Livable Communities of Oneida County Progress Report & Action Plan Released

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. has announced the release of the Livable Communities of Oneida County Progress Report and Action Plan to highlight the past five years and chart a course for continued progress in building an age-friendly, inclusive community.  

“Since enrolling in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2016, we have been working across all eight outlined ‘domains of livability’ to address the needs of our growing aging population in Oneida County,” Picente said. “The Livable Communities initiative promotes age-friendly planning and policies that enable residents of all ages and abilities to lead healthy, active and engaged lives.”

Livable Communities of Oneida County is a collaborative project led by the County in partnership with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and 50 Forward Mohawk Valley. Its Steering Committee and Work Groups include representatives from Oneida County Departments of Planning, Health and Mental Health, Office of Aging and Continuing Care and Family and Community Services, as well as municipalities, nonprofit agencies and other community partners across the County. The Community Work Group is comprised of older adult residents of Oneida County.

The Progress Report reflects five years of work across eight domains of livability, including civic engagement, social participation, outdoor spaces, health and community services, housing, transportation, communication and inclusion. Achievements include:

• Launch of the Volunteer Resource Center connecting residents with meaningful service opportunities that benefit older adults.
• Expanded health and wellness programs with over 2,200 class hours and 560 unique participants.
• Creation of a comprehensive directory of senior housing options and housing-related resources for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Age-friendly enhancements to public spaces such as Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica and the City of Rome’s downtown pop-up project.
• Development of AgeNet, a digital information system for seniors at local centers, and expanded communication tools including a dedicated website and social media.
• Intergenerational programs and an ageism awareness campaign promoting respect and inclusion for older adults.

Building on this foundation, the Action Plan outlines new and continuing goals shaped by community input and updated assessments. Key priorities include:

• Expanding volunteer opportunities and employment pathways for older adults.
• Increasing access to health, wellness and preventive education programs.
• Strengthening communication through resource directories, monthly newsletters and technology training.
• Developing housing supports such as home repair services and a wheelchair ramp program.
• Advancing safe and accessible outdoor spaces through partnerships with municipalities.
• Improving knowledge of transportation options and resources.
• Continuing campaigns to combat ageism and increase positive visibility of older adults in local media.

“Oneida County remains committed to creating communities that are welcoming, supportive and accessible for people of all ages,” Picente said. “The accomplishments of the past five years show what is possible when government, nonprofits and residents work together. The new Action Plan ensures that this progress continues as we address future needs.”

The full Progress Report and Action Plan are available here.