build out the
community conditions that we have control over. There is no reason to assume that functional
abilities and personal health must decline in direct relationship with age.

Age Strong Burlington Strategies and Resources:
AARP Longevity Economy Report: Vermont details the outsize economic impact of
Vermont’s 50-plus population, supporting 227,000 jobs and generating $12 billion in wages
and salaries, anticipated to make up 37% of the state’s total workforce by the end of the
decade, and contributing half a billion dollars of volunteer service labor.




 10
Engage with the work of 8 80 Cities and adopt their theme: We are guided by the simple but
powerful idea that if everything we do in our cities is great for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old,
then it will be better for all people.
Engage with The National Civic League’s Enhancing the Equity and Inclusiveness of Age-
Friendly Initiatives, especially their focus on improved outreach to and engagement with
ethnically and racially diverse older adult residents, who may not traditionally engage with
government-driven community programs for older adults.
Engage with the work of The Equity in Aging Collaborative will address issues of poverty
among older adults who have and continue to face inequities across their lifetimes. We will
share stories of the impact of poverty on women, communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals,
low-income, and rural older adults. The Collaborative is building on 15 years of experience
with the Elder Economic Security Standard™ Index, or Elder Index that may have applications
for tracking progress in Burlington and Vermont.

Pathways for Burlington

Following the WHO Age-Friendly World initiative, Burlington’s efforts should be united in
building “age-friendly environments (such as in the home, community) to foster healthy and
active aging by building and maintaining intrinsic capacity across the life course and enabling
greater functional ability in someone with a given level of capacity.”

In practical terms, age-friendly environments are free from physical and social barriers and
supported by policies, systems, services, products, and technologies that:

 • promote health and build and maintain physical and mental capacity across the life
 course; and
 • enable people, even when experiencing capacity loss, to continue to do the things they
 value.

The BAC Age Strong Burlington Action Plan is a holistic approach to growing age-friendly
practices help build older people’s abilities to meet their basic needs; learn, grow, and make
decisions; be mobile; build and maintain relationships; and contribute.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is one touchstone to identify
sister cities that Burlington can use to benchmark our efforts and progress. The program
advances efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities
as they age. Older adults are encouraged to take a more active role in their communities and
have their voices heard. Initiatives focus on areas such as housing, caregiving, community
engagement, volunteering, social inclusion and combating isolation among older citizens.

For a list of national resources see Appendix C.


 11
BAC PLAN: Objectives & Action Steps for an Age Strong Burlington
Specific Action Plans for the five targeted goals follow and detail suggested investments,
along with action steps broken out for various groups and city leaders, detailing ways that the
city can measure progress to achieve a truly Age Strong Burlington. These goals and action
steps represent a starting point for the city to be able to lay a foundation for an Age Strong
community. It will require ongoing work, engagement, and investment to realize the vision.

Social Connection and Engagement
Older Residents will be free from isolation and loneliness, with affordable and accessible
opportunities for social connectedness, including work, volunteering, lifelong learning, civic
engagement, arts, culture, and broadband access, and other technologies. Older Residents
are critical to our local communities and their contributions are valued by all.

Family Caregiver Support
Family caregivers are fundamental to supporting the health and well-being of older
Vermonters, and their hard work and contributions are respected, valued, and supported.
Family caregivers of all ages should have affordable access to education, training, counseling,
respite, and support that is both coordinated and efficient.

Financial Security
Older Residents will receive an adequate income and maintain assets for a reasonable quality
of life as they age. They can seek and maintain employment without fear of discrimination and
with any needed accommodations. Mechanisms are in place to protect from consumer and
financial fraud. Older Residents can retire after a lifetime of work, if they so choose, without
fear of poverty and isolation.

Housing, Transportation, and Community Design
Burlington is designed, zoned, and built to support the health, safety, and independence of
older residents, with affordable, accessible, appropriate, safe, and service-enriched housing,
transportation, and community support options that allow them to age in a variety of settings
along the continuum of care and that foster engagement in community life.

Optimal Health and Wellness
Older Residents receive, without discrimination, optimal physical, dental, mental, emotional,
and spiritual health through the end of their lives. Holistic options for health, exercise,
counseling, and good nutrition should be both affordable and accessible. Access to
coordinated, competent, and high-quality care is provided at all levels and in all settings.




 12
 Action Plan for an Age Strong Burlington
 SOCIAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT
As an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
Older Residents should be free from isolation and loneliness, with affordable and accessible
opportunities in their communities for social connectedness, including work, volunteering,
lifelong learning, civic engagement, leisure activities, arts, culture, and broadband access and
other technologies. Older residents are critical to our local communities and their
contributions are valued by all.

Vermont is ranked 20th for risk of social isolation in America’s Health Rankings Senior Report
(composite of poverty; living alone; divorced, separated or widowed; never married; disability;
and independent living difficulty). According to US Census data (ACS 2018): 71,000 (42%) of
Vermonters age 60+ are not married (divorced, separated, widowed or never married); 48,000
(28%) have a disability; 43,000 (25%) live alone in community; 18,000 (11%) live below the
federal poverty level; 28,000 (28%) live below 200% FPL.

Social Isolation is a public health concern. It is significantly associated with increased
mortality from all causes. The magnitude of health risks associated with social isolation and
loneliness are equivalent to smoking and obesity. Social connection, however, is associated
with a 50% reduced risk of early death.

Moving Toward an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
✓ Burlington residents ages 65+ receive the social and emotional support they need, and
  each year there is a decreasing number who feel socially isolated, exhibit elevated levels
  of stress, report poor physical health, are unhoused or inadequately housed, are food
  insecure, and for whom mobility is compromised.
✓ Mobility options (e.g., GMT, NeighborRides, CarShareVT) report increased usage by older
  residents.
✓ The proportion of older adults engaging in regular, year-round, physical exercise shows
  annual increases.
✓ Calculate neighborhood walkability and transit scores around the needs and uses of older
  adults living in the city, demonstrating annual increases in scores.
✓ Burlington’s network of viable senior centers and other local community institutions such
  as libraries and churches offer quality and equitable programming for older adults.
✓ Older adults in Burlington increasingly indicate that they have the resources and
  information they need to age well in the city.
✓ Older adults in Burlington have equitable access to the highest level of affordable high-
  speed internet connectivity of any small city in the country, enabling them to have the
  ability to effectively communicate, receive services, engage as citizens, and access life-
  long learning opportunities as well as employment opportunities via technological
  engagement.
✓ Older adults in Burlington seeking to volunteer within their communities will have the
  means to engage with such opportunities accessibly and inclusively.
 13
✓ Older adults in Burlington reliably and safely utilize volunteer services to seek assistance
  in areas such as day-to-day home maintenance and activities of daily living, which allow
  them to age in place.
✓ Intergenerational engagement opportunities abound with the support of the City’s schools
  and other institutions.

Actions: City Council & The Mayor’s Office
 1. Support a Social Connection and Engagement function across city departments and
 the coalition of local service organizations to:
 a. Create baseline data on key indicators of successful social connection and
 engagement.
 b. Create greater efficiency and increase resources available across city
 departments that provide programs and infrastructure for social connection and
 engagement.
 c. Collaborate with and include diverse social and cultural groups to ensure
 inclusion of all older residents.
 2. Update PlanBTV: Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan (2019)
 www.burlingtonvt.gov/planbtv with a focus explicitly including the growing older
 population.
 3. Produce a Burlington-specific resource book for healthy aging and social inclusion.
 4. Build a Policy/Program/Resource Framework to address the specific needs of older
 adults in the event of another emergency (e.g., pandemic) and to meet the challenge of
 the ongoing climate emergency as it specifically impacts older adults.
 5. Build a Technology for Connection Initiative for older adults in Burlington starting with a
 comprehensive Needs Assessment, with targeted emphasis on understanding the
 needs of the older Burlington residents, including BIPOC and New American
 communities, addressing technology access, affordability, and supports focused on
 infrastructure, capabilities, training/education, path to 6G. Identify and secure funding
 for technology infrastructure and access. Collaborate with partner groups to expand
 and standardize the use of in-home technology to help older adults age in place
 (https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/nih-initiative-tests-home-technology-help-older-
 adults-age-place) to support health, safety, and caregiving.
 6. Increase collaboration between city departments (e.g., Fletcher Free Library and Parks
 and Recreation) to collaborate with community partners to expand the accessibility to
 and participation in volunteer programs, especially those that offer additional support
 and assistance to help older adults stay in their homes. Provide focus on outreach to
 local BIPOC, New American, LGBTQ+, and other groups to promote volunteer
 information and opportunities within these groups.

Summary of Key Investments:
  • Dedicated funding from the city to support:
 o A Social Connection and Engagement function across city departments



 14
 o Planner and Outreach functions to update PlanBTV; create a targeted
 emergency response framework; map out particular issues and approaches to
 older adults and the climate emergency.
 o Research, compilation, and update of an Aging Resource Guide (electronic and
 print-on-demand) with translation into key languages.
 o Technology of Connection Initiative staffing, technology, infrastructure, and
 subsidies to support universal access.
 o Library and Parks and Recreation Departments staff to increase programming
 and support volunteerism.
 • City specific Data and Tracking capabilities to identify the need and track impact of
 investments and interventions.

Actions: Burlington Aging Council and Age-Friendly Organizational Network (including
City Departments) with Staffing Support
 1. Support development of baseline data on key indicators of successful social
 connection and engagement and link this data to the city and private investment in
 programs and infrastructure.
 a. Convene Stakeholders regularly to support a continuous assessment
 addressing barriers and opportunities to advance a framework into action for
 Burlington in coordination with the local and regional efforts of the
 Stakeholders, and the State aging plan, Age Strong Vermont.
 b. Request that DAIL be proactive with their consultants to have a way to parse out
 service area-specific data to help localities home in on specific groups of older
 adults.
 c. Collaborate with and include diverse social and cultural groups to ensure
 inclusion of all older adults in Burlington in the development and provision of
 social connection and engagement resources.
 2. Support the updating PlanBTV, Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan (2019) with a focus
 explicitly including the growing older population. Expand the limited reference in the
 plan with clear metrics to determine how Burlington is achieving the goals set.
 Advocate for a similar update of the Regional ECOS Plan with the Chittenden County
 Regional Planning Commission.
 3. Support the production of a Burlington-specific resource book for healthy aging and
 social inclusion and ensure direct comprehensive distribution and access (physical
 copies and online access, available in multiple languages). Tie the distribution of the
 resources to polling for feedback on individual and collective attributes of social
 connection and engagement. Include specific dimensions for individuals facing
 Alzheimer’s and dementia to better inform them and their caregivers about healthy
 aging social inclusion for this population, with specific attention to utilizing social
 connection as a preventative strategy for symptoms of cognitive decline.
 4. Support city planning to provide a framework for a future emergency (e.g., pandemic)
 response that will include methods to sustain community connection and engagement
 and reduce isolation. Coordinate an annual review with key stakeholders and city
 departments to keep current. Add to resources already available,
 15
 https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/seniors-prepare-now-emergency and YouTube
 videos and Podcasts for older adults and Emergency Prep and a How to guide which
 could be accessed/replicated. E.g. https://www.fema.gov/about/news-
 multimedia/podcast, and at Ready.gov, https://www.ready.gov/.
5. Support city planning to specifically address the needs of the older adult population
 considering the Climate Emergency, as older adults face additional challenges as a
 result of their health or financial conditions, and they are far more likely to die or be
 adversely impacted in climate-fueled disasters.
6. Support a Technology for Connection Initiative for older adults living in Burlington.
 a. Conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment to understand the needs of the
 older Burlington residents, including BIPOC and New American communities,
 addressing technology access, affordability, and supports focused on
 infrastructure, capabilities, training/education, path to 6G.
 b. Implement strategies on how to increase technology access among older
 BIPOC and New American adults using culturally appropriate education
 techniques. Explore ongoing technology training and education for older adults
 to promote accessibility, including collaborations with local tech centers,
 universities/colleges, and libraries. Identify and involve Businesses already
 having a record of recruiting, training, and employing older workers.
 c. Promote the Vermont Assistive Technology Program, offering free support and
 hardware assessments.
 d. Expand safety and security access by collaborating with companies to offer
 older adults access to security systems at a low cost, such as “Ring app” on the
 iPhone or other security systems for their home.
 e. Work with partner groups to expand and standardize the use of in-home
 technology to help older adults age in place (https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/nih-
 initiative-tests-home-technology-help-older-adults-age-place) to support
 health, safety, and caregiving.
7. Work with Age Well, United Way, and local senior centers to expand the accessibility to
 and participation within volunteer programs. Additionally, conduct work with local
 community partners, such as senior centers and health care providers, to increase
 awareness of Age Well’s volunteer resource helpline for those in need of additional
 support staying in their homes.
 a. Collaboration with Fletcher Free Library and local senior centers to provide in-
 print resources on Age Well and United Way volunteer programs and helpline –
 one pager, FAQ sheet, how to apply information.
 b. Screenings of volunteer informational videos at local community centers (e.g.,
 Fletcher Free, Heineberg) to better inform community members about how to
 become involved in volunteering with Age Well.
 c. Work with local BIPOC, New American, LGBTQ+, and other groups to promote
 volunteer information and opportunities within these groups.
8. Review strategies and evidence-based programs from other similar communities that
 work to provide affordable and sufficient mobility options for older residents for all
 their needs.
 16
 9. Draw on existing data sources to build a thorough understanding of where our
 residents over the age of sixty-five are living and what kind of conditions they are living
 in. Maintain an active database to understand the location and situation of older
 residents.
 a. Utilize data and reporting materials from Feeding Chittenden and Meals on
 Wheels to determine the areas of Burlington most heavily populated by older
 residents, and thus could best utilize social connection programs targeted
 towards the aging population.
 b. Address how different demographic trends and clusters can inform where
 diverse types and varieties of resources should be promoted to increase use.
Advancing equity and inclusion:
 • Engage those groups serving needs of specific groups (e.g., Vermont Association for
 the Blind and Visually Impaired ( https://www.vabvi.org/); Vermont Center for
 Independent Living (https://vcil.org/)), Veteran’s organizations.
 • Collaborate with local New American and BIPOC community groups to address
 cultural and social norms that may make social connection and engagement needs
 different for those in certain cultural groups. Develop culturally informed and
 translated resources to encompass Burlington’s diverse cultural and ethnic groups.
 • Recognize the additional challenges that those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other
 forms of cognitive decline may see in acquiring resources to promote social
 connection and engagement. Consult with the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont to
 identify the best strategies and resources.

We measure progress as we:
  • Develop and track reliable Burlington-specific data on needs of, participation by, and
 programming for older adults.
  • Increase participation in programming and use of facilities for social engagement (e.g.,
 local senior centers, Fletcher Free, Parks and Recreation, Age Well).
  • Increase in the number of volunteers/applications and usage of the helpline within
 AgeWell volunteer services program, and United Way volunteer programs (RSVP and
 Foster Grandparent programs)
  • Develop programming and attract participants in the Technology for Connection
 Initiative programs.
  • Track website hits and physical copy distribution numbers for Burlington-specific
 resource book.
  • Increased programming for and participation of older adult BIPOC and New American
 populations.
  • Increase in neighborhood walkability and transit scores.




 17
 Age Strong Burlington Action Plan
 FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT
As an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
The essential role of family caregivers is recognized, supported, and valued in our
community, in both the public and private sectors. Family caregivers have easy access to
culturally appropriate education, resources, and support, particularly for the care of seniors
living with various forms of dementia. Employers have access to education and resources to
provide accommodations for employees to help balance the needs of work with the needs of
older family members. Healthcare providers recognize and care for the unique needs of family
caregivers. Support services in the city and region are robust and sustainable providing respite
for family caregivers.

We acknowledge that family caregivers provide the preponderance of care for those seniors
who need assistance with daily care. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, Vermont’s
70,000 family caregivers provide approximately $1.23 billion in unpaid care annually
(March 2023). In addition to being unpaid, family caregivers report feeling isolated, needing
more support/connection from peers and experts, and needing help balancing the demands
of their workplace and the needs of their older family members, and often the needs of their
own children as well. In Burlington, this situation is made visible by the community’s
commitment to providing necessary support that results in better health outcomes for those
in need, those caring for them, and for the economic vitality of the city as those who are
employed and serve as family caregivers remain productive and supportive in their jobs at
home and work.

Moving Toward an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
✓ All residents have easy access to learn about family caregivers and the outsized role they
  play in the care of our community’s older adults.
✓ Service providers, community partners, employers, and family caregivers work in concert
  with the City of Burlington developing support groups for caregivers and Memory Cafes to
  help support the many forms that caregiving takes in our community.
✓ Service providers, community partners, employers, and family caregivers create an easily
  accessible, age-friendly, comprehensive collection of resources and a mechanism to
  collaborate with community partners to assure distribution/access for family caregivers.
✓ The City of Burlington creates policies to accommodate the needs of employees of the city
  who are caregivers. Provide these as a model that other employers in the city can follow.
  Employers that follow these policies are recognized for their contributions to making
  Burlington a more Age-Friendly City.
✓ The City of Burlington collaborates with partners to increase the workforce for in-home
  support / Personal and Home Health Aides who can make a significant difference in
  respite/caregiver support needs.




 18
Actions: City Council & The Mayor’s Office
1. Family Caregiver Awareness Campaign – Beginning in November 2024 (Family Caregiver
 Month). Provide a Proclamation with press release (see 2024 proclamation).
2. City Staff working with the BAC on Age-Friendly City efforts will compile a list of family
 caregiver resources on an age-friendly webpage on the City of Burlington website. The
 webpage will serve as a clearinghouse with links to local and state resources. Lists and
 links will be checked and updated as needed monthly. Print and translated alternatives
 with monthly updates will also be available in accessible locations.
3. Review of City Human Resource policies that affect accommodation for employees of
 the city who are family caregivers and report to the Burlington Aging Council with
 recommendations and a timeline for what modifications and enhancements can be made
 to flexibly meet the needs of the city and the employee. The recommended changes and
 how the changes support family caregivers will be reported out and shared with employers
 in the city to encourage them to develop similar flexible policies. The definition of family
 caregivers will be all-encompassing to include the diversity in familial structures and living
 situations.
4. Evaluate and provide additional funding to continue and expand the CEDO/AgeWell pilot
 to train/develop PCAs to increase the workforce for in-home supports/Personal and
 Home Health Aides to increase this critical and skilled workforce in providing services in
 home and institutional settings.
5. Allocate funding to support the education of the BIPOC and New American advocates
 and associations on family caregiving practices and supports. Develop multilingual
 resources for Burlington residents, and support training and education for service
 providers to better understand and support the variety of cultures of caregiving in our
 community, fostering understanding and respect for practices and values that may be
 different from the dominant culture.

Summary of Key Investments:
  • Funding from the City of Burlington to support:
 o Production and airing of PSAs.
 o Printed material in English, Braille, and languages reflective of our community
 members
 o City staffing to develop and maintain an Age-Friendly City website and provide
 facilitation/coordination to support BAC work with its partners.
 o Additional staffing (translators, graduate intern, outreach facilitation) to
 produce and maintain information for the website, develop public education
 materials (translated) and professional training and guidance materials, and
 conduct comprehensive community outreach to assess need and evaluate
 impact.
 o Expanding PCA training and education.
 o City specific Data and Tracking capabilities to identify the need and track the
 impact of investments and interventions.
  • Collaboration of Fletcher Free Library and Parks and Recreation for space and
 programming support for caregiver education, support groups, and Memory Cafes.
 19
 • Potential policy changes to incorporate caregiver accommodation for city employees,
 with attention to culturally appropriate caregiving and housing arrangements, with
 associated increased benefit costs.


Actions: Burlington Aging Council and Age-Friendly Organizational Network (including
City Departments) with Staffing Support
1. Family Caregiver Awareness Campaign – Beginning in November 2024 (Family Caregiver
 Month)
 a. Coordinate annual Proclamation from Mayor/City Council with a press release
 (see 2024 proclamation).
 b. PSAs highlighting Family Caregivers, available resources, and support (e.g.,
 CARERS, Vermont Alzheimer’s Association Chapter, Age Well) on Radio, TV, and
 social media.
 c. Partner with Vermont Public and “Across the Fence” for longer form stories and
 public awareness pieces.
2. The Age-Friendly City website will host a list of family caregiver resources. This
 clearinghouse will host links to local and state resources. Lists and links will be checked
 and updated as needed monthly. Print and translated alternatives with monthly updates
 will also be available in accessible locations.
3. The review of City Human Resource policies, the recommended changes, and an
 evaluation of how the changes support employees of the city who act as family caregivers
 will be reported out and shared with employers in the city to encourage them to develop
 similar flexible policies. Information and resources from the AARP Employer Pledge
 Program will be used as a guide (https://www.aarp.org/work/employer-pledge-
 companies/). The definition of family caregivers will be all-encompassing to include the
 diversity in familial structures and living situations across all cultures.
4. Support the evaluation of the CEDO/Age Well pilot to train/develop PCAs to increase the
 workforce for in-home support/Personal and Home Health Aides. Research additional
 models and funding to support ongoing workforce expansion to meet local needs, and to
 coordinate with other programs in the state.
5. In partnership with BIPOC and New American advocates and associations, and in
 cooperation with REIB, support the development and distribution of resources for the
 education of the BIPOC and New American advocates and associations on family
 caregiving practices and supports, increasing community knowledge on the variety of
 cultures of caregiving in our community, fostering understanding and respect for practices
 and values that may be different from the dominant culture.
4. Provide support for libraries as “third spaces” for the support of family caregivers and
 their family members. The UVM Center on Aging will assist in the development of the “third
 space” concept with Fletcher Free Library, Parks & Recreation, senior centers, community
 centers, and wellness centers. In addition to support networks, such “third spaces” can be
 used for educational offerings and opportunities for family caregivers on relevant topics.
 This will include working with local BIPOC, New American, LGBTQ+, and other groups to
 implement culturally informed third spaces for caregivers of various backgrounds.

 20
5. Increase the awareness of opportunities and resources to provide respite to
 caregivers, such as Age Well’s volunteer services hotline. Respite Volunteer programming
 at Age Well (through an innovative pilot with DAIL) is training more people to become
 “Respite Squad Volunteers” who provide needed support to caregivers. This should be
 leveraged further and advanced. Additionally, work with UVMMC to increase usage of
 system navigators to increase awareness about opportunities for respite included within
 the healthcare systems, such as Medicare and Medicaid “prescriptions” for respite among
 family caregivers. Evaluate innovations such as Trualta (an online evidence-based
 caregiver support platform) with Stakeholders to determine if this is an effective support
 for local caregivers.
6. Reach out and partner with the Vermont DAIL and V4A (statewide association of Area
 Agencies on Aging) and other partners to examine the success and failure of Adult Day
 Services in Vermont and beyond to give respite opportunities to family caregivers. Work
 with other state partners in developing strategies to create sustainable day care and
 programming for seniors who require constant supervision.
7. In partnership with The University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group and the
 Vermont Medical Association, develop a campaign to heighten the awareness among
 medical professionals of the role of family caregivers and the importance of integrating
 these caregivers in the Community Health Team. The Vermont Blueprint for Health (2022)
 and Community Health Needs Assessment (2022) make no mention of family caregivers
 as integral members of the team providing care. This same partnership will connect with
 AHS and UVMMC Community Health Improvement to request family caregivers be
 represented in future Blueprint revisions and Community Health Needs Assessments.

We measure progress as we:
  • Increase the percentage of family caregivers who report knowing about respite options
 and how to access them. (State goal by 2028 is to increase to 80%).
  • Reduce the number of family care partners reporting a negative impact on their
 financial security due to caregiving. (State goal is to reduce from 32% to 10%).
  • Increase usage of Burlington’s Age-Friendly City Family Caregiver Web pages and
 resources.
  • Conduct specific surveying and engagement with the community of caregivers to
 assess the need and impact of programming.
  • Work with local employers to establish metrics for increased employee productivity
 when provided with caregiver support.
  • Coordinate with Dementia Family Caregiver Center, Alzheimer’s Association of
 Vermont, Age Well, AARP, UVM Center on Aging, local BIPOC and New American
 service groups, and local senior centers to build a framework for local data gathering
 and impact tracking.
  • Increase the number of people served by support groups, Memory Cafes, and
 educational events.




 21
 Action Plan for an Age Strong Burlington
 FINANCIAL SECURITY
As an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
Older residents should be able to receive an adequate income and maintain assets for a
reasonable quality of life as they age. They should be able to seek and maintain employment
without fear of discrimination and with any needed accommodations. Mechanisms should be
in place to protect older residents from consumer and financial fraud. Older residents should
be able to retire after a lifetime of work, if they choose, without fear of poverty and isolation.

Being financially secure is closely correlated to the health and well-being of individuals, family
and a community. We know that older adults in Burlington and Vermont have significant
challenges in achieving the goal of financial security as they age. Inadequate savings for
retirement, discrimination in the workplace, and rising healthcare costs despite access to
Medicare are all too often exacerbated by inflationary pressures adding to the cost of housing,
food, and other essentials. Those on truly fixed incomes can be particularly hard-pressed.
Working past the age of 65 is valued. For some, it is essential to afford shelter, food, medicine,
heat, and cooling. For others, it is an opportunity to contribute to an economy short of workers
at all levels and find meaning and value in doing work and being compensated for it. Not
dismissing workers simply for turning 65, or actively discriminating against them results in
benefits both for individuals and the community.

Moving Toward an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
  ✓ City officials strongly support the Vermont Strong objective to increase the amount of
 income available to older Vermonters working with elected and appointed state and
 federal officials to advance initiatives.
  ✓ Increasing the 60+ workforce participation rate is a priority, and employers have ready
 access to best practice information on hiring and retaining older workers and increase
 the number of workers aged 65+, advancing age-appropriate work conditions.
  ✓ The Burlington employer community, led by the City, presents a united front against
 age discrimination by enlisting 100 local employers in the AARP Employer Pledge
 (Believe in equal opportunity for all workers; Recognize the value of experienced
 workers; Recruit across diverse age groups and consider all applicants on an equal
 basis, regardless of age; Believe that 50+ workers should have a level playing field in
 their ability to compete and obtain jobs).
  ✓ Older adults seeking to work have direct access to local education and training,
 equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to be of high value either
 continuing their career or opting for an encore job.
  ✓ All residents have knowledge of and easy access to clear, up-to-date, and culturally
 relevant guidance and resources to make choices about working or retiring with
 financial security as they approach and become eligible for Medicare and Social
 Security benefits. Burlington supports lifelong learning for its citizens, where a full
 continuum of education and training is actively engaged to address this with city and
 partner programming.
 22
Actions: City Council & The Mayor’s Office
1. Provide a strong staffing function in appropriate departments to provide the equivalent of
 an Older Worker Ombudsperson to facilitate the efforts of the Aging Council, provide
 direct service to employers, coordinate with state initiatives for older workers, and support
 local partner efforts to advance opportunities for training, education, and resources for
 older workers of all backgrounds.
2. Provide funding (city and/or partners) for a Marketing Campaign to highlight older worker
 experiences and employer success stories and narratives. Align campaign with build-up to
 National Employ Older Workers Week (September TBA) with a Mayoral Proclamation and
 events to acknowledge and celebrate).
 National Employ Older Workers Week, held annually the last full week of
 September, recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce. National
 Employ Older Workers Week aims to increase awareness of this labor segment and
 develop innovative strategies to tap it. It also highlights the Senior Community
 Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to
 individuals fifty-five or older with limited financial resources.
3. Through the Library, Burlington Parks & Rec, and other partners (e.g., Burlington High
 School, UVM, Champlain College, local senior centers, Association of Africans Living in
 Vermont (AALV)), expand investment in digital literacy resources specific to the needs of
 older community members. Include alternatives that are culturally appropriate and
 translated into a variety of languages.

Summary of Key Investments:
  • Dedicated staffing function (new, not an add-on) as an Older Worker Ombudsperson
  • Funding to develop and run a long-term marketing campaign on older workers,
 culminating in Burlington being recognized as an Age Friendly Working Community.
  • Providing translation services for programming and the development of online and
 print materials for outreach and information.
  • Additional program funding for the Library and Parks and Rec to expand digital literacy
 programming through their respective outlets and develop partnerships with
 community groups to expand their reach.

Actions: Burlington Aging Council and Age-Friendly Organizational Network (including
City Departments) with Staffing Support
1. In coordination with the city’s Older Worker Ombudsperson create an advisory panel of
 employers to advise on the marketing campaign, support the AARP Employer Pledge
 Campaign, and seek out resources to advance best practices in employing older workers,
 including emphasis on older BIPOC, New American, non-native English speaker workers.
 Create a value proposition around part-time and flexible work, job share, and
 opportunities for mentoring.
2. Partner with Associates for Training and Development (A4TD) in developing programming.
3. Convene a semi-annual peer group of mature workers (from different fields, backgrounds,
 experiences, and employers) to share and learn techniques for satisfying work and provide
 support whether one is returning to the workforce, shifting to a new area or field, reducing
 23
 hours, or negotiating other flexibility. Document the lessons learned into a deliverable for
 other older workers to utilize.
4. Consolidate and promote education, training, and guidance resources in Burlington for
 older workers. Bring together providers (e.g., Library, Parks and Recreation, Senior
 Centers, Age Well, Community College, Burlington School System/Tech Center, AALV,
 A4TD’s Senior Community Service Employment Program and The Vermont Returnship
 Program; AARP’s Resources for Building An Age-Inclusive and Caregiving-Friendly
 Workforce; Encore’s work engagement initiatives; and Vermont’s developing Workforce
 Expansion Team (WET) with regional coordinators; HireAbility Vermont) to devise a
 focused plan and program.
5. Support and advocate on behalf of state initiatives to provide for secure retirement (e.g.,
 VTSaves Retirement Program at the office of the Vermont State Treasurer) through active
 engagement of state representatives. Promote programs such as VTSaves to all Burlington
 residents. Include resources for those without access to the internet and those who do not
 speak English to access these programs. Establish programs to emphasize this for all
 ages.
6. Work with community partnering organizations, such as SASH® (Support and Services at
 Home) and the Vermont Ethics Network, to promote and increase access to educational
 programs to help older Burlington residents understand the types of legal and financial
 documents within end-of-life documentation. Work with relevant cultural affinity
 organizations to include culturally appropriate resources and translated education
 materials.

We measure progress as:
  • The Burlington employer community enlists 100 local employers in the AARP Employer
 Pledge, starting with City Government, and then doubling the number of pledges each
 year for three years.
  • Change in City policy to
 o signing on to AARP Employer Pledge;
 o issue a Mayoral proclamation for National Employ Older Workers Week;
 o action on the part of the city to follow through with policies that open the door
 to more older workers in city government (negotiated agreements as necessary
 with unions);
 o resulting in specific numbers to showcase of older workers in city government,
 allowing the city to model behavior for other employers.
  • Have a better understanding of the demographics of Burlington’s workers, 60+ and how
 they impact the local economy.
  • Employers share data on hiring practices and employment of older workers.
  • The marketing campaign builds awareness.
  • Enrollment grows for all programs offered in Burlington.




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 Action Plan for an Age Strong Burlington
 OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

As an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
Prioritizing optimal health and well-being among older adults involves developing strategies
that address all facets of an older adult’s health needs. This includes optimizing access to and
quality of health care, exercise, and nutrition resources. All Burlington residents should
receive, without discrimination, optimal physical, dental, mental, emotional, and spiritual
health through the full course of their lives. Holistic options for health, exercise, counseling,
and good nutrition should be both affordable and accessible. Access to coordinated,
competent, and high-quality care should be provided at all levels and in all settings.

The City of Burlington identifies Ageism as a public health threat, often rendering older adults
invisible, and minimizing resources and attention needed to enable all community members
to enjoy a full and fruitful life, contributing to the greater good, and depending on it for support
as it is needed.

Moving toward an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
✓ Older adults can safely access a variety of affordable opportunities for exercise within an
  inclusive environment. Resources are available to expand accessible and free community-
  based physical activity classes at senior centers, Adult Day Centers, congregate housing
  sites and other community gathering spaces that are accessible and seek to include
  health professionals.
✓ PlanBTV and other community design projects support year-round infrastructure
  supporting increased physical activity among older adults.
✓ Older adults can access comprehensive mental health care from qualified providers,
  including trauma-informed mental health professionals, without fear of stigma or
  discrimination.
✓ Older adults are food secure through the combined efforts of community partners such as
  Age Well, Feeding Chittenden, local senior centers, and others in the “Free Food in
  Burlington” network. Food security considers culturally appropriate food.
✓ Older adults have equitable access to primary health care.
✓ Older adults can live safely in their home, with ready access to in-home assessments and
  adaptations to prevent falls.
✓ Older adults have ready access to programs and resources for social interaction and
  connection, including exercise programs, which are evidence-based interventions for
  suicide prevention.
✓ The city encourages and supports active educational programming and city policy
  specifically calls out ageism as detrimental to healthy aging, continues to identify and
  advance policies and communications that combat ageism.
✓ The city promotes public education efforts for wellness, e.g., Vermonters Taking Action
  Against Cancer, promote and increase cancer screening rates among all Vermonters that
  meet clinical guidelines, and programs that address and reduce substance misuse of

 25
  alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and opioids to improve health and reduce chronic diseases,
  including cognitive decline.
✓ All resources and programming consider the diverse cultural, ethnic, and language
  background of Burlington residents and provide pathways to access and understand
  opportunities for all.

Actions: City Council & The Mayor’s Office
On April 26, 2021, City Council passed a Resolution creating the Burlington Aging Council,
noting that older residents of Burlington must be valued members of the community, and that
ageism and social isolation for seniors are deeply embedded in our culture leading to
increased mortality and poor health outcomes. In support of increasing the conditions to
support optimal health and wellness for older adults in Burlington specific actions by city
government and its partners are recommended.
1. Work to promote optimal health and well-being for older adults in Burlington, supported by
 a rigorous effort at education, information access, partner coordination, advocacy at the
 state level for adequate program resources, and targeted investments at the local level. To
 properly advance this agenda staffing support for a reinvigorated Burlington Aging
 Council is essential.
2. Provide adequate funding to ensure that essential information, resources, and updates
 are available in multiple languages.
3. Direct City Departments, such as the Police Department to pursue partnerships with
 community organizations (e.g., UVMMC Emergency Department, CVOEO, Chittenden
 Housing Alliance) to identify older individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness (or
 experiencing homelessness) so that they can more effectively connected with resources.
4. Build on the success of the CORE Adult Center (run by Burlington Parks, Recreation, and
 Waterfront Department) and engage partners to support the development an Adult Day
 Center in Burlington to assist older adults with higher intensity care needs and provide
 respite to family caregivers.
5. Expand the 50+ Programming of Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department
 to ensure that all older adults can access a variety of affordable opportunities for exercise
 within an inclusive environment. Align planning with the state’s comprehensive physical
 activity plan, called for in Age Strong Vermont, to decrease isolation, increase social
 engagement, and provide evidence-based physical activity and strength training programs
 to promote positive health outcomes.
6. Direct DPW and BPRW to coordinate planning efforts to increase sidewalk safety year
 round to encourage outdoor activity and mobility, and to put in place other supportive
 physical amenities to make Burlington a year round accessible active city providing
 opportunity for activity in support of health in line with the WHO’s Active Aging Policy
 Framework.
7. Expand funding for and promotion of the Housing Access Modifications program at CEDO,
 including home assessments for fall prevention and other safety upgrades for older adults
 living in apartments or houses in concert with community partner programs.



 26
8. Provide a clear public resolution declaring Ageism and Ableism as public health threats.
 Commit to identifying and addressing structural ageism and ableism through policy and
 programs, providing resources and attention needed to enable all community members to
 enjoy a full and fruitful life, contributing to the greater good, and depending on it for
 support as needed.

Summary of Key Investments:
  • Dedicated funding from the city to support:
 o City staff support for the Burlington Aging Council
 o Informational resource development, printing and web hosting, and translation
 services.
 o City departmental personnel dedicated time and effort (and training) to support
 Healthy Aging initiatives (e.g., Burlington Police Department, BPRW, DPW,
 CEDO).
 o Specific support to expand capacity of BPRW to build out programming and
 facilities.
 o Funding for the Housing Access Modification Program.
 o City specific Data and Tracking capabilities to identify the need and track the
 impact of investments and interventions.

Actions: Burlington Aging Council and Age-Friendly Organizational Network (including
City Departments) with Staffing Support
✓ Support and advocate for evidence-based programs to ensure that older adults can safely
 access a variety of affordable opportunities for exercise within an inclusive environment.
 (State Age Strong Goal: By 2033, increase non-leisure physical activity among older adults
 65+ to meet or exceed the “Healthy Vermonters” goal).
 a. Advocate for and support updates to PlanBTV and other community design
 projects (e.g., ECOS) support year-round infrastructure supporting increased
 physical activity among older adults.
 b. Identify resources to support the expansion of accessible and free community-
 based physical activity classes at senior centers, Adult Day Centers and other
 settings including hybrid classes that can be recorded for use at any time and
 which seek to include health professionals.
 c. Create a centralized and comprehensive dashboard of Burlington-based
 exercise and wellness-related services provided by Senior Centers and other
 community groups. These resources will also be available in print format and
 translated into a variety of languages.

✓ Support programming innovation and partnerships to ensure that all older residents in
  Burlington are food secure.
 a. Decrease the proportion of older individuals experiencing food insecurity or at-
 risk of experiencing food insecurity by increasing access to and knowledge
 about meal service providers.

 27
 b. Work with Age Well’s Meals on Wheels Program, Feeding Chittenden, and
 Burlington Free Meals and local senior centers to support an increase of
 supplemental free meal programs.
 c. Ensure that knowledge about the availability of such programs is accessible,
 with print and translated options available.
 d. Support and publicize the availability of culturally appropriate meals that
 represent the dietary needs and preferences of Burlington’s diverse cultural and
 ethnic groups.
 e. Promote and link older Vermonters to Therapeutic Horticulture, which can be
 easily adapted to support various aspects of aging well and provide participants
 opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their communities by
 growing healthy food and creating beautiful gardens, and natural areas.

✓ Support and advocate for programs that advance opportunities for all older adults to have
  equitable access to primary health care.
✓ Partner with the Vermont Dept. of Health on promoting and establishing programs for the
  management of chronic conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.) in Burlington.
✓ Work with Healthcare Organizations to recruit BIPOC doctors, nurses, and other health
  care practitioners to Burlington. Encourage organizations to provide ongoing education
  and training to all local health care providers regarding the impact of systemic racism on
  an individual’s physical and mental health, and ongoing education and training to all local
  health care providers about the ways implicit bias and systemic racism affects their own
  beliefs and practices. Partner to increase access to medical interpreters, including ASL.
✓ Improve accessibility of Burlington-area public transportation to ease ability of older
  Burlington residents to attend exercise opportunities and get to medical appointments.
  This includes making sidewalks safer, especially for those with limited mobility, increasing
  frequency of busing routes to UVMMC satellite locations, and maintaining low-cost fare
  options for older users of public transportation. Fares need to be income sensitive and
  encourage increased use, not decreased or non-use for older residents.
✓ Expand the provision of resources and educational materials related to keeping older
  Burlington residents safely in their homes, such as in-home assessments and adaptations
  to prevent falls offered by Age Well. Materials need to be provided in multiple formats and
  translated into a variety of languages.
✓ Increase accessibility of pre-existing educational materials and resources relating to
  health and wellness by requiring the provision of translated and in-print options.
  Developing media kits to provide community partner organizations with information on
  services and educational materials.
✓ All older residents in Burlington can live safely in their homes. Promote annual falls risk
  assessment and environmental scans or surveys provided by partner organizations.
✓ Collaborate with local community organizations and institutions, such as the UVMMC
  Emergency Department, CVOEO, Chittenden Housing Alliance, and the Burlington Police
  Department, to identify older individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness (or
  experiencing homelessness) so that they can more effectively connected with resources.
  This can also help to reduce emergency calls.
 28
✓ Collaborate with partners to support the development of a part-time care facility in
  Burlington to assist older adults with higher-intensity care needs and provide respite to
  family caregivers.
✓ Advocate for and research program approaches that ensure all older adults can access
  comprehensive mental health care from qualified providers, including trauma-informed
  mental health professionals, without fear of stigma or discrimination.
✓ Promote programs and help access resources to reduce the incidence of suicide among
  older adults in alignment with the Vermont state suicide prevention plan.
 a. Educate and provide intervention for firearm and poison control safety for older
 Vermonters and their families including safe storage, firearm safety training, and
 advance care planning that includes firearms.
 b. To prevent physical and mental health problems, focus on measures to increase
 social interaction and connection, including exercise programs, screening and
 providing education and resources for suicide prevention among older
 residents, Vermonters with disabilities, who have served in the military, BIPOC,
 LGBTQ+ and/or are socially isolated.
 c. Create social hubs at schools, libraries, churches, and other locations to
 increase social connection and engagement (see also “Social Connection is
 Key” strategies).
✓ Advocate for and seek resources for the expansion of on-site mental health services at
  Burlington senior housing sites, with an emphasis on increasing the number of trauma-
  informed and culturally informed mental health providers.
✓ Partner with the Vermont Dept. of Health on action areas through VDH programs and staff
  have specific expertise on the impacts of substance misuse on older adults and suicide
  prevention.
✓ Collaborate with local community groups, especially in BIPOC and New American
  communities, to provide resources that work to dismantle the stigma against accessing
  and receiving mental health support with focus on older residents.
✓ Identify and promote educational programming and city policy development that
  specifically calls out ageism as detrimental to healthy aging. Collaborate with partner to
  identify and advocate for city policies and messaging that combat ageism.
✓ Promote public education efforts that:
 a. Engages local hospitals and clinics to hold free, accessible physical activity and
 wellness program offerings throughout the year with the goal for each town to
 have at least one/year.
 b. Coordinates with Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer, promote and
 increase cancer screening rates among all Vermonters that meet clinical
 guidelines.
 c. Addresses and reduce substance misuse of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and
 opioids including among older Vermonters to improve health and reduce
 chronic diseases, including cognitive decline.
 d. Expands community-based falls prevention strategies including at Senior
 Centers, community centers, and congregate living facilities.


 29
 e. Works with health care partners to identify and prioritize practitioner training to
 increase access to geriatric ear, nose and throat care, balance and strength
 conditioning and heart health/brain health related medical and public health
 interventions that decrease risk for falls, heart disease and dementia.
 f. Promotes referrals to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually
 Impaired for those who are visually impaired which can decrease risk of
 isolation, falls, lack of physical activity and healthy nutrition.
 g. Increases access to affordable electronic alert systems.

We measure progress as we:
  • By 2033, increase non-leisure physical activity among older adults 65+ to meet or
 exceed the “Healthy Vermonters” goal.
  • Decrease the proportion of Burlington adults ages 60+ who “Rarely or never gets the
 social and emotional support they need” by 25% by 2026 from 2023, (Data collected by
 Chittenden County BRFSS Survey), indicating greater access to support and mental
 health services.
  • Decrease the proportion of older Burlington residents who have not seen a healthcare
 provider in the past year by 25%. (Data collected provided by Chittenden County
 BRFSS Survey)
  • Suicide Prevention State Goal: By 2033, decrease to 21 (from 26.4 in 2021) the rate of
 suicide deaths per 100,000 male Vermonters age 65+ in alignment with the VT Suicide
 Prevention Plan to be launched in 2024).
  • Decrease the proportion of older Burlington residents who have experienced a fall in
 the last year by 25%. (Data collected by Chittenden County BRFSS Survey)




 30
 Action Plan for an Age Strong Burlington
 HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMMUNITY DESIGN

As an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
Affordable, accessible, appropriate, safe, and service-enriched housing, transportation, and
community support options enable older adults to age in the community within a variety of
settings along the continuum of care, fostering rich engagement in community life. These
same building blocks, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and community-friendly
design are the same components that encourage people to grow up and raise their families in
Burlington and for new residents to move to the city and stay.

The city provides leadership to ensure that a wide range of housing options and a network of
home-based care and other service options are available to meet the changing needs of
residents empowering older adults to remain in their homes as they age, and when
appropriate move within the community to more supportive housing that maintains their
engagement in the civic, economic, and social life of the community.

The city demonstrates its commitment to an age-friendly transportation network, including
improved community walkability and expansion of bus and transit stops, seamless transit
across transit district lines, and investing in complete streets infrastructure through both its
annual planning and budgeting process, as well as in its long-term vision.

Moving Toward an Age-Friendly Community, in Burlington:
  ✓ Older adults have access to a comprehensive set of programs that connect housing,
 health care, and social enhancement.
  ✓ Housing options that are accessible, affordable, and safe are in ample supply to
 address the needs of older adults at various levels of independence.
  ✓ Opportunities are created to provide affordable dementia-focused housing that meets
 universal design standards and incorporates the person-centered Best Friends™
 approach to memory loss in order to reduce the long waitlist for those with lower
 income looking for residential memory care.
  ✓ Housing for older adults and transportation services are tightly linked ensuring options
 for travel to work, volunteer opportunities, routine health appointments, spending time
 with family and friends, and enjoying entertainment, recreational and religious
 activities.
  ✓ There is a comprehensive strategy to prioritize the needs of older adults (e.g.,
 community design, sidewalks, winter maintenance, transit stops, sitting benches).
 Incorporate this explicitly into PlanBTV, work with planning efforts across Vermont in
 seeking Network of Age Friendly States accreditation, and contribute to the
 incorporation of older adult sensibilities in the CCRPC ECOS Plan.
  ✓ Mobility options allow those without, or with limited use of personal automobiles to
 meet their mobility needs affordably and efficiently.
  ✓ Public spaces are accessible and inclusive (indoor and outdoor) for all ages, in all
 seasons.
 31
 ✓ Public intergenerational programming is the norm.

Actions: City Council & The Mayor’s Office
1. Expand City staffing functions in key city departments (e.g., CEDO, Planning, DPW, Parks,
 Recreation & Waterfront) to explicitly address the needs of older adults in the city. Build
 Age-Friendly criteria into job descriptions and performance reviews and provide staff with
 adequate training and upskilling to succeed in this effort.
2. Support the expansion of existing Burlington programs that work to connect housing,
 health care, and social supports for aging residents, with an emphasis on broadening the
 provision of diverse types of housing options/situations depending on level of
 independence.
3. Expand the supply of affordable age-specific housing options. Work with housing
 organizations to increase affordable and accessible assisted living opportunities.
 Collaborate with developers and partners to create opportunities to provide affordable
 dementia-focused housing.
4. Increase opportunities for Home Share programming in Burlington. Assess the current
 pilot program approved by City Council in 2022. Build on the incentives that are working.
 Review strategies such as municipal tax breaks for Home Share homeowners and include
 provisions for how this applies to multi-generational living situations among diverse
 cultural groups.
5. Require all new construction to adhere to Universal Design Standards.
6. Work with GMT to increase usage of public transportation, with special attention to the
 needs of older adults, and support GMT staffing and resource needs to accomplish this.
 Work with GMT to ensure that the fare structure is transparent and understandable to
 riders, and that it considers the needs of older riders in terms of access, comfort, and
 AFFORDABILITY.
7. Work with GMT, DPW, and other relevant agencies on processes and funding needed to
 support a standardized bus stop amenity plan that addresses winter maintenance. Apply a
 similar process to handicapped parking spaces.
8. Provide incentives to fill the gaps with volunteer and assisted ride programs.
9. Require PlanBTV to incorporate a comprehensive strategy to prioritize the needs of older
 adults in elements of community design, including sidewalks, winter maintenance, etc.
10. Adapt the capacity, staffing, and funding of pre-existing policy efforts to expand age
 friendly infrastructure and design efforts in Burlington.
11. Promote the newly adopted BTV Neighborhood Code to increase opportunities for middle
 housing. Collaborate with residents and small-scale developers to include community
 input in the implementation and development of zoning policy that supports middle
 housing with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability for older adults.

Summary of Key Investments:
  • Expand City staffing functions in key city departments (e.g., CEDO, Planning, DPW,
 Parks, Recreation & Waterfront) to explicitly address the needs of older adults in the
 city, build it into job descriptions and performance review, and provide staff with
 adequate training and upskilling to succeed at this effort.
 32
 • Assess the Home Share pilot program and determine what incentives work and fund
 them. Review the opportunity to provide a municipal tax break for Home Share
 homeowners.
 • Assess GMT funding needs that the city must supplement to ensure adequate public
 transit service for older adults. Provide incentives to fill the gaps with volunteer and
 assisted ride programs, such as GMT’s Community Driver Program.
 • Expand or hire staff as needed to support Age-Friendly Burlington initiatives.
 • Provide training opportunities for city staff on meeting Age-Friendly goals.

Actions: Burlington Aging Council and Age-Friendly Organizational Network (including
City Departments) with Staffing Support
City Coordination
1. Collaborate with staff in key city departments (e.g., CEDO, Planning, DPW, Parks,
 Recreation & Waterfront) to develop and coordinate strategies and programs to explicitly
 address the needs of older adults in the city.
2. Identify training and upskilling opportunities for city staff, Council members, and
 partners to succeed in this effort.
State Coordination
3. Align Burlington goals with State goals and support state efforts to measure progress and
 work toward Age-Friendly State accreditation.
4. Support state legislation to advance Burlington and the State’s Age Strong Plan goals.
Housing
5. Support the expansion of existing Burlington programs that work to connect housing,
 health care, and social supports for aging residents, with an emphasis on broadening
 the provision of diverse types of housing options/situations depending on level of
 independence.
 a. Expand age-specific housing-based programs that focus on mental health and
 social isolation as a determinant of physical health.
 b. Support embedding mental health clinicians with housing programs to support
 those clients with mental health concerns and identify emerging issues.
 c. Collaborate with local BIPOC, New American and other cultural affinity groups to
 ensure the inclusion of culturally informed resources on combined housing and
 health care opportunities.
6. Expand the supply of affordable age-specific housing options.
 a. Encourage housing organizations to increase the availability of affordable and
 accessible assisted living opportunities.
 b. Work with developers and partner organizations to create opportunities to provide
 affordable dementia-focused housing that meets universal design standards and
 incorporates the person-centered Best Friends™ approach to memory loss to
 reduce the long waitlist for those with lower income looking for residential memory
 care.




 33
7. Increase awareness and usage of existing maintenance and home modification programs
 aimed at keeping older residents in their homes, safely, for longer. Advocate for increased
 funding and support for home access programs to adapt older homes for those who are
 aging or experiencing disabilities with existing partners (e.g., Cathedral Square, VCIL, Age
 Well)
8. Increase opportunities for Home Share programming in Burlington.
 a. Assess the current pilot program approved by City Council in 2022. Determine what
 variables and incentives are working.
 b. Explore additional strategies, such as municipal tax breaks for Home Share
 homeowners.
 c. Research how this applies to multi-generational living situations among diverse
 cultural groups.
9. Explore what it would take to expand Accessory Dwelling Unit incentives specifically
 targeted toward 60+ population, including bridge loans.
10. Promote accessibility for all Burlington housing units (Universal Design Standards).
11. Advocate for increased focus on housing services and programs for older adults in
 Burlington’s housing plans and strategies. Explicitly recognize the importance of housing
 and transportation in fostering an age-friendly city environment.
12. Increase the supply of middle housing and raise awareness about missing middle housing,
 with a focus on the needs of older adults for housing options.
 a. Promote the newly adopted BTV Neighborhood Code to increase opportunities for
 middle housing.
 b. Collaborate with residents and small-scale developers to include community input
 in the implementation and development of zoning policy that supports middle
 housing with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability for older adults.
Transportation
13. Work with GMT to explore strategy and programs to increase usage of public
 transportation by expanding the accessibility and convenience of services with special
 attention to the needs of older adults. Work with GMT to ensure that any future fare
 structure is transparent and understandable to riders, and that it considers the needs of
 older riders in terms of access, comfort, and AFFORDABILITY. Advocate for a fare structure
 that acts to increase ridership by older adults, decreasing their reliance on personal
 vehicles. Make available resources for older transit riders to better understand GMT
 services and fare structure. Promote utilization of GMT’s travel Training Program, Ride
 Together.
14. Promote the services offered by SSTA (e.g., social rides) and eligibility for such services.
 Support staffing and resource needs of SSTA to meet increased demand.
15. Advocate for incentives to fill the gaps with volunteer and assisted ride programs, such as
 GMT’s Community Driver Program.
16. Work with SSTA, UVMMC shuttling services, and other transportation operations to expand
 current transportation services to medical appointments, e.g., provision of accessible
 routes to UVMMC satellites (Tilley Drive, etc.).



 34
Community Design
17. Work with PlanBTV on creating a comprehensive strategy to prioritize the needs of older
 Burlington residents in elements of community design, including sidewalks, winter
 maintenance, etc.
 a. Work with planning efforts across Vermont in seeking Network of Age-Friendly
 States accreditation. Examine strategies employed by other VT cities in the Network
 of Age-Friendly Cities: Milton, Newport.
 b. Adapt the capacity, staffing, and funding of pre-existing policy efforts to expand
 age-friendly infrastructure and design efforts in Burlington.
18. Work with City Departments to adopt the AARP-VT Winter Audit Report on Burlington and
 act on the key recommendations:
 a. Create a Winter City Strategy or a Winter Master Plan through a robust process of
 equitable community engagement. The Plan or Strategy should focus on parks and
 public spaces while prioritizing programming, maintenance, and equity.
 b. Create winter programs and attractions that are accessible and representative of
 Burlingtonians of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic statuses. Support
 businesses and organizations who seek to provide winter activities and events
 through promotion, permit approvals, and winter-based improvement grants.
 Explore work being done in other cities focusing on winter accessibility needs that
 could be employed in Burlington.
 c. Imbed a winter lens in all planning and policy documents.

We measure progress as we:
  • Increase Home Share program matches and longevity of matches in Burlington.
  • Increase the number of age-specific housing units available in Burlington, including
 Independent, Residential Care and Assisted Living, Nursing facilities, and memory
 care, and decrease the waiting list time for these units.
  • Decrease the numbers of older Burlington residents (60+) experiencing housing
 insecurity.
  • Increase funding and utilization of home modification programs to support Aging in
 Place.
  • Increase new construction that includes middle housing designs and adhere to
 Universal Design Standards.
  • Increase use of GMT and specific transport services.
  • Increase the number of trips taken by walking, biking, and transit.
  • Reduce social isolation and loneliness.




 35
 BURLINGTON SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE
 City Positions and Functions

 ➢ Social Connection and Engagement Coordinator
 ➢ Older Worker Ombudsperson -to coordinate and provide direct service to employers,
 and work with partners to advance opportunities for training, education, and resources
 for older workers.
 ➢ BAC Coordinator – a full or significant portion of a staff person to work with the future
 Council and the network of partner organizations to advance the broad agenda to
 create Burlington as an Age-Friendly Community.
 These positions/functions should be consolidated in a single city department to best
 afford the coordination and synergies needed for successful implementation over the long
 term. Options may include:
 a. CEDO has provided support and coordination for BAC up to this time, and an
 Age Strong Burlington aligns with community and economic development
 goals. The funding structure and other commitments of CEDO however may
 preclude adding an expansive new set of responsibilities.
 b. Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront currently runs significant
 programming for older adults, including the CORE senior center in the ONE. The
 action agenda may be more expansive than their current charge.
 c. The Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office is a model of what is needed
 to advance an agenda across multiple domains (Economy, Health, Social and
 Human Development, Physical Environment, and Community and Belonging) to
 bring about systemic change.

Support Tasks and Functions
Many of the tasks need to be assigned or involve staff from multiple City Departments.
Prioritization of tasks needs to be directed through annual plans and additional funding as
needed, in addition to the coordinating and action roles listed above. Successful execution
will require central coordination and authority.

Identifying funding sources is critical for:
 • Staffing to adapt planBTV to address Burlington’s aging population.
 • Website design, physical print copies of resource guide.
 • Development of technology education program.
 • Increasing home fit programs to adapt older homes for those who are aging or
 experiencing disabilities.
 • Expanding Home Share opportunities.
 • Expanding the pilot program by SASH and Howard Center mental health housing
 programs to embed further mental health support in additional housing communities.
 • Support for a Family Caregiver Awareness Campaign each November (Family Caregiver
 Month).

 36
 • Developing and maintaining additional “third spaces” for older residents to gather in
 addition to additional support for the existing senior centers.

Network of Providers and Partners

Burlington Aging Council
The Aging Council needs to continue as a robust representative advisory group to work
directly with City departments and staff, as well as community service providers in the
implementation of actions needed to transform and document Burlington as an Age-Friendly
City, including:
 • Dedicated staffing support to organize and facilitate Council planning and
 implementation of priority initiatives and tracking and reporting on metrics, and
 communicating and coordinating with the State of Vermont Age Strong Program and
 staff.
 • A dedicated budget for City-wide engagement (survey, focus groups, newsletter and
 information guides, website development and management, programming grants)
 • Active participation by key city departments with the Council (CEDO, Library, Parks &
 Rec, Public Works, REIB). Full support of departments for specific initiatives (e.g.,
 Human Resources, Business and Workforce Development, Innovation and Technology)

CITY OF BURLINGTON INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN AGE-FRIENDLY CITY
An explicit commitment to Age Strong Burlington needs to be made by the City through:
 • Proclamations;
 • Establishment of a City Web Portal for Age-Friendly Burlington;
 • Departmental Cooperation to examine practices and policies that enhance Age-
 Friendly initiatives;
 • Staffing and Budget Commitment to advance Age-Friendly initiatives in a timely and
 robust manner.

EXPANDING PARTNERS
Key partners for an Age Strong Burlington participated in the initial Burlington Aging Council.
They include:
 • Congolese Community • AARP VT
 • UVM Center on Aging • Howard Center
 • Cathedral Square • GMT
 • Heineberg Senior Center • CEDO
 • Age Well Vermont

These important contributors represent only a few of the many organizations that currently
contribute to an Age Strong Burlington. A future Aging Council will establish a visible partner
network, both to coordinate efforts and to measure progress, seeking out collaborative
partnership opportunities.


 37
 AGE STRONG VERMONT: How Does the Age Strong Burlington Plan Fit
 into the State’s Plan?
The State of Vermont has proposed a 10-year multi-sector visionary plan, Age Strong Vermont,
with strategies for making Vermont a great place for all ages and stages of life.
https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/brain-health-dementia/age-strong-vermont-our-
roadmap-age-friendly-state

The Age Strong Vermont plan calls out local efforts as keys to its overall success and directly
mentions the work of the Burlington Aging Council (p. 6-7).
 Age Strong VT will continue to support these local efforts with good communication,
 shared learning and collaboration, and expanding and strengthening partnerships. We
 recognize that we must all work together at all levels of government and community to
 be successful. The work of the Burlington Aging Council and Windham Aging provide
 excellent models to other Vermont regions, town governments and communities on
 how to have these important conversations and build towards positive change for aging
 well.

Strategies proposed by the state parallel those that the Burlington Aging Council has
advanced. Work in Burlington should closely track the state initiatives, taking advantage of
resources and learning at the state level, as well as offering up our learning and support to the
state and other communities. The state plan aligns with the Burlington Action Plan in five
areas.

1. Social Connection and Engagement
As an age-friendly state we raise awareness, strengthen opportunities for engagement in a
diversity of places and ways, and encourage all Vermonters to make meaningful connections
across the generations.
Objectives:
 a) Increase awareness and identification of social isolation and loneliness among all
 older adults.
 b) Increase the availability and accessibility of high-quality and equitable programming
 for older Vermonters.
 c) Increase volunteerism of older Vermonters.
 d) Increase the number of intergenerational engagement opportunities for all Vermonters.
The Strategies under Housing, Transportation, and Community Design are all directly related
to achieving this goal.

2. Family Caregiver Support
Family care partners are fundamental to supporting the health and well-being of Vermonters
across the lifespan; family care partners are the backbone of the home- and community-
based service system.


 38
Objectives:
 a) Reduce the need for family/friends to provide full-time care/assistance to
 a friend/family member.
 b) Increase family care partner knowledge of respite options.
 c) Increase family care partner knowledge of self-care, medical benefits, long-term care
 and estate planning resources.
 d) Reduce negative financial impacts on family care partners.
 e) Increase the adoption and use of recommended policies and interventions
 f) Support adults who may be self-neglecting.
 g) Increase the transparency and usability of long-term care facility data.
 h) Increase coordination of elder justice services and supports
Strategies: Create a coordinated and efficient system of services by establishing a well-
maintained, easy to use, accessible system for information, referral, and assistance that all
Vermonters know how to access as they age, including those who are in danger of or a victim
of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and a system of service providers and key entities that have
established clear roles and responsibilities to support a coordinated system of services.
 a. Adopt age-friendly best practices at VT211 and AAA Helpline call centers.
 b. Increase access to information about age-friendly resources and supports.
 c. Increase access to a coordinated system of age-friendly services, supports and
 protections through seeing age-friendly designation for universities, public health,
 health systems including hospitals and clinics, and care facilities among other
 institutions.
 d. Increase the availability of safe emergency housing for older Vermonters.

3. Financial Security
Financial security is closely connected to health and well-being and an age-friendly state
works to support efforts to make aging affordable. Prioritizing the strengths that Vermont has
to offer in job training, home sharing and volunteer-led initiatives position our state towards
affordable aging.
The following objectives for improving the financial security of older Vermonters result from
multi-sector participation across labor, tax, human rights, and poverty advocates.
Objectives:
 a) Increase the amount of income available to older Vermonters.
 b) Increase Vermont’s 60+ workforce participation rate.
 c) Support opportunities for education about retirement for all Vermonters.

4. Optimal Health and Wellness
 All Vermonters deserve the opportunity for optimal health, wellness, physical and mental
 vitality that is free of chronic disease and its impairments. To achieve this, the focus is on
 increasing access to free and accessible physical activity that also provides social
 engagement; identifying and addressing food insecurity while integrating Vermont’s
 strengths in Farm to School/Farm to Table more closely with congregate settings for older
 adults; providing online and community fall prevention interventions to boost Vermonters’
 strength and safety; increasing awareness on the multiple ways we can decrease social
 39
 isolation, substance misuse and suicide risk that over time build even greater emotional
 wellness for Vermont’s older residents. While age is the most significant risk factor for
 developing dementia, chronic disease prevention and social engagement strategies
 outlined above contribute to healthy aging and brain health, and importantly reduced
 dementia risk.
 Objectives:
 a) Reduce chronic diseases and comorbidities among older Vermonters.
 b) Increase physical activity for older Vermonters.
 c) Reduce food insecurity for all Vermonters.
 d) Reduce fall-related deaths.
 e) Prevent suicide among older Vermonters.

5. Housing, Transportation and Community Design
Older Vermonters need a wider range of housing options and a network of home-based care
and other service options that meet changing needs across the decades and allow older
adults to remain in their homes as they age. The housing conditions of older adults are often
linked to their quality of life and whether they can age independently and continue to engage
in civic, economic, and social life. High housing costs can discourage older people from
moving to more appropriate, accessible housing. The production, protection, and
preservation of affordable housing, including Residential Care Facilities of all sizes, will
support older adults, caregivers, and their families.

Age-friendly transportation networks need to be strengthened through improved community
walkability and expansion of bus and transit stops, seamless transit across transit district
lines, and investing in complete streets infrastructure in our downtown and village centers.
The Age Strong VT Plan includes strategies to encourage appropriate housing design located
in proximity to community and social services with accessible and affordable transportation
options, and inclusive communities designed with accessible buildings, workplaces and
public spaces and parks. By making steady investments in this type of future-focused
infrastructure, we can build and economically benefit from an age-friendly state.
Housing
 a. Increase the number of new units of high-quality affordable housing that enable
 residents to age well in community.
 b. Increase age-specific housing available for older Vermonters.
 c. Increase the number of older Vermonters who can “age in place” [which means
 choosing to remain at home or in a supportive living community as they grow older
 without having to move each time their needs increase].
Transportation
 a. Focus future transit service on “Designated Growth Zones” (maximize investment in
 concentrated development centers).
 b. Expand the Older Vermonters and Persons with a Disability (O&D) program.
 c. Increase access to walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly communities that facilitate
 independence and support aging in place.


 40
Community Design
  a. Increase the availability of accessible, inclusive public spaces (indoor and outdoor) in
 towns by encouraging Smart Growth and infill development.

To see the full list of State Strategies see Appendix D.




 41
 APPENDICES – Age Strong Burlington

A. Acknowledgements

B. City Council Charge Creating the Burlington Aging Council

C. Organizations Promoting Equity in Aging - Resources

D. Detailed State Age Strong Objectives and Strategies

E. BAC Interim Accomplishments

 i. HomeShare Pilot

 ii. Family Caregiver Month Proclamation




 42
A. Acknowledgements
The volunteer Burlington Aging Council Members, appointed by the City Council, brought a
wide range of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the many deliberative sessions that were
held in producing this plan.

Symphorien Sikyala, Congolese Rick Neu, UVM Center on Aging
 Community Christopher Damiani, GMT
Molly Dugan, Cathedral Square Charles J. Messing, Resident
Martha Molpus, Resident Brian Pine, CEDO
Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP VT Barbara Shaw-Dorso, Resident
Jane Catton, Age Well Andrea Viets, Heineberg Community
Lorna-Kay Peal, Resident Senior Center
Glenn McRae, Resident Alison Miley, The Howard Center

Many thanks to:
  • Former BAC members including, Jordan Posner, Janet Nunziata, and Jeanne Hutchins.
  • Marcella Gange, of CEDO, provided critical support and facilitation that allowed the
 council to meet effectively and carry out their business.
  • Elizabeth Tuttle, a UVM Student in the Master’s in Public Health, interned with the
 Council for the Fall of 2023 playing an important role in consolidating much of the work
 into the seven action areas.
  • Kelly Baldwin, Megan Hoke, Anna McMahon, Elena Roig, Sydney Hinckley, Katie
 McGrath, Maddie Russell, Noah Gilbert-Fuller, Catherine Alexander, Krysta Gingue,
 Amelia Luke, Autumn Strom, Mary Bilecki, Rebecca Poretsky, Katherine Rivers,
 Benjamin Shungu, UVM students in the Master’s of Public Administration Program
 conducted a group Capstone Project (PA 375) outlining resources and different
 approaches in support of the work of the Aging Council in May 2022.
  • Angela Smith-Dieng, Adult Services Division Director, and Conor O’Dea, Director of the
 State Unit on Aging at the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent
 Living (DAIL), as well as the entire team at the State working on the Vermont Aging Plan
 provided excellent support for the local process of building a parallel plan for the city of
 Burlington.
  • Connor Timmons, Executive Director, HomeShare Vermont
  • Members of the Trusted Community Voices Program at CEDO
  • Phet Keomanyvanh, Burlington’s Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
 (REIB)
  • AARP Vermont, for finalizing the report format and design.




 43
B. City Council Charge Creating the Burlington Aging Council




 44
45
46
C. Organizations Promoting Equity in Aging

Resource Description

Diverse Elders Coalition The Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) advocates for policies
 and programs that improve aging in our communities as
 racially and ethnically diverse people; American Indians
 and Alaska Natives; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or
 transgender people.

National Resource Center on LGBT The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the
Aging country's first and only technical assistance resource
 center aimed at improving the quality of services and
 supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or
 transgender older adults.

Justice in Aging Justice in Aging is a national organization that uses the
 power of law to fight senior poverty by securing access to
 affordable health care, economic security, and the courts
 for older adults with limited resources.

The National Caucus & Center on NCBA is a national organization addressing issues
Black Aging (NCBA) impacting African Americans aged 50 & over.

American Public Health APHA hosts several resources to address ageism,
Association (APHA) particularly building on the lessons from the COVID-19
 pandemic, and strategies to follow the recommendations
 included in such guidance as the World Health
 Organization's healthy aging framework.

American Society on Aging (ASA) Webinar series on Justice & Equity. ASA believes work on
 racial justice can no longer remain at the margins for those
 of us who work to improve the lives of older people in this
 country. Peter Kaldes, CEO of ASA, speaks with experts in
 aging whose work intersects with racial injustice and
 inequity.




 47
D. Detailed State Age Strong Objectives and Strategies

 Age Strong Vermont Detailed Objectives and Strategies
Strategies that are already underway or easily manageable in the first one to three years
and do not require additional funding or state policy change are shaded in gray.
 Affordable Aging
Affordable
Aging
Objective 1: Increase the amount of income available to older Vermonters.
 Strategies may include:
 1. Assess participation rates of older eligible Vermonters in property tax and renter
 relief programs Medicare Savings Programs and create a data dashboard to annually
 assess whether older Vermonters are benefiting from these programs.
 2. Support and increase existing financial literacy programs for Vermonters across
 age groups, including for older adults.
 3. Explore the impact of an increase in the amount of Vermonters’ social security
 income exempt from Vermont state income tax to 75% or exempt 100% of Social
 Security income.
 4. Support continuing review of the social security income tax exemption with
 automatic adjustments tied to market factors (such as the COLA).
 5. Explore an increase in the number of eligible (older) Vermonters who file for the
 property tax credit by assessing the impacts of:
 a. Increasing eligibility income limit and/or property value eligibility; and
 b. Simplifying the process.
 6. Consider and assess the impact of implementation of a low-income poverty
 credit.
 7. Explore how to make Medicare more affordable by covering more unreimbursed
 expenses for more older Vermonters and assessing the feasibility of the following:
 a. Increase the income eligibility limit for Medicare Savings Program level
 “Qualified Medicare Beneficiary” (QMB) from 135% of the federal poverty level to
 at least 150% of the federal poverty level.
 b. Increase the income eligibility limit for the Medicare Savings Programs level
 “Qualified Individual” (QI-1) from 135% of federal poverty level to at least 185%
 of the federal poverty level or higher as federal funding may allow.
 c. Increase outreach to low-income older Vermonters eligible for Medicare
 Savings Programs.
 d. Increase funding for the Vermont Legal Aid Elder Law Project Medicare
 Appeals program.
 8. Increase access to free or low-cost legal services for Vermonters.


Affordable Increase Vermont’s 60+ workforce participation rate.
Aging
Objective 2: Strategies may include:


 48
 1. By 2027, develop labor demographic data for workers aged 18-85 (beyond
 current maximum age of 64) and create a data dashboard to assess the following, at
 least quarterly:
 a. Include the number of employed Vermonters 64-85 in labor census reports.
 b. Identify workers engaged in self-employment, so called “gig” economy jobs, and
 other entrepreneurial occupations across all ages including up to age 85.
 c. Identify demographic characteristics of workers, including up to age 85,
 including gender identity.
 2. Provide information about workers’ rights under the federal Age in Employment
 Discrimination Act and the Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act on DOL, DAIL,
 AAA websites.
 3. Improve digital literacy of Vermonters 55+ by supporting and increasing existing
 programs available.
 4. Restore the Mature Worker Coordinator position at DAIL and/or embed an older
 worker coordinator at the Department of Labor (DOL) to empower workers and
 employers.
 5. Increase knowledge, information and incentives for state and private employers
 to recruit, hire and retain older workers.
 a. Expand the DOL existing Job Link (or other online link) to serve as a resource for
 connecting employers with older workers.
 b. Create DOL toolkit for state and private employers to learn best practices for
 recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and retaining older workers and attracting retired
 workers back to the workforce.
 6. Offer benefits such as health insurance and paid leave to older part-time
 workers.


Affordable Support opportunities for education about retirement for all Vermonters.
Aging
Objective 3: Strategies may include:

 1. Improve outreach and education for Vermonters across the age span, including
 for older Vermonters, on retirement planning that reflects current economic reality
 (gig economy, entrepreneurship, reduced retirement support from private sector
 employers with more onus on employees).
 2. Support Vermont Department of Treasury retirement programs such as the VT
 Saves retirement option for all employees, and expand to include non-traditional gig,
 self-employment, and entrepreneurial workers.
 3. Support the Vermont Department of Treasury goal for Vermont to achieve
 eligibility for the federal retirement program, ABLE federal savings account.
 4. Explore the provision of free financial advisory services for Vermonters.



 Healthy Aging for All
Healthy Aging Reduce chronic diseases and comorbidities among older Vermonters.
for All Strategies may include:

 49
Objective 1
 1. By 2025, pursue state and other funding for chronic disease prevention and
 intervention that incorporates substance use impact on chronic disease (alcohol,
 cannabis, opioids, tobacco) and integrates dementia risk reduction.
 2. By 2025, examine existing strategies to improve population health and reduce the
 prevalence of chronic diseases and consider whether additional interventions are
 needed to address disparities (geographic, racial/ethnic, age, socioeconomic).
 3. Create a workgroup to select state and community strategies recommended in the
 U.S. Surgeon General Report on Social Isolation which will contribute to Vermonters
 achieving optimal physical and mental health wellness and brain health.

 4. Continue to identify and advance policies and communications that combat
 ageism.
 5. Support the Vermont Department of Health’s statewide 3-4-50 Initiative to reduce
 the three risk behaviors (smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition) that cause the
 four chronic diseases (heart disease/stroke, cancer, diabetes, lung disease) that
 result in more than half of Vermont’s deaths.
 6. Support efforts to include oral health benefits in Medicare.
 7. Support efforts to increase awareness of the risks that hearing loss poses, how to
 preserve hearing at work and home, and how to access over the counter hearing aids.
 8. Explore how to integrate mental health and substance use strategies and treatment
 into clinical and facility protocols that benefit aging Vermonters including those with
 mental health conditions.
 9. Engage local hospitals and clinics to hold free, accessible physical activity and
 wellness program offerings throughout the year with the goal for each town to have at
 least one/yr.
 10. In collaboration with Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer, promote and
 increase cancer screening rates among all Vermonters that meet clinical guidelines.
 11. Address and reduce substance misuse of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and opioids
 including among older Vermonters to improve health and reduce chronic diseases,
 including cognitive decline.
 12. Ensure that the shared DAIL & VDH position dedicated to decreasing alcohol and
 medication misuse and mismanagement continues to elevate and address this issue.
 13. Employ or link to community nurses who can address aging needs and provide
 chronic disease care.
 14. Work collaboratively to improve hospital discharge planning for individuals who
 need long-term care, providing hospitals support to identify and coordinate safe
 discharge options.
 15. Continue to provide trainings through the DAIL-VDH Hub and Spoke ADRD
 Workgroup (Project ECHO on Dementia, Alzheimer’s Association trainings, UCLA
 Dementia Care Model Pilot) to clinical care, emergency department and hospital
 direct care staff on how to care for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Healthy Aging Increase physical activity for older Vermonters.
for All
Objective 2 Strategies may include:
 1. By the end of 2024, develop a state comprehensive physical activity plan across the
 lifespan which also contributes to decreasing isolation and increasing social
 engagement.
 50
 2. By 2026, explore including in state agreements and contracts for providing services
 to older Vermonters a deliverable that grantees and vendors will promote and/or
 provide options for daily movement through at-home and community-based services.
 3. By 2026, VDH and Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging will work to add two
 evidence-based physical activity and strength training programs to their respective
 menus of evidence-based programming and conduct promotions via social media
 and community-based communication methods.
 4. Expand accessible and free community-based physical activity classes at senior
 centers, Adult Day Centers and other settings including hybrid classes that are
 recorded for use at any time and which seek to include health professionals.
 5. VDH, Blueprint for Health, and SASH will work to include one or more age-friendly
 physical activity options through My Healthy VT (for example, Tai Chi for Arthritis and
 Falls Prevention).
 6. The Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies will work to
 undertake community design projects that support increasing physical activity among
 older adults.
 7. Age Strong VT will help determine how to increase the total number of sidewalks
 statewide and improve sidewalk safety, including during winter.
 8. Explore how to expand access to free/reduced gym memberships among low-
 income older Vermonters.
 9. Explore a policy effort to expand the state’s childcare credit to support gym use.
 10. Offer training to primary care on cognitive impairment and dementia and
 strategies for exercise and nutrition.
 11. Adopt age positivity framework through Age Strong VT that benefits all
 Vermonters and their health.
 12. Advance physical activity prescriptions through clinical care.


Healthy Aging Reduce food insecurity for all Vermonters.
for All
Objective 3 Strategies may include:
 1. By 2024, develop a Vermont Food Security Plan, a component of which elevates
 transportation needs related to food access, as part of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs
 Fund Farm-to-Plate Program, currently grant-funded by VDH.
 2. By 2026, the Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division
 will authorize the use of SNAP benefits for restaurant meals.
 3. By 2027, reduce transportation-related barriers to accessing nutritious foods and
 meals through the Department of Vermont Health Access and the Vermont Agency of
 Transportation programs and increase delivery to congregate settings and employer
 engagement around food access.
 4. Increase access to food, fresh produce, oral health information, and social
 engagement at congregate settings including Vermont Food Bank, Meals on Wheels,
 AAAs, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the CSA-sponsored elder
 program.
 5. Promote ongoing quality improvement in use of the Hunger Vital Sign screening
 tool by health care systems working with older adults.



 51
 6. Implement coordinated malnutrition screening for adults and households through
 state and community programs (Blueprint for Health, SASH, Hunger Free Vermont, Bi-
 State Primary Care, AAAs and their Home Delivered Nutrition Program, and Vermont
 Program for Quality in Health Care) among Medicare members.
 7. Work to incentivize employers to provide meal options for employees prior, during
 and/or after work hours (Vermont Department of Labor and Vermont Businesses for
 Social Responsibility).
 8. Work with health care payers in collaboration with AAAs and meal providers to
 explore current options (such as Home-Delivered Meals offered under the UVM
 Health Advantage Plan through MVP) for expanding food access and nutrition
 supports and participate in future payment models that promote “food as medicine”
 initiatives in Vermont.
 9. Support efforts to include coverage for adult dentures in the Vermont Medicaid
 benefit.
 10. Promote and link older Vermonters to Therapeutic Horticulture, which can be
 easily adapted to support many aspects of aging well and provide participants
 opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their communities by growing
 healthy food and creating beautiful gardens, and natural areas.
 11. Explore how to increase funding for providing free home and community-based
 meals so that all Vermonters, including those with disabilities living in poverty, can
 age strong.

Healthy Aging Reduce fall-related deaths.
for All
Objective 4 Strategies may include:
 1. By 2025, expand the home modifications program to include comprehensive falls
 risk assessment and prioritize home modifications that prevent falls (the state
 weatherization program, VDH, and Efficiency Vermont).
 2. Engage primary care providers, Adult Day Programs/Centers, Senior Centers, and
 Long-Term Care facilities to conduct annual falls risk assessment and environmental
 scans or surveys.
 3. Utilize timely healthcare utilization data to inform on rates of fall episodes,
 medication reconciliation, and Supervision Assessment.
 4. As noted above, VDH and Vermont’s AAAs will add two evidence-based physical
 activity and strength training programs to their respective menus of evidence-based
 programming and conduct promotions via social media.
 5. Add and train on implementing the “Vermont Mini Cog Assessment” at all primary
 care visits for adults 50+.
 6. Implement the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) Initiative.

 7. Expand community-based falls prevention strategies including at Senior Centers.
 8. Explore how to invest in exercise facilities for older Vermonters, specifically for
 recreation centers that include indoor pool and workout equipment and programs
 that are open to people of all ages and could include Silver Sneakers and other
 Medicare Advantage programs.




 52
 9. Provide training and increase access to geriatric ear, nose and throat care, balance
 and strength conditioning and heart health/brain health related medical and public
 health interventions that decrease risk for falls, heart disease and dementia.

 10. Promote referrals to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
 for those who are visually impaired which can decrease risk of isolation, falls, lack of
 physical activity and healthy nutrition.
 11. Increase access to affordable electronic alert systems.


Healthy Aging Prevent suicide among older Vermonters.
for All
Objective 5 Strategies may include:
 1. By 2025, train Meals on Wheels volunteers and SASH Coordinators to identify and
 support recipients and clients who are at risk of suicide through interventions such as
 ASIST or QPR and/or screenings using CSSRS and referrals for mental health support.
 2. Increase assessment of ‘What Matters for Aging’ and align care with individual’s
 and care partner’s preferences (including medication, mentation, mobility changes).
 3. Educate and provide intervention for firearm and poison control safety for older
 Vermonters and their families including safe storage, firearm safety training, and
 advance care planning that include firearms.
 4. To prevent physical and mental health problems, focus on measures to increase
 social interaction and connection, including exercise programs, screen and provide
 education and resources for suicide prevention among older residents, Vermonters
 with disabilities, vets, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or are socially isolated.
 5. Create social hubs at schools, libraries, churches and other locations to increase
 social connection and engagement (see also “Social Connection is Key” strategies).
 6. Expand mental health supports in housing (through SASH wellness hours and
 other affordable housing programs) and other living situations (shelters, pods, group
 housing) and increase access to elder care clinician care.
 7. Continue to offer and expand telehealth services including in congregate settings
 for ensuring access to mental health services including for older Vermonters, those
 who live in rural areas, those who have a disability or lack transportation, and those
 who suffer from depression.
 8. Identify pathways for increasing investment in Elder Care Clinicians.
 9. By 2030, work to create “Men’s Shed” model locations or a similar program to
 engage men in hands-on and social activities in more areas of the state.
 10. Include images of older Vermonters especially males in Zero to Suicide and other
 public health messaging regarding suicide prevention and treatment to help
 address stigma around asking for help.

 Social Connection is Key
Social Increase awareness and identification of social isolation and loneliness
Connection is among all older adults.
Key
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. Conduct at least one targeted public awareness campaign per year, and ensure
 the campaign reaches historically marginalized populations.


 53
 2. Increase the screening of social isolation and loneliness in primary care practices
 and long-term care facilities.
 a. By 2026, identify one validated screening tool to disseminate; conduct a
 targeted education campaign for PCPs; and disseminate community resources
 to PCPs to increase referrals.
 3. Provide training and education about social isolation and loneliness to a broad
 range of organizations who interact with older Vermonters, including those working
 with historically marginalized communities.


Social Increase the availability and accessibility of high-quality and equitable
Connection is programming for older Vermonters.
Key
Objective 2 Strategies may include:
 1. Modernize and support local centers and local community institutions to address
 the needs and desires of a changing demographic of older Vermonters, with a focus
 on high quality meals and equity and inclusion of underserved communities.
 2. Invest in senior centers, adult day centers and local community institutions via
 local, state and federal funding opportunities and through expanded community
 partnerships.
 3. Expand a diversity of programming at centers, local community institutions and
 long-term care facilities, such as creative aging with art, music, movement,
 intergenerational programs, lifelong learning, multicultural programs, virtual
 opportunities, etc.
 4. Increase engagement in centers and in community programs through outreach and
 innovative strategies such as a buddy system.
 5. Develop/increase local social groups for older adults like book clubs or craft nights
 as part of age-friendly communities.
 6. Create affordable access to telecommunications to maintain social interactions,
 communication with medical professionals, and others. This includes access to
 affordable equipment to benefit from wireless and/or internet access.

Social Increase volunteerism of older Vermonters.
Connection is
Key
Objective 3 Strategies may include:
 1. Strengthen Vermont’s volunteer infrastructure to better recruit, support and retain
 older Vermonter volunteers:
 a. Promote volunteerism in connection with health/well-being and wisdom
 transfer.
 b. Make it easy for people to find and apply for volunteer opportunities, such as
 through a statewide volunteer hub or clearinghouse.
 c. Train organizations to utilize the 10 best practices in volunteer management.
 d. Explore development of high value incentives for older Vermonters.
 e. Identify and address barriers to volunteering, especially transportation and
 ageism in recruitment.




 54
Social Objective 4: Increase the number of intergenerational engagement
Connection is opportunities for all Vermonters.
Key
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. Encourage Vermont higher education institutions to join the Age Friendly University
 (AFU) Network. Encourage universities and colleges to respond creatively to the
 interests, needs, and desires of older adults, including expanding access to meet the
 needs of those who desire to take courses.
 2. Partner with the Agency of Education and local schools and colleges on workplace
 learning opportunities to engage more students in providing services, conducting
 research, and learning from older Vermonters.
 3. Leverage community partnerships to expand intergenerational opportunities.
 4. Research, promote and support innovative intergenerational models.


 Infrastructure for the Future
Infrastructure Increase the number of new units of high-quality affordable housing that
for the Future enable residents to age well in community.
Housing
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. Explore what it would take to expand Accessory Dwelling Unit incentives
 specifically targeted toward 60+ population, including bridge loans.
 2. Support the development of infill housing through zoning reforms, technical
 assistance to small-scale developers, and financial incentives in alignment with the
 Agency of Natural Resources and other state efforts. Suggested ideas for that work
 could include:
 a. Streamline Permits for Missing Middle Home Designs: Amend the statute to
 enable “by-right” permits for missing middle homes.
 b. Increase Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Base Funding: Provide funding
 to improve homes in neighborhoods; expand eligibility to support energy efficiency
 investments.
 3. Identify opportunities to increase financial support to municipalities to expand
 water/wastewater infrastructure that is at or above the same level of ARPA funds that
 have been utilized to support this critical infrastructure to smart growth development.
 4. Prioritize state agency investment in infrastructure for economic development in
 state-designated settlement areas.
 5. Explore the idea of continuing the affordable rental property tax exemption (Act
 68) with no renewal requirement.
 6. Assess the possibility of making permanent the policy of lifting of unit caps for
 Priority Housing Projects in Designated Downtowns, New Development Growth
 Areas, exempting these projects from Act 250 review.
 7. Enhance information and expand transparency on the shortfalls and availability
 of affordable housing by coordinating and promoting VHFA Directory of Affordable
 Rental Housing and DAIL’s Assisted Living, Nursing Home and Residential Care
 database, and increase dissemination of COVE’s informational resource, the “Aging in
 VT Resource Guide.”


 55
Infrastructure Increase age-specific housing available for older Vermonters.
for the Future
Housing
Objective 2 Strategies may include:
 1. Assess the impact of removing the cap on tax credit housing for 55+ being built
 each year in VT (currently at 30% cap, which equates to a maximum of one property
 per year being built across the state).
 2. Explore an increase in state credits toward age-specific housing in key priority
 populations where demand is outpacing supply.
 3. Identify opportunities to create affordable dementia-focused housing that meets
 universal design standards and incorporates the person-centered Best Friends™
 approach to memory loss to reduce the long waitlist for those with lower income
 looking for residential memory care.


Infrastructure Increase the number of older adults who can “age in place” [which means
for the Future choosing to remain at home or in a supportive living community as they
Housing grow older without having to move each time their needs increase].
Objective 3 Strategies may include:
 1. Keep the long-term care system viable and expand to provide older adults the care
 they need in the location of their choice.
 2. Support embedding 5 mental health clinicians within SASH panels every year for
 the next 5 years around the state to support those clients with mental health
 concerns, including those who were formerly homeless, in affordable housing
 communities, helping to keep them safely housed.
 3. Explore how to ensure that Medicaid reimbursement rates will meet actual costs
 by 2026 and will have an annual inflation factor increase established.
 4. Consider revising licensing regulations requiring every long-term care facility
 accept a minimum of 15% of those who are on Medicaid to prevent involuntary
 discharge due to income/asset depletion.
 5. Increase the investment for home and community-based services to substantially
 reduce the number of Vermonters living in hospitals and nursing homes with no
 alternative.
 6. Explore how to expand HomeShare programming by (1) providing a tax incentive to
 homeowners participating in state HomeShare programs that have made qualified
 matches for a minimum of one year; (2) sustain state funding to support HomeShare
 VT for expansion.
 7. Conduct an assessment and evaluation of the adult day centers closures to
 understand why they closed and identify where there is capacity for additional
 locations.
 8. Increase the accessibility of Vermont homes by exploring the idea of requiring all
 new construction to adhere to Universal Design Standards; and expand home
 modification programs, such as the homeownership centers, HUD home
 modification programs, and increasing VCIL funding for people living with a disability
 by 10% to ensure their home is accessible.




 56
Infrastructure Focus future transit service on “Designated Growth Zones” (maximize
for the Future investment in concentrated development centers).
Transportation
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. Ensure the State’s Road Design Standards will be updated by the end of 2024, with
 emphasis on transit and mobility services to allow for age-friendly residency and
 access to services and amenities.
 2. Micro Transit Pilots: Assess the current 5 pilots and other mobility services to
 enhance multimodal options and use. On-demand services currently in place can be
 scaled to provide more trips for more purposes.
 3. Identify the potential to increase funding to support municipal multimodal
 networks, which includes bike, walk and modal sharing programs.
 4. Assess the required funding for communities to offer additional mobility services.
 5. Incorporate alternative transportation amenities including those serving
 individuals who cannot drive, in new developments that are subject to Act 250
 jurisdiction.


Infrastructure Expand the Older Vermonters and Persons with a Disability (O&D)
for the Future program.
Transportation
Objective 2 Strategies may include:
 1. Allow clients or the public to view and reserve seats on existing demand
 response trips. Once the new scheduling and dispatch software is implemented (FY
 2025) for the demand response programs across the state, the Agency of
 Transportation (VTrans) can work to develop this feature to be incorporated into the
 existing GO! Vermont Trip Planner.
 2. Engage with Primary Care Physicians to ask questions to older Vermonters about
 transportation needs and provide contact info for GO! Vermont and local transit
 providers.
 3. Raise awareness about the O&D Program through targeted outreach:
 a. Start Statewide Ambassador Programs that includes travel training (tech and
 non-tech based) so older Vermonters can become familiar with the Public
 Transit System before they cannot drive or driving becomes limited.
 4. Create Personal Mobility Accounts:
 a. Offer freedom accounts (capped dollar value) to allow transportation for
 personal/social trips to reduce social isolation.
 b. Expand the network of volunteers or low-cost transportation options for direct
 pay trips for older Vermonters.
 5. Create an ongoing Transportation Council (Mobility for All Vermonters that
 coordinates with all state agencies). Convert Public Transit Advisory Council to a
 “Mobility Council” and add Agency of Human Services departments and advocacy
 organizations representation to the membership to create viable and coordinated
 solutions to enhance statewide mobility for all Vermonters.




 57
 6. Build and sustain leadership, collaboration, and accountability, especially
 among a diverse group of stakeholders to include transportation professionals,
 policymakers, public health officials, police, and community members that manage
 Vision Zero Implementation. This body is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
 using data to understand trends and potential disproportionate impacts of traffic
 deaths on certain populations.

 7. Require all new development to ensure bus stop amenities are considered in
 review and permitting for construction of housing developments, commercial space,
 and repaving of roads.


Infrastructure Transportation Objective 4: Increase access to walkable, bikeable and
for the Future transit-friendly communities that facilitate independence and support
Transportation aging in place. Strategies may include:
Objective 3
 1. Revisit Vermont’s Complete Streets statute which was enacted by the General
 Assembly of the State of Vermont in 2011 to address the lack of reporting
 transparency and ownership that have led to missed opportunities for implementing a
 strong, safe, accessible transportation system.
 2. Incorporate a system-wide planning approach for all Complete Streets projects
 that allows for safe access to all users and provides for first and last mile
 connections.
 3. Invest in building municipal capacity through Complete Streets training that will
 allow smaller communities the ability to implement Complete Streets at the local
 level.
 4. Assess the opportunity to modify the state’s project selection criteria for funding to
 encourage Complete Streets implementation. Criteria for determining the ranking of
 projects should include assigning weight for active transportation infrastructure;
 targeting underserved communities; alleviating disparities in health, safety, economic
 benefit, access destinations; and creating better multimodal network connectivity for
 all users.
 5. Review community centers to be sure they have safe sidewalks with little to no
 transitions, and easy clear access to amenities.
 6. Encourage statewide adoption of a “Vision Zero” policy to ensure safe, equitable
 mobility for all road users by eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all
 road users.
 7. Prioritize safe speeds through safe street design, speed enforcement (or safety
 cameras), and allow communities to set safe speed limits including 25 MPH in
 congested areas and adjacent to public amenities.


Infrastructure Increase the availability of accessible, inclusive public spaces (indoor
for the Future and outdoor) in towns by encouraging Smart Growth and infill
Community development.
Design
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. Explore removing the statutory sunset for Better Places and providing base funding
 to sustain the program at the Department of Housing and Community Development
 (DHCD).


 58
 2. Support sustaining funding for Better Connections program at the Department for
 Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
 3. Assess expanding the Downtown Transportation Fund by updating the statute to
 support the planning, design, and construction of ‘complete streets.’

 4. Potentially provide funding to municipalities for technical assistance and design
 expertise needed to engage, plan, and construct well-designed, welcoming, and
 accessible public places.
 5. Create recommended standards for communities to apply to outdoor public
 spaces and parks to ensure they are fully accessible and inclusive to people of all
 ages, abilities, and backgrounds including for Vermonters with dementia and their
 care partners.
 6. Ensure key services, multigenerational programming, and amenities are supported
 in town focal points, such as libraries, senior community centers, libraries, adult day
 programs, health care satellite offices, town hall and transfer stations.

 7. Allocate funding to study the implementation of a land value tax to encourage
 development in designated areas, promote land use efficiency, and ensure equitable
 taxation in partnership with the Tax Department.
 8. Support Dementia-Friendly Communities by promoting the Vermont Department
 of Health website containing resources and toolkits and work with Offices of Local
 Health chronic disease staff as collaborators.
 9. Enforce municipalities to develop their town ADA Transition Plan (a federal
 requirement), to address any deficiencies. The Plan is intended to achieve the
 following: (1) identify physical obstacles that limit the accessibility of facilities to
 individuals with disabilities, (2) describe the methods to be used to make the facilities
 accessible, (3) provide a schedule for making the access modifications, and (4)
 identify the public officials responsible for implementation of the Transition Plan.



 Valuing Family Care Partners
Valuing Family
Care Partners Reduce the need for family/friends to provide full-time care/assistance to
Objective 1 a friend/family member.

Valuing Family
Care Partners
 Increase family care partner knowledge of respite options.
Objective 2

Valuing Family
Care Partners Increase family care partner knowledge of self-care, medical benefits,
Objective 3 long-term care and estate planning resources.

Valuing Family Reduce negative financial impacts on family care partners.
Care Partners
Objective 4 Strategies may include:
 1. In 2024-2034, work to increase financial supports for family care partners,
 including respite funding, family leave options, tax credits, stipends, and grants.


 59
 2. In 2024-2028, work to increase awareness of and access to respite services (ex. In-
 home volunteers) for care partners using public outreach campaigns, social media,
 Front Porch Forum, and agency communications and websites.
 3. In 2024-2028, work to expand and add family care partner education programs that
 include training opportunities, information on self-care, medical benefits, long term
 care and estate planning, and medical conditions.
 4. By 2027, compile a statewide inventory of existing resources and programs for
 family care partners. This inventory will be used to create a care partner support
 locator function care partners can use to quickly locate the services they need in their
 area.
 5. By 2025, adopt standardized, evidence-based or evidence-informed family care
 partner assessments and use the results to develop person-centered and family-
 centered care plans.
 6. By 2026, establish and routinely convene a VT Caregiver Coalition to improve the
 system of HCBS and health care providers by encouraging the use of standardized
 data-collection tools, forms, definitions of terms, and best practices.
 7. In 2024-2028, support the expansion of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders
 Extended Engagement/Respite activities within Adult Day and Senior/Community
 Centers.
 8. By 2025, develop or adopt surveys with validated questions to disseminate to
 family care partners to collect data on services and supports to identify successes
 and areas for improvement.
 9. By 2026, professionally translate Advance Directives in plain language in the
 languages prioritized in Vermont and provide culturally appropriate interpreters in
 hospital, home health, and hospice settings.
 10. By 2027, provide education to hospital leadership and the Vermont Association of
 Hospitals and Health Systems encouraging adoption of policies that enable in-person
 interpreters of the family’s choice to be used during in-patient and end-of-life care.
 11. By 2026, provide education to hospice providers on providing culturally proficient
 services specific to the different cultures present in Vermont, and to families that
 speak languages other than English on what hospice is, what it provides, and how
 it differs from hospital care.

 The Fight for Justice
 Increase the adoption and use of recommended policies and
The Fight for interventions to support adults who may be self-neglecting.
Justice
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. DAIL and community partners will work to establish and expand training modules
 for a wide range of community-based service providers and partners to identify
 and report self-neglect and elder abuse, including appropriate referrals, trauma-
 informed communications, and systems of support.
The Fight for Increase the transparency and usability of long-term care facility data.
Justice
Objective 2 Strategies may include:




 60
 1. By 2028, establish a digital data system to compile Survey and Certification survey
 results into a data interface that can allow for trend analysis across multiple reports
 for system improvement. By 2030 this same data will be available to the public in a
 readily accessible, plain language format, that allows older adults and family
 members to make informed decisions.
The Fight for Objective 3: Increase coordination of elder justice services and supports.
Justice
Objective 3 Strategies may include:
 1. A non-state entity will work to facilitate an Elder Justice Coalition (EJC) to
 coordinate among EMS and law enforcement providers, state entities, and social
 support providers.
 2. The EJC may recommend to the legislature strategies to mandate some allocation
 of Attorney General litigation awards to delivery of relevant elder justice information
 and services.
 3. Work to convene an Office of Public Safety advisory team to assess and
 recommend best practices for “no wrong door” portals for elder justice referrals to
 ensure safety and access. Advocate for safety portals to be universally established
 across entities and providers to improve elder access to justice services. The Office of
 Public Safety Advisory team may review data reported by designated entities annually
 and make recommendations for improvement to the system.
 4. Elder Justice Providers will work to develop and coordinate for older adults, service
 providers, and family members: communications strategies, educational materials
 and presentations, referral systems, and protections that address the growing
 incidence of scam, fraud, and financial exploitation.
 a. Coordinated efforts will be person-centered and trauma-informed.

 Strengthening Systems of Support

Strengthening Adopt age-friendly best practices at VT211 and AAA Helpline call centers.
Systems of
Support
Objective 1 Strategies may include:
 1. The State will contract with an independent entity to assess the current state of
 Vermont’s AAA and VT211 Information, Referral and Assistance call centers, and
 provide concrete recommendations on the adequacy and accessibility of the
 information available to Vermonters, including criminal, civil, and social interventions
 specific to older adults to ensure safety, information about death and dying, and
 information about transitions of care.
 2. Using the independent entity in #1, create or recommend an existing set of call
 center best practices, training and recommended staffing ratios using a “No Wrong
 Door” approach.
Strengthening
Systems of Increase access to information about age-friendly resources and
Support supports.
Objective 2
Strengthening Increase access to a coordinated system of age-friendly services,
Systems of supports and protections.
Support
 61
Objective 3 Strategies may include:

 1. The State will work to contract with a professional entity to use data from the Age
 Strong VT planning process (survey, listening sessions, focus groups) to:
 a. Develop a sustainable, creative plan for marketing and promotion for
 Vermont’s Information, Referral and Assistance systems across the state, that
 complies with communication access and diversity, equity and inclusion
 standards and includes measurable outcomes. Creation of the promotion plan
 must include the VDH community health education network and provider of
 services network.
 b. Create a sustainable online Vermont educational awareness training tool for
 Vermonters, entities, providers, EMS workers and state employees to learn about
 the system of Information, Referral and Assistance.

 c. Work with the State to designate qualified individuals or entities to
 deliver/maintain the promotion plan and training tool and track measurable
 outcomes.
 2. The State and information providers will work together to establish data on
 distribution and utilization of publicly available information sources (AGO Help Guide,
 Aging in Vermont Resource Guide, AAA Helpline, VT211, State websites) regarding
 abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
 3. Establish or identify additional data sources for tracking outcomes specific to the
 three recommended objectives, such as:
 a. Z-Codes – ICD10 codes to identify screening and referrals for social
 determinants of health-related services.
 b. Provider referrals – Develop a way for call centers to track where referrals
 came from over time.
 c. New State Plan on Aging (SPA) Needs Assessment questions. (Data Source:
 2020, 2024 and 2028 SPA Needs Assessments)
 d. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questions.
 4. Consider the creation of Chief Advocate for Elder Justice position to work with the
 dedicated Age Strong VT position to:
 a. Integrate information across state and community systems to ensure
 consistent and accurate information.
 b. Advise the state legislature and administration to improve elder access to
 justice, safety, and supports.
 c. Review new and existing laws to ensure age equity across systems.
 d. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questions.
Strengthening Increase the availability of safe emergency housing for older Vermonters.
Systems of
Support
Objective 4 Strategies may include:
 1. By 2025, DAIL and partners will explore existing models in other states and make
 recommendations that address Vermont needs and systems for emergency housing
 for older victims of crime or others in crisis. DAIL will work to identify funding streams
 and potential partners to pilot the program.


 62
2. By 2028, explore the creation of a pilot program for emergency housing for older
victims of crime and others in crisis with established policies, protocols, goals, and
adequate funding for 5 beds, with the possibility for growth in the future. The pilot
program could address immediate physical safety, as well as assisting with longer
term needs such as future safe housing placement, trauma processing and mental
health needs, system of care planning, etc.




 63
E. BAC Interim Actions
 i. HomeShare pilot
 ii. Family Caregiver Month Proclamation



 E.i. HomeShare Vermont Pilot Incentive Program

 Date: June 22, 2022
 To: Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization (CDNR) Committee
 From: Burlington Aging Council’s Subcommittee on Housing
 Molly Dugan, Cathedral Square
 Charles J. Messing, Burlington Resident
 Brian Pine, City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office Kelly Stoddard Poor,
 AARP VT
 Subject: HomeShare Vermont Pilot Incentive Program


 On behalf of the Burlington Aging Council, we are submitting a proposal for consideration by City
 Councilors serving on the CDNR Committee. The proposal we are asking the CDNR Committee to review
 and advance is a HomeShare Pilot Program aimed at supporting and promoting homesharing in Burlington
 through a tax incentive.

 HomeShare Background: HomeShare Vermont is a non-profit organization that has developed a
 comprehensive and client-driven screening & matching process over the past 40 years to make the best in-
 home matches possible. HomeShare Vermont helps the State of Vermont meet two important goals by
 assisting our aging neighbors to stay at home, where they want to be, while at the same time helping others
 find an affordable place to live.
 While there are no age or income restrictions for homesharing, most people sharing their homes
 (homeshare hosts) are elders or persons with a disability while most people looking for housing
 (homeshare guests) can’t afford market rents. Their screening process focuses on safety and security.
 Each compatible match is unique and based upon the interests, needs, and lifestyles of the individuals
 involved. Homesharing is where two or more people share a home for mutual benefit.

 HomeShare Screening Process: For each application received a minimum of 3 reference checks are
 performed, mostly by phone; and five different background checks are conducted before the person is
 considered for matching. The background checks include various criminal, abuse and fraud registries.
 Once the application is received an in-depth interview is conducted to get to know them and their interests
 and lifestyle, which is done via zoom or in a home visit.

Benefits of HomeShare in FY 21:
 • Homeshare guests provided approximately 25,000 hours of assistance to seniors and others. This
 represents a savings of over $380,000 for those sharing their home and their families if they had to
 hire help.1
 • By sharing their homes, low-income seniors and others received over $220,000 in rental income to
 help them make ends meet.
 • The average rent in a homesharing match was only $323/month with 27% of matches paying
 $0 rent. Using the difference between market rents and homeshare actual rents, it is estimated
 that homeshare guests saved over $510,000 in rental expenses. 2



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 HomeShare Match Length: The average homesharing match length was about 23 months this past year,
 which is a little longer than normal, which is likely a reflection of COVID because it has made it harder to
 get people to start new matches, but it seems to have encouraged matches to last a little longer. The
 average match length is calculated each year based on the matches that ended in that year and it typically
 fluctuates between 13-20 months.

 FY 21 HomeShare Vermont:
 Results Based Accountability (RBA) Outcomes
 This data is a combination of annual outcomes surveys of matched participants and client data and
 represents outcomes statewide and are not specific to Burlington alone.


 Homeshare Average Match Length 692 days or 23 months
 How Well? 93% very satisfied
 Participant Satisfaction
 100% would recommend us to family or
 friends

 Affordability of Housing Average Rent $323
 Is Anyone 46% of those sharing their home reported
 Better off? Ability of Seniors to Stay Safely at Home
 they would not be able to live safely and
 comfortably at home without a
 homesharer.
 Feel Happier 83%
 Improved Quality of Life: Those having Feel Less Lonely 83%
 someone live with them report they…. Feel Safer in their Home 81%
 Sleep Better 51%
 Feel Healthier 51%




 1
 Calculation based on personal care assistant median wage - Bureau of Labor Statistics, VT State Occupation &
 Employment Wage Estimates
 2
 Calculation based on fair markets rents for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange and
 Washington Counties - US Department of Housing & Urban Development

Pilot Program Incentive Program:

A Pilot Incentive Program would be aimed to support affordable housing and open housing opportunities
for those seeking housing in Burlington. The Burlington Aging Council (BAC) supports and recommends
that the City of Burlington offer a pilot incentive program for homeowners, “host,” who provides a new
homeshare match lasting a minimum of 12 months.
 • The incentive would be in the amount of $1,000 (this is in line with other incentive programs found
 throughout the country)
 • The incentive would not exceed 30 Burlington homeowners per year
 • The $1,000 incentive from the City of Burlington could be made available through property tax relief or
 another type of direct payment to the homeowner determined by councilors.
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• The incentive would be made available after the homeshare match was verified by HomeShare Vermont
 after the 12 months.
• The homesharing match would be required to be created by, Home Share Vermont, a bonafide homesharing
 nonprofit organization and has a homesharing agreement signed by both the host and guest and they
 cannot be related individuals.
• An additional requirement of the Pilot Program would be a cap on rents at a maximum of
 $650/month, given the goal of promoting affordable housing.
• The pilot program would be tested for 3 years and evaluated to determine continuation.

 HomeShare Vermont Client Data FY 15 – FY 21 (July 1 – June 30 FY)

 There is a mismatch in the number of people seeking housing in Burlington vs. the number of
 homeowners/homeshare hosts opening their home up for homesharing, see graph below. Burlington host
 applications have dropped more than their total host applications this past year (59% vs 44%). The overall
 decline is due to COVID, but it is unclear as to why Burlington is so much higher.




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E. ii. Family Caregiver Month 2023 Proclamation




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