| | | NPSG13-134 | | Preparing for the Boomers and Beyond: Strategies for Creating Communities for All Ages Speakers: Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer, N4A; Rodney Harrell, Strategic Policy Advisor, Public Policy Institute, AARP; Jana Lynott, Strategic Policy Advisor, Public Policy Institute, AARP; Laura Keyes, Community Development Manager, Atlanta Regional Commission. Kathy Sykes, Aging Initiative Senior Advisor, U.S. EPA Many communities are facing aging of their populations. How do communities ensure that all residents, regardless of age, ethnicity, income or physical ability are able to benefit from livability improvements? The leading edge of the Baby Boom generation began turning 65 years old in 2011. By 2030, the Census Bureau projects that over 72 million people and 19% of the population will be in that age group. However, as communities age along with their populations, many are not prepared to deal with the challenges that their residents will face. Experts on creating healthy, sustainable communities for older adults and people of all ages discuss the challenges facing communities and solutions that states and communities are using to address these challenges. Research and examples of successful efforts at the national, state and local levels are highlighted. | | MP3 | | $10.00 | | $10.00 | |
| | | NPSG13-112 | | Greening Rural Communities: Smart Growth, Sustainability & Small to Mid-sized Town Neighborhood Development in North Carolina Speakers: Frank Wilson, Mayor, City of Bolton, NC; Terry Bellamy, Mayor, City of Ashville, NC. Moderator: Deeohn Ferris, President, Sustainable Community Development Group, Inc. The challenges of transitioning to the new more energy-efficient economy and achieving smart growth and sustainable development take on different dimensions in rural and small municipalities due to smaller economies. Transitioning to a green economy is complicated by the challenges of attracting and retaining employers, the tax base, and the scale of rural unemployment. Mayors are the front-line policy decision-makers at the local level who are responsible for ensuring that all citizens benefit from the tools and resources of the emerging green economy while addressing key issues that principally affect distressed neighborhoods. In this session, rural and small to mid-sized town mayors discuss ways that their development strategies have addressed equity issues in North Carolina communities. The audience is encouraged to share rural and small to mid-sized town initiatives that have worked in other states, challenges, best practices and lessons learned. | | MP3 | | $10.00 | | $10.00 | |
