AGEFRIENDLYTEMPEACTIONPLAN2026-V4.PDF

Tempe’s Age-Friendly Action Plan outlines a 
shared commitment to creating a community 
where older adults can age in place safely, 
stay connected, and access the services 
they need — now and into the future.
Action 
Plan
2026-2030

Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  3
Table of Contents......................................................... 3
Introduction.................................................................. 4
What is the AARP Age-Friendly Designation?.......... 4
Domains of Livability................................................ 4
History........................................................................... 5
Background.............................................................. 5
Mission and Vision Statement.................................... 5
Vision........................................................................ 5
Plan Guiding Principles............................................ 5
Community Demographics......................................... 6
AARP Livability Score................................................. 7
Community Survey...................................................... 7
Key Findings............................................................. 7
Age-Friendly Action Team........................................... 8
Action Plan................................................................... 9
Civic Participation and Employment.............................. 9
Communication and Information............................ 10
Community Support and Health Services...............11
Housing.................................................................. 12
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings............................... 13
Respect and Social Inclusion................................. 14
Social Participation................................................. 15
Transportation........................................................ 16
Table of 
Contents

4  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  5
Introduction
What is the AARP Age-Friendly Designation?
The AARP Age‑Friendly Designation is a national recognition for communities that are actively working to create environments where older adults 
can live safely, stay engaged, and maintain a high quality of life. Rooted in the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age‑Friendly Cities and 
Communities, the designation asks municipalities to look holistically at how housing, transportation, public spaces, health services, social inclusion, 
and civic participation influence residents as they age. To receive this designation, city leaders must formally commit to a multi‑year process that 
includes assessing local needs, creating an action plan, and implementing strategies that support aging residents across eight interconnected 
domains. The designation signals a community’s long‑term dedication to becoming more livable, accessible, and supportive for people of all ages.
Domains of Livability
Background
Vision
Looking ahead, Tempe aims to strengthen and 
expand the systems that make healthy aging 
possible. Through innovative programming, 
continuous collaboration with residents and 
partners, and the development of our second 
Age‑Friendly Action Plan, we are committed to 
creating a city where older adults can age in place 
safely, stay socially connected, contribute their 
skills and experience, and access the services 
they need without barriers. This long‑term vision 
focuses on a livable, welcoming Tempe where 
aging is supported, celebrated, and embraced as 
an essential part of the community.
Plan Guiding Principles
Mission Statement
The City of Tempe is a diverse and livable community and will continue building on its current momentum to become a truly welcoming 
environment for people of all ages and backgrounds by continuing to identify and leverage existing assets while securing new partnerships 
and resources for future opportunities
Mission and
Vision Statement
History
01
03
05
07
02
04
06
08
Civic Participation 
and Employment
Community Support 
and Health Services
Outdoor Spaces 
and Buildings
Social 
Participation
Communication 
and Information
Housing
Respect and Social 
Inclusion
Transportation
Supporting meaningful engagement means 
providing ways for older adults to work, 
volunteer, and stay active in civic life.
Making care and support nearby, 
affordable, and accessible when residents 
face illness, injury, or everyday challenges.
Accessible, well‑designed indoor and 
outdoor spaces help people of all ages 
gather, move safely, and stay connected.
Reducing isolation means offering 
welcoming, affordable ways for people of 
all ages to connect, socialize, and stay 
engaged in their community.
Clear, accessible communication requires 
offering information through a variety of 
formats to ensure everyone stays informed.
Ensuring people can remain in their homes 
and communities’ means offering adaptable 
housing and a variety of options that fit 
different needs, abilities, and budgets.
Creating opportunities for people of all ages 
to connect and learn from one another helps 
everyone feel valued and included.
Transportation options should support people of 
all ages by providing safe sidewalks, crossable 
streets, bike lanes, and a range of transit 
choices beyond driving.
Tempe’s pathway toward becoming an Age‑Friendly community is rooted in its longstanding dedication 
to supporting older residents. That commitment became particularly visible in 2016, when Tempe was 
named Arizona’s first Dementia‑Friendly City. In the years that followed, the city expanded programs 
such as the Dementia Friendly Tempe Memory Café and caregiver support groups, strengthening a 
foundation of services designed to meet the needs of aging adults and their families.
Building on this momentum, Tempe formally launched its Age‑Friendly planning efforts in April 2020 by 
joining the AARP Network of Age‑Friendly Communities. This step initiated a structured planning and 
assessment process that culminated in November 2022, when the city received its official Age‑Friendly 
designation through AARP. The designation reflects Tempe’s ongoing commitment to fostering a 
community where older adults can thrive across all eight domains of active aging.
City Council actions have continued to reinforce this work with the creation of an Age‑Friendly Council 
subcommittee as part of the 2026–2030 strategic plan and the adoption of this Age‑Friendly Tempe 
Action Plan. Together, these efforts highlight Tempe’s steady evolution into a more accessible, inclusive, 
and age‑friendly community.
Older Adult Co-Design - Implement 
continuous feedback loops and participa­
tory decision-making to ensure services 
reflect the lived experiences and prefer­
ences of older adults.
Equity & Inclusion - Prioritize neigh­
borhoods with higher social vulnerability. 
Incorporate multilingual outreach and 
embed disability inclusion into all aspects 
of design and delivery.
Measurement & Evaluation - Establish 
clear baselines and measurable targets. 
Track participation rates, satisfaction 
levels, and progress in reducing barriers 
to access.
Partnerships & Funding - Collaborate 
with city departments, health providers, 
nonprofits, and educational institutions. 
Actively pursue grant opportunities to 
address identified community needs.
Communications - Maintain consistent 
branding and use plain language across 
all materials. Distribute information 
through multiple channels, including print, 
digital, radio, and community partners.

6  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  7
Community 
Demographics
In 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Tempe’s population at 
188,065 people. The city reflects a mix of students, families, working 
professionals, and older adults, creating a community that is both 
dynamic and diverse.
The city’s median household income is $79,663, while 15.8% of 
residents live below the poverty line. Homeownership stands at 
42.3%, with a median owner-occupied home value of $455,400, and 
the median monthly rent is $1,743.
Tempe’s demographic makeup is notably varied, with residents 
identifying across a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. 
While White non Hispanic residents represent just over half of the 
population, the city also includes substantial Hispanic or Latino, Asian, 
Black, and multiracial communities. This blend of economic, cultural, 
and generational diversity contributes to Tempe’s distinct character 
and informs how the city plans for the future. 
The AARP Livability Index evaluates how well communities support 
people of all ages by measuring the intersection of housing, neighborhood 
convenience, environment, transportation, security, and opportunity. The 
index draws on data sources across seven key livability categories to 
assess how effectively each neighborhood meets residents’ needs. The 
result is a clear, data‑driven score that reflects how livable a community is 
and how well it enables people to thrive throughout their lives.
The AARP Livability Score will serve as a benchmark for the City of Tempe, 
tracking annual progress toward creating a community where people 
of all ages can thrive. By 2030, the City aims to reach a score of 55 by 
implementing the strategies outlined in this Action Plan.
As part of Tempe’s Age Friendly designation process, the city conducted 
a comprehensive community needs assessment focused on older adults 
in collaboration with AARP. The Age-Friendly Survey was released in 
September and remained open through mid October, providing valuable 
insight into the experiences and priorities of our older residents. In 
addition to the survey, the Age Friendly Tempe team hosted a series of 
listening sessions at the city’s senior centers and at a local senior living 
community. In total, nearly 350 older adults either completed the survey 
or participated in a listening session.
The feedback provided by older adults played a central role in shaping 
the development of the Action Plan and guiding the work of the 
Age‑Friendly Action Team. Their insights offered a clearer understanding 
of community needs, priorities, and opportunities, ensuring that the plan 
reflects the lived experiences of the residents it is designed to support.
188,065
$79,663
42.3%
15.8%
Population
Median Income
Homeownership
Poverty Rate
EDUCATION LEVEL (> 25)
High school graduate or higher
95.0%
Bachelor’s degree
27.8%
Graduate of professional degree
23.5%
ETHNICITY
White
51.0%
Hispanic or Latino
23.1%
Black
7.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.6%
Asian
9.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
15.8%
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Under $50,000 per year
29%
$50,001 to $99,999 per year
32.5%
$100,000 to $199,999 per year
26.7%
$200,000 or more per year
11.8%
Under $50,000 per year
33.1%
$50,001 to $99,999 per year
35.0%
$100,000 to $199,999 per year
23.1%
$200,000 or more per year
8.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
AARP Livability Score
Community 
Survey
Key
Findings
88%
73%
26%
92%
80%
81%
82%
33%
52%
View Tempe as a positive 
place to live and age
Own their home
67% live in a single-family home.
Need home repairs
(52% among Hispanic/Latino residents).
Say living independently at 
home is very important.
Believe Tempe has well-
maintained, safe public parks.
Concerned rising costs will 
diminish their standard of living.
Of working respondents plan to 
keep working as long as possible.
Turn to their senior center for 
workshops or classes.
would turn to local government 
for older adult resources.
Source: AARP
4%
11%
14%
16%
39%
16%
Under 5 (4%)
20 to 34 years (39%)
50 to 64 years (14%)
5 to 19 years (16%)
35 to 49 years (16%)
65 years and older (11%)
 “Tempe is the best place I’ve ever lived. 
I wish I would have moved here sooner.”

8  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  9
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the development of the AFT Action Plan.
Action Team
Civic Participation
& Employment
COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE
Doreen Garlid
Vice Mayor
Nikki Amberg
Council Member
Randy Keating
Council Member
James DeVary
 Senior Helpers
Dr. Charnise Moore
AllThrive 365
Susan Stephenson
Honor Health
Dr. J. Uriri-Glover
Arizona State University
Lisa Zyriek
Community Member
ACTION TEAM MEMBERS
Bill Armbruster
AARP
Bob Branstetter
Tempe Community Action Agency
Lindsay Bush
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Ramona Cocova
Aster Aging
Shae Correa
Maricopa County Public Health
Patricia Dominguez
 Duet
Carter Ellis
Maricopa County Human Services
Aaron Guest
 Arizona State Univ.
Emla Herring
Tempe community member
Catherine Hollow
City of Tempe
Angela Hughley
OneCommunity
Lucas Jensen
City of Tempe
Patrick Kreuzer
City of Tempe
Melissa Leathers
City of Tempe
Katie Martin
AllThrive365
Stephanie Martinez
City of Tempe
Justin McBride
Duet
Shelbie Meyer
City of Tempe
Mary Mezey
City of Tempe
Mercedes Payne
City of Tempe
Monique Perry
City of Tempe
Marie Raymond
City of Tempe
Erika Read
Maricopa County Human Services
Camden Sahlinger
City of Tempe
Tricia Serlin
Ability 360
Kim Van Nimwegen
Tempe Community Council
Martha Williams
City of Tempe
Shelbe White
Higher Octave Healing
Kim Wilson
Aster Aging
Megan Wilson
City of Tempe
Tailored  Job Fairs
Expand Volunteer 
Pathways
Provide Employment 
Supports
Age-Friendly 
Ambassadors
01
03
02
04
GOAL
Organize job fairs with age-friendly employers to connect 
older adults with inclusive employment opportunities.
GOAL
Expand volunteer pathways that offer flexible roles and 
time-limited opportunities to accommodate older adults’ 
preferences and availability.
GOAL
Provide regular employment support services to help older 
adults build job readiness skills and successfully navigate 
the hiring process.
GOAL
Develop and implement an Age-Friendly Ambassador 
program in collaboration with Arizona State University Next 
Generation Service Corps to recruit and train ambassadors 
who will gather community feedback, co-design programs, 
and advise on city policies and initiatives.
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Maricopa County ARIZONA@Work
•	 Tempe Chamber of Commerce
PARTNERS
•	 Area Agency on Aging
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Community Services Volunteer Program
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Institute for Digital Access and Inclusion (IDIA)
•	 Maricopa County ARIZONA@Work
PARTNERS
•	 Arizona State University Next Generation Service Corps
•	 Community Health and Human Services
STEPS
•	
Identify and engage target employers who demonstrate age-friendly 
policies and practices.
•	
Develop customized outreach and marketing strategies to attract 
older job seekers.
STEPS
•	 Streamline volunteer opportunities to older adults through outreach 
and promotion of roles that are adaptable and time bound.
•	 Promote volunteer opportunities through age-friendly outreach 
channels to increase visibility and engagement.
STEPS
•	
Offer job readiness workshops for older adults
•	
Provide one-on-one resume and job search support
•	
Assist with applications and digital job tools
STEPS
•	 Design ambassador model and plan
•	 Recruit diverse ambassadors
•	 Facilitate training and meetings
•	 Centralize feedback for planning and policy
Grow age-friendly pathways for paid work, entrepreneurship, 
civic leadership, and meaningful volunteer service.
DATE
2027
DATE
2027
DATE
2027
DATE
2028

10  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  11
Communication
& Information
Community 
Health Services
Co-create Messages 
and Materials
Expand CHW Access
(Community Health Workers)
Boost Digital
Literacy
Increase Service
Awareness
Broaden Outreach 
Channels
Expand Emergency 
Planning
Promote Use 
of AZ 211
Implement 
Timeslips
01
01
03
03
02
02
04
04
GOAL
Use plain language, ensuring ADA-compliant and 
culturally responsible content, and seek older adult 
feedback in designs before publishing.
GOAL
Train and deploy CHWs to provide older adult outreach, 
benefits navigation, home visits, and connections to 
social supports.
GOAL
Enhance digital literacy among older adults by providing 
ongoing technology education and partnering with 
organizations to deliver fraud prevention training.
GOAL
Increase community awareness and accessibility 
of existing services by enhancing both digital and 
print-based resource hubs.
GOAL
Expand outreach by utilizing diverse community 
touchpoints and city communication channels to 
increase visibility of Age-Friendly resources.
GOAL
Provide training and educational resources on emergency 
preparedness, incorporate the needs of older adults and 
caregivers, and gather input to support the implementation 
of Tempe’s Emergency Operations Plan
GOAL
Increase awareness and utilization of AZ 211 by 
incorporating it into Age-Friendly communications and 
launching recurring promotional campaigns.
GOAL
Evaluate current programs and identify gaps through 
feedback from older adults and caregivers; implement 
additional services to meet identified needs.
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW)
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department
•	 Unlimited Potential
PARTNERS
•	 AARP
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Institute for Digital Access and Inclusion (IDIA)
•	 Community Services Department-Tempe Public Library
PARTNERS
•	 Area Agency on Aging
•	 Communications and 
Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services
•	 Community Services 
Department
•	 Solari (AZ 211)
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Emergency Management
•	 Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 AllThrive365
•	 Duet
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services
•	 Tempe Community Action 
Agency (TCAA)
•	 Tempe Community 
Council (TCC)
STEPS
•	 Review materials for plain language, ADA accessibility, and cultural 
inclusivity
•	 Gather feedback from older adult Ambassadors on design, clarity, 
and usability before publishing
STEPS
•	 Deploy CHWs for in-home visits to connect older adults to benefits, 
health services, and community resources through a streamlined 
referral network of local partners
STEPS
•	 Partner with Connect Tempe to offer ongoing technology education 
classes that build older adults’ digital confidence and skills
•	 Work with community partners to promote technology resources and 
deliver online safety and fraud prevention training
STEPS
•	 Maintain the Age-Friendly Tempe webpage with current resources and 
service information
•	 Partner with senior centers to establish and maintain print-based 
resource hubs with regularly updated materials
STEPS
•	 Distribute Age-Friendly information through community touchpoints 
(pharmacies, grocery stores, health clinics, faith-based organizations)
•	 Leverage city communication channels (water bill inserts, bus shelters, 
local media) for broader reach and consistent messaging
STEPS
•	 Promote City informational sessions on emergency planning, including 
evacuation procedures and resource access for older adults
•	 Engage Age-Friendly Ambassadors to review and provide input on 
emergency planning materials
STEPS
•	 Promote AZ 211 consistently across communications and 
recurring outreach campaigns as a key community resource
•	 Coordinate Ambassador meetings to provide training and 
foster collaboration
STEPS
•	 Recruit and engage partners to participate in the TimeSlips program 
and training.
•	 Integrate TimeSlips storytelling sessions into community 
programming through trained partners, monitoring implementation 
and engagement outcomes.
Deliver timely, trusted information co-created with 
older adults and accessible across languages, 
literacy levels, and formats.
Coordinate accessible, culturally responsive health and 
social supports that older adults can easily access.
DATE
2027
DATE
2027
DATE
2028
DATE
2028
DATE
2027
DATE
2028
DATE
2029
DATE
2029

12  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  13
Housing
Outdoor Spaces 
and Buildings
Address Financial 
Security
Develop an Age/Dementia-
Friendly Park
Promote ADUs
(Accessory Dwelling Units)
Install “Buddy 
Benches”
Home Modification 
Supports
Park Safety & 
Accessibility
01
01
03
03
02
02
GOAL
Expand safe, affordable and age-friendly housing 
options that support aging in place and housing stability 
for older adults.
GOAL
Secure funding for park design and components. 
Co‑design, build, and open a park that offers space for 
respite, physical activity, and social connection, with an 
inclusive, ADA‑accessible design.
GOAL
Increase awareness of the City of Tempe AARP 
Community Challenge ADU design plans through 
informational materials and virtual sessions to support 
aging in place and flexible housing options.
GOAL
Highlight the ASU Buddy Bench as a volunteer opportunity 
for older adults and explore adding City-maintained buddy 
benches in alignment with the Parks Master Plan.
GOAL
Establish formal referral partnerships for home safety 
assessments, funding assistance, and home modification 
programs to help older adults remain safely in their homes.
GOAL
Conduct regular accessibility reviews in alignment with the 
Tempe ADA Transition Plan and annual ADOT reporting to 
ensure compliance and address community needs.
PARTNERS
•	 Area Agency on Aging
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA)
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Community Services Department 
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Development
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Community Services Department 
PARTNERS
•	 AllThrive365
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office
•	 Community Services Department 
STEPS
•	 Promote financial counseling, benefits navigation, and emergency 
aid resources through Age-Friendly outreach channels
•	 Develop and distribute culturally inclusive materials highlighting utility 
assistance programs for older adults during peak summer months
STEPS
•	 Prepare a proposal, identify grant opportunities, and collaborate with 
city planners to include the park in CIP
•	 Gather community feedback on dementia-friendly design elements 
(quiet zones, wayfinding, amenities)
•	 Implement design features that promote accessibility and comfort
STEPS
•	 Organize an online informational session to educate residents 
about ADU benefits, design options, and permitting processes
•	 Create and share handouts, brochures, and digital content 
highlighting ADU plans through age-friendly outreach channels.
STEPS
•	 Collaborate with ASU to recruit older adult volunteers, share program 
details through community channels, and encourage participation.
•	 Explore grants, sponsorships, and other funding options to support 
“buddy bench” installation; ensure placement and design align with 
long-term park planning and accessibility goals.
STEPS
•	 Formalize internal and external partnerships to streamline referrals 
for home safety assessments and modification services
•	 Use Age-Friendly outreach channels and promotional materials to 
share resources, funding assistance, and ensure equitable access 
for underserved populations
STEPS
•	 Ongoing accessibility reviews of park facilities to ensure compliance 
with ADA standards and identify areas for improvement.
•	 Identify community feedback via the Parks Commission and public 
comments and prioritize actions to maintain safe and inclusive 
environments.
Expand safe, affordable, and age-friendly 
housing options that support aging in place 
and housing stability for older adults.
Create safe, inclusive, and universally accessible 
environments where older adults can confidently navigate, 
connect, and thrive.
DATE
2027
DATE
2030
DATE
2027
DATE
2030
DATE
2027
DATE
2030
We are so thankful for the police 
and park rangers.”
I don’t know what I’m going to do in 
10 years when I need the help.”

14  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  15
Respect &
Inclusion
Social
Participation
Increase Program 
Awareness
Reach Homebound 
Adults
Provide Inclusivity & 
Cultural Responsiveness 
Training
Refresh Senior 
Spaces
Intergenerational 
Connections
Modernize Terminology
Promote Arts & Culture
01
01
03
03
04
02
02
GOAL
Launch an ongoing campaign that highlights 
intergenerational and dementia-friendly offerings to 
broaden community participation.
GOAL
Evaluate current programs and identify gaps through 
feedback from older adults and caregivers; implement 
additional services to meet identified needs.
GOAL
Equip City staff with knowledge on ageism, disability 
inclusion, and dementia awareness to foster an inclusive 
and supportive environment.
GOAL
Refresh facilities as “age-friendly hubs” using resources 
from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National 
Institute of Senior Centers and actively seek input from 
older adults to ensure offerings meet their needs and 
preferences.
GOAL
Review existing intergenerational programs and identify 
opportunities to expand offerings, such as mentoring, 
makerspaces, and story circles in collaboration with youth-
serving organizations.
GOAL
Adopt “Older Adult” and “Age-Friendly” language 
across programs, signage, and communications, 
following guidance from the National Council on Aging 
(NCOA) toolkit.
GOAL
Increase awareness of available offerings and collaborate 
with senior living communities to provide accessible group 
transportation to events.
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
PARTNERS
•	 AllThrive365
•	 Communications and 
Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services
•	 Duet
•	 Tempe Community Action 
Agency (TCAA)
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office
•	 Human Resources Department
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Community Services Department
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human Services
•	 Community Services Department
PARTNERS
•	 Communications and 
Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services

•	 National Center to 
Reframe Aging
•	 National Council on 
Aging
PARTNERS
•	 Community Health and Human 
Services
•	 Community Services 
Department
•	 Friendship Village
•	 Mirabella
•	 Tempe Community Action 
Agency (TCAA)
STEPS
•	 Develop and maintain a multi-channel campaign to showcase 
programs.
•	 Grow subscriber base of Age-Friendly Tempe Newsletter through 
partnerships and optimize content for accessibility and engagement.
STEPS
•	 Deploy CHWs to provide outreach, resource navigation, and in-home 
support for homebound older adults
•	 Collaborate with local agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare providers 
to align resources and streamline referrals
•	 Partner with meal delivery and volunteer programs to connect with 
and support isolated older adults
STEPS
•	 Develop and deliver dementia education training that includes practical 
strategies for communication, accessibility, and general dementia 
education information.
•	 Continue offering training sessions that emphasize cultural 
responsiveness and updating content regularly to reflect community 
needs and best practices. 
STEPS
•	 Apply best practices to refresh spaces and promote centers as 
vibrant, age-friendly hubs.
•	 Use informal feedback, staff feedback, and Age-Friendly 
Ambassadors to identify desired activities and ensure offerings 
remain relevant and inclusive.
•	
STEPS
•	 Review existing initiatives and explore partnerships to introduce 
additional activities that promote meaningful interaction between 
older adults and youth.
•	 Launch pilot programs such as mentoring sessions, collaborative art 
projects, and storytelling circles to create inclusive spaces for shared 
learning and engagement.
STEPS
•	 Review digital and print content to ensure terminology aligns with 
inclusive, age-friendly standards
•	 Explore training opportunities to help staff consistently use inclusive 
language in marketing and outreach
•	 Establish an ongoing review process to maintain inclusive language 
and accessible design in all materials
STEPS
•	 Work with local senior living communities to share event information, 
coordinate group attendance, and encourage engagement in arts and 
cultural programs
•	 Explore transportation options such as volunteer driver programs or 
partnerships with transit providers to ensure older adults can easily 
access events.
Foster a culture that values aging, combats 
ageism, and welcomes older adults within 
community life.
Expand low-cost, accessible, and welcoming 
opportunities for older adults to connect and 
participate at and beyond senior centers
DATE
2027
DATE
2027
DATE
2030
DATE
2028
DATE
2029
DATE
2028
DATE
2028
I wouldn’t even know where to 
begin to look for resources.”

16  |  Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030
Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan 2026–2030  |  17
Transportation
Expand Volunteer-Led 
Rides
Strengthen Accessible 
Parking
Safe Driving Support
Sidewalk Accessibility
01
03
02
04
GOAL
Explore volunteer-led programs with non-profits, senior 
centers, faith groups. Promote community on reduced 
fare options and explore satellite options for 55+ to 
apply for reduced fare passes.
GOAL
Assess accessible parking availability in alignment with 
the ADA Transition Plan and enhance public education on 
proper use of disability parking.
GOAL
Provide regular evidence-based safe driver courses 
geared to older adults.
GOAL
Collaborate with transportation to prioritize enhancements 
in high-density areas with 55+ populations by adding 
shaded transit shelters and implementing clear scooter 
regulations for sidewalks.
PARTNERS
•	 AARP
•	 Area Agency on Aging
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services

•	 Community Services 
Department
•	 Transportation and 
Sustainability Department
•	 Valley Metro
PARTNERS
•	 Commission on Disability 
Concerns
•	 Communications and 
Marketing Office
•	 Community Health and Human 
Services
•	 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
Office
•	 Transportation and 
Sustainability Office
PARTNERS
•	 AARP
•	 Community Health and 
Human Services
•	 Community Services 
Department

•	 Transportation and 
Sustainability Department
•	 Valley Metro
PARTNERS
•	 Transportation and Sustainability Office
STEPS
•	 Build collaborations with nonprofits, senior centers, and faith groups 
to support volunteer-led and community ride options
•	 Promote reduced fare options through targeted outreach and 
educational campaigns at partner locations
•	 Host events where older adults can conveniently apply for reduced 
fare passes
STEPS
•	 Ensure accessibility of existing parking facilities with ADA standards 
and ensure ADA alignment with Tempe Transportation Plan 2050.
•	 Develop a public education campaign to raise awareness about proper 
use of disability parking spaces and ADA requirements.
STEPS
•	 Continue to offer safe driving support classes with AARP at Pyle Adult 
Recreation Center
•	 Explore opportunities to partner with organizations that support safe-
driving, public transportation, and senior driving safety programs.
STEPS
•	 Align with the Tempe Transportation Plan 2050 by prioritizing 
improvements in high-density areas with 55+ populations.
•	 Develop and implement clear regulations for scooter safety and 
sidewalk accessibility based on recommendations from the Motorized 
and Electric Mobility Device Safety Council Subcommittee
Ensure safe, affordable, and accessible transportation 
options across Tempe, allowing older adults to access 
essential services and social opportunities.
DATE
2029
DATE
2030
DATE
2028
DATE
2030

Get in Touch
Phone
480-350-5556 
Email
AFT@tempe.gov
tempe.gov/AgeFriendly