Washington, DC Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
10/3/2012

Lead Agency: Washington Office on Aging

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Housing

    Increase the supply of affordable housing for older adults by reviewing ADU zoning restrictions, and providing consumer-facing inventories of older adult housing options.

  2. Health and Community Services

    Compensate low-income, unpaid caregivers of Medicaid-eligible residents for respite care.

  3. Health and Community Services

    DC's Citywide Family Medical Leave Act was implemented in 2020, (funded with DC businesses' pooled resources) to provide paid time off for new parents and the caregivers of disabled residents, with the enthusiastic support of Age-Friendly DC.

Progress Report Download

Completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington, D.C.'s progress report focuses on housing access, walkability, employment and inclusivity. Since completing its action plan, the District added hundreds of units of affordable housing, including some specifically designed for grandparents raising grandchildren. Additionally, the City reduced fair housing complaints and created a grant programs to assist residents with home modifications. The District added new curb ramps, installed 40,000 square feet of new or improved sidewalks and made public transit stops accessible. They lowered unemployment for older workers and created an age-friendly business program. To increase inclusivity, the community provided LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training to direct service providers. During the pandemic, Washington hosted virtual engagements aimed at helping older residents learn new, marketable skills. The City also worked to provide income and food assistance to families in need.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

DC Greens (2021)

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Well at Oxon Run, a 1.5-acre farm, outdoor classroom and community space, has been a huge asset for the Congress Heights neighborhood. The Well, however, lacked a waterproof, covered area for events and classes. DC Greens added a roof to the Well's wood-framed pavilion, creating a comfortable venue that is usable year-round. Following the roof's installation, the space has hosted yoga, chi gong and body therapy classes, as well as community drum circles and other events.

The George Washington University Center for Aging, Health and Humanities (2021)

Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving

Description: The George Washington University Center for Aging, Health and Humanities held a one-day Age-Friendly Social Innovation Challenge. Leaders from GWU, Georgetown University, Age-Friendly Washington, D.C., Arlington County, Va., Alexandria, Va. and Montgomery County, Md. Convened to tackle local problems relating to housing, transportation, civic participation and other topics. The event generated strategies to improve age-friendly infrastructure throughout the metropolitan area. Following the event, organizers compiled an online repository of educational resources, as well as information about intergenerational programming.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP District of Columbia State Office

100 M Street SE
Suite 650
Washington, DC 20003
United States

Phone: 202-434-7700
Fax: 202-434-7710
Email: [email protected]