Municipal leaders to participate in forum on 'silver tsunami'

Hartford — Municipal leaders from throughout Connecticut will participate in a Nov. 1 forum designed to help them prepare for the “silver tsunami” generated by the state’s soaring population of older adults.

“Livable Communities for All Ages,” sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Aging and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Legislative Office Building, adjacent to the state Capitol.

The forum, which is free and open to the public, will feature presentations by state and national experts, discussion sessions and time for questions and answers. It is presented in partnership with the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and the state chapter of the American Planning Association.

“This is a great opportunity for elected officials, town managers, planners and other community leaders to share concerns, success stories and ideas to help them gear up for unprecedented demographic changes that are already affecting our state and nation,” said Julia Evans Starr, executive director of the Commission on Aging.

In addition to the municipal leaders, state and local policymakers, representatives from the public and private sectors and other key stakeholders will explore how the growing older adult population affects housing, economic development, community support systems, civic engagement, “walk-ability,” wellness, safety and personal economic security.

“Our municipal leaders want their communities to be ‘livable’ for people of all ages and positive changes they make help accomplish that goal,” said James Finley Jr., executive director and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. “The forum offers attendees an opportunity to review best practices across the state and nation and to share success stories as well as concerns.”

The keynote address will be presented by Coralette Hannon, senior legislative representative from the national office of AARP.

Speakers will include Gina Calabro, director of member services and marketing for CCM; James L. Lisher, chairman of the New Canaan Health and Human Services Commission; Nancy Roberts, president of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy; and Dawn Lambert, director of the Money Follows the Person program at the state Department of Social Services.

To register or for information, call (860) 240-5200 or send an email to: coa@cga.ct.gov.