Houston Mayor signs Age-Friendly/Livable Communities Executive Order

With the stoke of a pen and before dozens of people, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner signed the Age-Friendly/Livable Community executive order on Tuesday, August 27. The document is based on the Age-Friendly/Livable Community plan that the community has been working on for the past five years. AARP in Houston along with hundreds of community stakeholders organized the comprehensive plan, which touches on the things that residents have said are important to make Houston a city where people of all ages can thrive.

“While being home to a young and diverse population, the City of Houston also wants to support all Houstonians as they stay active, live longer and choose to remain in their homes and communities as they age,” said Mayor Turner. “The City of Houston recognizes the necessity to anticipate the needs and preferences of Houstonians as they age and to respect their lifestyle choices.”

The executive order will apply to all City of Houston departments with primary responsibility for housing, mobility, community planning and development, neighborhoods, public safety, health, social services, public infrastructure, culture, recreation, and green space projects and programs. These departments will also establish policies and practices that comport with the Age-Friendly/Livable Community Action Plan for Houston and with the AARP national Age-Friendly/Livable Community initiatives.

The City of Houston joined the Age-Friendly Community Network under then Houston Mayor Annise Parker in 2014.

“AARP is excited to know this that the City of Houston will continue its commitment to being a city that is friendly to residents of all ages, including our aging Houstonians,” said AARP Director of Outreach and Advocacy Tina Tran. “AARP looks forward to working with the administration in implementing the plan’s recommendations.”

Immediately following the signing ceremony, AARP in Houston hosted a live Telephone Townhall featuring Mayor Turner. He discussed the proposed plan to make Houston more livable for people of all ages. Mayor Turner also explained how city departments and his recent initiatives and programs will support and complement the Age-Friendly/Livable Community Plan.