In March, the Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board chaired by Myles Crane, presented Kara Harvey, Executive Director for the Colorado Dept. of Human Services (CDHS) online. Kara discussed the current organization of CDHS, status of the modernization of Older Coloradans Act, Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging (SAPGA), and emergence of the new Colorado Commission on Aging (CCOA). Kara collaborates with the 16 county Area Agencies on Aging throughout Colorado.
Myles Crane
The CDHS main goal is to understand the needs of Colorado seniors via the Older Coloradoan Act in housing, health, environment, transportation for seniors. CCOA is revamping itself to work closely with the state legislature on these senior issues. CCOA already recognizes and provides awards for volunteers and centenarians each year.
Sharon Courtney with the Larimer County Office on Aging discussed sending a survey for community outreach to the senior retirement community in collaboration with the Partnership for Age Friendly Communities (PAFC) organization to local activities directors at the county retirement communities. The survey will inquire with the activity directors on their association with the seniors and their needs.
Holly Pummell, Sustainable Specialist with the City of Fort Collins, discussed the new Disposable Bag Ordinance. The goal of the new ordinance is to maintain a timeline for the new bag charge regarding plastic and paper bags. Adopt the state bag fee of 10 cents per bag, and supply free reusable bags to low-income Coloradoans. The recent state Pollution Reduction Act will ban all plastic bags in Colorado by 2024.
David with the Housing Board indicated 60% of Fort Collins renters are spending more than 30% of their income on rent. CDOT is providing $100,000 on local transportation, city is expanding the Broadband fiber network, and city council supports extending Medicare for all citizens. Mary with Affordable Housing Board indicated not many affordable housing projects are happening. Mobile home parks are being bought by investors and raising fees.