In April 2022, Cuyahoga County embarked on a transformative journey to enhance the quality of life for its aging population. After the County enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, the Livable Cuyahoga initiative was born. Planning NEXT was excited to jump in and help take part in the ambitious, five-year process designed to make the County more age-friendly through comprehensive assessments, planning, implementation, and review.
Multijurisdictional Solutions for a Diverse County
Cuyahoga County’s aging population, spread across over 60 municipalities, requires that the plan take a multifaceted approach. The Needs Assessment, performed prior to Planning NEXT’s involvement with the project, served as a baseline of background information and was enriched by Advisory Council and stakeholder input, and helped to define each municipality’s unique challenges fostered inclusivity and adaptability.
A Living Document for a Brighter Future
The Roadmap for Livable Cuyahoga will structure its findings and actions into four livability categories, encompassing all AARP’s “domains of livability.” Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the document serves as a living, adaptable roadmap. Actions are organized by time, enabling ongoing progress tracking. This approach ensures that Cuyahoga County evolves into a more age-friendly, livable community, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
The Livable Cuyahoga initiative highlights the power of collaboration, community engagement, and forward-thinking planning. By adopting a comprehensive, adaptable, and inclusive approach to the challenges of an aging population, Cuyahoga County is paving the way for a brighter, more age-friendly future.
