FUTURE LANDSCAPES

1. FUTURE LANDSCAPES The effects of changing demographics

2. Background

3. Our region is changing • Demographic facts: • Rapid growth of the older population • Increasing immigration • Flexible, creative policies are the response to this increasing diversity • “Change is the only constant” • Maintaining an innovative, competitive workforce will be the key to a thriving, prosperous region

4. Are you a baby boomer?

5. Baby boomer quiz: True or false? • The majority of boomers plan to work in some capacity during their retirement years • The top two boomer concerns about retirement are “being lonely” and “not being able to drive”

6. 1980 2040 2030 1970 1990 2000 2010 2020 1960 > > > > > > > > Aging of the U.S. baby boomer generation 1950 > Source: US Census Bureau

7. Growth of the “very old” (85+) population is particularly dramatic 0.4% 1.5% 3.9% 1950 2000 2040 Source: US Census Bureau

8. Local growth of the age 60+ population 2004 - 2009 Broomfield 41% Boulder County 24% Denver 10% Gilpin County 46% Adams County 19% Jefferson County 18% Clear Creek County 40% Arapahoe County 26% Douglas County 60%

9. Most boomers say they want to “age in community” . . . but communities are not generally set up for successful aging

10. Even today, we are not meeting the needs of our region’s seniors Percent of the older population facing problems

11. A huge gap exists between needs and funding for aging services Current and projected costs to meet identified needs ($ millions) 2006 funding level: $8 million

12. Our region’s seniors are not getting their fair share of funding • Our region has 52% of the state’s population over 60, but receives only 47% of the funding • DRCOG is the only region in the state with long-term waiting lists for services • $3.2 million needed annually just to clear the current waiting list for services: • Home-delivered meals • In-home services • Household assistance • Personal care

13. As the U.S.-born population ages, immigration brings new families with new needs

14. U.S. foreign-born population • Increasing since 1970s • Back to levels typical of early 20th century • Substantially different • Past migrants – Europe • Today’s migrants – Latin America, Asia • More diverse ethnically, racially, culturally, linguistically • As boomers retire, immigrants will account for increasing share of the workforce

15. Most of our region’s immigrants are from Latin America Percent of the Denver region’s immigrant population by place of birth

16. Net population change in Denver metro area by race and Hispanic or Latino origin, 2000-2005

17. Latin-American immigrants are more likely to live in poverty and suffer from disabilities Source: US Census Bureau

18. Latin-American immigrants have less access to vehicles and are more likely to take transit Source: US Census Bureau

19. Latin-American immigrants are less likely to attend college or speak English fluently

20. Latin-American immigrants are more likely to live in households with children Source: US Census Bureau

21. Latin-American immigrants are more likely to rent homes and live in multifamily housing Source: US Census Bureau

22. Latin-American immigrants tend to live in larger households Source: US Census Bureau

23. Policy implications

24. Flexible, creative public policy • Policies supporting a diversity of options • Housing • Transportation • Human services • Policies that support a united regional economy • Globally competitive

25. Diverse housing options • “Livable Communities” • Affordable • Multifamily • Assisted-living senior housing • Family-friendly housing • Located near transit • Communities that enable all to be active, independent, productive members of society

26. Diverse transportation options • Transit • Specialized transportation for elderly, people with disabilities • Pedestrian and bicycle facilities • Safe lighting, street design • Connectivity

27. Diverse human services • Senior centers • Workforce training • Day care • Bi-lingual education • Dispersed into immigrant neighborhoods and accessible by transit

28. Maintaining a competitive workforce • Able to retain the knowledge of the boomer generation • Able to compete for skilled labor in a shrinking pool • “Place” matters • Able to support local businesses to be competitive in a global marketplace

29. Maintaining a competitive region • Able to retain our region’s unique sense of “place” and quality of life • Key to attracting/retaining skilled workers

30. Action items

31. Early action items • Advocate at federal, state and local levels for needed resources • Meet with representatives • Testify at hearings • Meet with editorial boards, other members of the press

32. Early action items • Complete and disseminate livable communities development guidelines • Strengthen Metro Vision policies • Help local governments incorporate into comprehensive plans

33. Early action items • Adopt and distribute findings of DRCOG’s EPA-funded smart growth and aging study • Barriers to senior-friendly development • Case studies senior-friendly land-use codes • Seek funding for similar study of immigrant needs

34. Early action items • Formulate a comprehensive outreach program • Raise awareness of demographic changes and implications • Work with other non-profits to engage seniors and immigrant community in Metro Vision process

35. Longer-term efforts • Work to secure long-term funding for aging services commensurate with needs • Track and highlight best practices within and outside the region • Research issues related to attracting and developing a competitive workforce