Seniors make up 20% of the Los Gatos inhabitants, or one in 5 residents, Census knowledge reveals – and that’s anticipated to develop considerably within the subsequent decade.
Los Gatos City Council took some steps towards bolstering providers for seniors on the town at its March 7 assembly.
Council had endorsed a “roadmap” of short- and long-term objectives to assist the city’s fast-growing older grownup inhabitants final month, marking step one in implementing modifications.
“I actually consider that is going to be transformational to the city and never only for our older adults however for all our residents within the city,” Councilmember Matthew Hudes stated. Hudes labored carefully with the Senior Companies Committee, which was established in August 2021.
Council disbanded that committee, and now the Group Well being and Senior Companies Committee will get to work on among the objectives within the highway map.
“We're ready to proceed with implementing the objectives below the highway map,” committee chair Jeffery Blum stated. “We’re able to go.”
Council endorsed the highway map at its Feb. 7 assembly and allotted $225,000 to Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation to proceed the senior providers and applications it offers.
Lisanne Kennedy, recreation director for LGS Rec’s 55 plus program, stated greater than 731 seniors use the middle’s 1,500 applications and providers. Kennedy stated the city would want to offer further funds to maintain programming .at this stage.
Senior Companies Fee Chair Tom Picraux was awarded a $1,500 group grant to pay for his utility to create a nonprofit to assist the city’s senior providers efforts.
“Our aim is to maneuver from a city with one of many regionally lowest, least coordinated efforts for senior providers to a thriving age-friendly city the place older adults present substantial contributions and assist,” the fee’s report reads.
Picruax stated the nonprofit will mannequin itself on the Pals of the Los Gatos Library, that means it will likely be fully separate from the city in its fundraising efforts.
The fee included constructing or renovating a brand new senior middle in its roadmap, which might be pricey. The nonprofit will be capable of elevate cash for these sorts of initiatives.
Council additionally tasked the Full Streets and Transportation Committee with growing a shuttle or transportation system, and voted to work on reasonably priced housing efforts for seniors after the city completes some state-mandated plans for future residential development.
Within the meantime, employees will create a listing of reasonably priced housing for seniors as a reference information.
“It seems like we have now individuals keen, prepared and in a position to take this plan and make it a actuality,” Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow stated.