LIVABLE COMMUNITIES FORUM Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Best Western Premier, 3559 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002 Registration & Breakfast: 7:30am – 8:30am Program: 8:30am – 12pm On behalf of AARP, The City of Alton and Senior Services Plus we would like to invite you to a Livable Communities Forum. As a growing number of Americans age, local officials and community organizations are looking for solutions to best support those who want to remain in their homes and neighborhoods. Communities that provide supportive features and services such as affordable and accessible housing, a safe travel environment for drivers and pedestrians, proximity to social activities and economic opportunities, and access to quality healthcare enhance the quality of life for all residents. Local leaders are working diligently to prepare for an aging population and are partnering with AARP to meet this challenge. AARP Illinois will host a Livable Communities Solution Forum to discuss local efforts in Madison County and the surrounding area to make communities more livable and how new tools like the AARP Livability Index: Great Neighborhoods for All Ages can support this work. The Livability Index, an online tool, allows people to determine how well their communities are meeting their current and future needs. The Livability Index scores communities on 60 indicators across seven categories: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. You can check out your community at the following website: https://livabilityindex.aarp.org/. National expert Mike Watson, Manager of Livable Communities from AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs, along with Mayor Brant Walker will lead the discussion. Other presenters will describe how local policies and programs are building livable communities across the area. Local Panelists include: Brett Stawar-Convention and Visitor Bureau Amanda Smith- Madison County Transit Mike Rathgeb-Spencer Homes LLC John Becker-SSP Dr. Dale Chapman-LCCC Monica Bristow- Riverbend Growth Association Nathan Grimm -The Telegraph Ajay Pathak- OSF Hospital RSVP by October 13th to: https://aarp.cvent.com/AltonLivableCommunities or call: 1-877-926-8300 We look forward to seeing you on October 25th. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have and also feel free to share with others in your networks. Julie Vahling, Associate State Director AARP IL, 217-213-7069