Government Agency

Chemung County developed its action plan in collaboration with the Chemung County Age-Friendly Community Planning Committee, representing the public, private, non-profit education and faith-based sectors. The countywide plan focuses on creating accessible outdoor spaces, promoting recreational activities, improving transit, and creating access to public and private transportation options that are safe and pedestrian friendly. The county also aims to increase its affordable housing stock, and create options for residents who want to age in place.

Chemung County's regional age-friendly progress report focuses on civic participation and employment, transportation, and outdoor spaces and buildings. The community has developed an age-friendly Business and Organization Guide and designation process, designating over 30 businesses as age-friendly. Additionally, the county created and publicized a resource guide of available transportation options and related services. To revitalize its downtown, the city of Elmira, the county's largest community, was awarded a $10 million grant through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative to support goals that include renovating buildings for commercial and residential use, enhancing and connecting downtown assets, and encouraging walkability. Chemung County also received a grant and is in the process of establishing a land bank to convert vacant properties into uses that support community revitalization.