HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-07-22 Public Comment - M. Wictor - Public Comment 4-7-2022 Livability TOOL via AARP; population aging data & desires for housingm, affordability &communitiesFrom:Mary Wictor
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment 4-7-2022 Livability TOOL via AARP; population aging data & desires for housing, affordability &
communities
Date:Thursday, April 7, 2022 2:22:50 PM
Attachments:AARP Binder 4-7-22 Livability TOOL & Aging population 8pgs.pdf
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Dear City of Bozeman -- please provide this online Research summary as Public Comment to the
following (and others as appropriate):City Commission, Community Development Board, key City Leadership & Staff, Economic Vitality Board,& Transportation/parking Board
I have been observing City of Bozeman meetings & boards quite closely over the past 6 months,including the Boards --> Super Groups.[I did participate in the RoundTable on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and I am aware of HousingAffordability and Affordable Housing topics.]
I have heard about AARP Livable Communities Initiatives; so I researched a bit on that today and wish
to share key info with you all.
Webpage and article info is attached from my just printing/saving it--but I am unable to highlight the textwithin that .pdf. So typing here.
Very interesting--it has an online Livability Index TOOL on the third to last page. [Link to type in providedat the bottom herein.]<<You can use it online yourself. Enter an address & see results! Where you live, where family/friendslive... see the scores and why.>>
***************SUMMARY of KEY POINTS excerpted and paraphrased from the article text (since I can't highlight the.pdf)I feel this INFO is related to all types of people and communities; AARP is just a really big and goodresource [e.g., info on ADUs too]
Livability Communities Initiative [AARP] ~ More older adults than children--this is a turning point... anopportunity & catalyst [data]
By 2034 there will be more people over 65 than under 18 in USAApprox. 45mil Americans are age 65 or older, and by 2030 that number will reach 73 million (20% or 1 in5 Americans will be over 65)This is even more pronounced in States (including Montana) where 25% or more of the population will be
65+
[See US Census Chart showing data with double line-graph]
[Then see US Census Chart green/orange]
For the last 70 years, the dominant paradigm has been let the market build a predominance of single-family homes for families & children
Environmental, social, and economic consequences have emerged (article details)These costs are acute for Americans, especially older adults.
For older adults, their equity in their homes may be their largest single source of savings (be thatenormously comforting or terrifying)For others, Rents represent greater burden than ever before.
Per Forbes, 50% of 65+ pay more than 30% of their income for housing
Another 30% are severely burdened, paying more than 50% of their income for housing
Conundrum facing: the vast majority of older adults, roughly 90% age 65 and older, want to "age in
place" in their home and community.
Live near family and friends, remain close to children/grandkids, know and like their doctors, etc. They
LIKE their communities.Such connections are not just nice, but actually contribute to the true health and well-being of older adults[and for anyone really]
Social isolation [and loneliness hurt health] (article gives details and facts)Boomers and millennials share an affinity for places with shorter commutes, shops/services, mix ofhomes/incomes, robust transit.
Great news: many community characteristics older adults seek are the same that attract youngeradults, make communities successful and economically vibrant.
+Housing, transportation, access; diversity in housing stock, ADUs help downsize / offset housing costs /proximate caregivers or family
Use online Livability Index Tool [AARP] to help educate yourself and others--strengthen quality of place,encourage citizen engagement
Resources available to make more intergenerational, vibrant, and engaging for all people, [all kinds] andages.Health, housing, economic development, mobility, public spaces
Please be sure to watch the very EXCELLENT 3min 2sec video JUST BELOW the Livability Index TOOLfrom AARP. AARP Livability Index - Great Neighborhoods for All Ages
OR just type into your Internet browser:livabilityindex.aarp.org
***************
Hope this research helps you and everyone of us think about what our Land Use, Zoning designations,
Uses, and Code influence as to what can and does get built and the results for environment, economics,
and community. Does the UDC work? What to modify in it?
Best regards, Mary WictorOwner: 1504 Boylan Rd and other property in Bozeman & Gallatin County