Findlay signs on to 'age-friendly' initiative

FINDLAY — Findlay has signed up to receive expert guidance on how well the city supports residents at every stage of life, and what changes could strengthen housing, transportation and livability conditions as the community continues to age. Findlay City Council voted 10-0 in regular session on Aug. 4 to join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Joining the network places Findlay into a structured process that begins with a baseline assessment of age-friendly conditions, including housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, social participation and other factors. The process is expected to include community engagement, development of an action plan and periodic progress reporting. These steps are standard requirements for all participating communities. Councilman Dan DeLong, R-7, said the initiative carries no immediate cost to the city but could require future council action if expenditures arise. "50 North is going to take over and do a lot of this," he said. "But in the future if there are some things that we have to do to follow through on this then it will go to council, and it will have to be approved as far as expenditures. But as of right now there's no expense to the city for this." In a letter to council dated June 16, Mayor Christina Muryn urged approval of the measure, writing that "it is important that we remain intentional about ensuring Findlay is a place where residents of all ages can thrive." She said the program is "fundamentally about creating communities that work better for everyone," citing safer pedestrian connections, housing options, access to services, stronger social connections and more inclusive engagement. Muryn noted that the priorities align with findings from the Findlay Forward strategic planning process and pointed to demographic trends, writing that "approximately one-third of Hancock County residents are age 50 or older." She said joining the network will give Findlay access to a nationally recognized framework, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning and best practices from more than 1,000 communities, as well as potential funding opportunities such as the AARP Community Challenge grant program. Her letter also emphasized that joining the network does not commit the city to future spending, staffing or capital projects. "Membership simply allows Findlay to participate in the planning process and access available resources," she wrote, adding that any future proposals would still come before council through normal budgeting processes. Muryn said the staff and volunteers at 50 North have offered to coordinate surveys, engagement activities, action planning and reporting. The city's role, she wrote, will be "primarily one of partnership and support."