260127_AGEFRIENDLYPLAN MEETING MINUTES.PDF

City of Tempe — Regular City Council Meeting (2026-03-26)

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Minutes of the Age-Friendly Plan Council Subcommittee meeting held on Jan. 27, 2026, 
4:00 p.m., Hybrid Meeting - Pyle Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave. and virtually 
through Microsoft Teams 
 
Members Present: 
 
Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid – Chair 
Councilmember Nikki Amberg 
Councilmember Randy Keating 
 
City Staff Present: 
Parrish Spisz, Council Assistant 
Lisette Camacho, Deputy City Manager 
Keith Burke, Deputy City Manager 
Eric Anderson, City Attorney 
Velicia McMillan Humes, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office 
Mary Mezey, Deputy Director, Community Health and Human Services 
Megan Wilson, Program Manager, Community Health and Human Services 
Camden Sahlinger, Coordinator, Community Health and Human Services 
Eric Iwersen, Director, Transportation & Sustainability  
Susie Steckner, Public Information Officer 
Tanya Chavez, Mayor & Council Relations Director 
Jessica Jupitus, Deputy Director, Community Services 
Alexander Jovanovic, Deputy Director, Community Services 
Mariana Pena, Mayor’s Assistant 
Keaton Hill, Council Assistant 
Kimberly Sotelo, Senior Management Assistant 
 
Stakeholders: 
Lisa Zyriek 
Dr. Charnise Moore 
Dr. Johannah Uriri-Glover 
 
Members of the Public: 
Joy Visser 
Michelle Hirsch 
 
Call to Order: 4:08 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
Minutes  
Age-Friendly Plan Council Subcommittee 
Jan. 27, 2026

Agenda Item 1 – Public Appearances 
None. 
 
Agenda Item 2 – Approve Dec. 2 Meeting Minutes 
Councilmember Keating motioned to approve minutes, seconded by Councilmember Amberg. 
Minutes approved 3-0. 
 
 
Agenda Item 3 – AARP Livability Index Presentation 
Staff presented on the updated AARP Livability Index and how the Tempe community scores 
nationally. The index is based on the eight domains of livability that are used to develop the 5-
year age-friendly action plan: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, civic participation 
and employment, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, social 
participation, health services and community support, and housing. 
 
Scoring is on a 0-100 scale. Highest score nationally was 73. Tempe scored 50, two points 
higher than the national average of 48. There are some factors out of the control of the City that 
may affect scoring. 
 
 
Agenda Item 4 – Drafting the Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 
Staff presented a draft plan for Subcommittee review and direction. It is based on five planning 
principles: Older Adult Co-Design, Equity and Inclusion, Measurement and Evaluation, 
Partnerships and Funding, and Communications. Goals and objectives were highlighted. The 
Cities goal for the next 5-years is to increase the score by 10% to 55. A timeline was provided. 
Councilmember Amberg asked about the need for progress reports and accountability. This will 
be discussed at the next Subcommittee meeting. It was noted that AARP checks in periodically 
to ensure the City is in compliance with the plan to retain certification. It was agreed that regular 
updates to Council will come through Friday packets and Work Study Sessions. Vice Mayor 
Garlid asked staff if they could look at what other cities are doing to improve intergenerational 
programs, like story time. Councilmember Amberg suggested talking with ASU about a 
partnership to offer skills training for older adults seeking employment. Vice Mayor Garlid wants 
to ensure we are doing what we can to increase outreach in connecting with the residents who 
need these services. The Subcommittee agreed that this draft was ready to move forward to the 
Council Work Study Session on May 4 for final Council direction. 
 
Agenda Item 5 – Future Agenda Items 
Project Plan for accountability and progress updates. 
 
Next meeting date: Feb. 24, at 4:00 p.m.  
 
 
Meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m. 
Prepared by:   Parrish Spisz, Council Assistant, (480) 350-8599 
Reviewed by: Tanya Chavez, Mayor and Council Relations Director, (480) 858-2215