Carlsbad, New Mexico Print
Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
6/18/2014
Lead Agency: Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Businesses
Action Plan Download
Carlsbad developed its action plan based around improving health, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transportation within the community. The plan focuses on emergency preparedness initiatives for older adults, identifies ways to improve the quality and cost of healthcare, and works to attract and retain medical professionals. Carlsbad is also improving the appearance and accessibility of public spaces, and developing more pedestrian and bicycle paths, along with street improvements to meet the needs of walkers, runners, and bikers.
Action Plan Highlights
Communication and Information
Promote and encourage volunteer participation at recreation centers by posting event calendars on the city Facebook page and website, while coordinating activities between various older adult facilities.Outdoor Spaces
Prioritize downtown revitalization by promoting community cleanup events, household hazardous days, and coordinate between beautification committees and code enforcement agencies.Transportation
Improve transit facilities by adding bus stops, maps, weekend schedules and promoting transit systems.
Progress Report Download
Carlsbad's age-friendly progress report highlights work in civic participation and employment, health services and community supports, and outdoor spaces and buildings. The community's age-friendly council sponsored job fairs specifically designed to reach out to older adults who might be interested in returning to the workforce. These job fairs were held within Carlsbad's two senior centers, and most of the jobs offered consisted of part-time and voluntary positions. The city was also awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to begin renovating a closed elementary school into a new senior center to meet the community's growing needs. The community has extensively renovated La Cueva Trail system and completed the Guadalupe Ridge Trail. During COVID-19, the committee led a letter-writing campaign to see how additional assistance could be provided for homebound residents.