Communities for All Ages

The Communities for All Ages (CFAA) Recognition Program helps communities respond to the increase in the older adult population. Participating communities are encouraged to work through three levels of activities and corresponding recognition: Bronze, Silver and Gold; the full list of requirements and application for recognition is below. A city may work through the Recognition Program with or without technical assistance from MARC. If your city would like assistance, please contact us.

Bronze Level recognition requirements

The Bronze Level is designed to build awareness of the city’s intention to engage in age-friendly work.

1. Browse the Digital Toolkit, connect with other cities and meet with staff at your city to get a plan in place.
2. Establish a task force or department that will oversee the completion of tasks.
3. Work with your city council to adopt a resolution to become a Community for All Ages.
4. Make a presentation to governing bodies, department staff and relevant commissions on the Communities for all Ages program.
5. Hold a public meeting or listening session to discuss Communities for All Ages issues and get community feedback.
6. Conduct a resident survey to obtain perspectives on community needs related to aging.
7. Create a Communities for All Ages section on your website to publish your progress.

Silver Level recognition requirements

The Silver level is designed to compare your cities existing policies, programs and processes against best practices. The process will highlight opportunities for the city to implement new policies and ideas. 

1. Establish a task force for self-assessment, generally a mix of cross-departmental staff and subject matter experts. 

2. Hold five self-assessment meetings, one focused on each domain of impact, utilizing and completing the Communities for All Ages Checklist (Workbook) to facilitate each meeting.

• Public Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
• Housing and Commercial Development  
• Transportation and Mobility  
• Social Engagement, Communication and Contribution
• Community and Health Services

3. Generate a final report of goals and actions items that arise from discussion.

Gold Level recognition requirements

Utilizing recommendations generated during the Silver Level process, adopt a Communities for All Ages plan OR incorporate Communities for All Ages principles into a major city plan or project (comprehensive, parks and recreation, communications, park design, public building design, etc.). Gold Level projects should have actionable Communities for All Ages principles and goals clearly defined.

Award maintenance and continued engagement

Requirements to maintain recognition status:

1. Annual report of CFAA progress to program manager (all levels).
2. Bi-annual update of CFAA progress to governing body, department staff and relevant commissions (Gold Level only).
3. Cities who received their Gold Level ten or more years ago must go through the Silver Level self-assessment process again to maintain recognition status.

Optional activities for ongoing engagement:

• Establish an ongoing CFAA/aging task force to ensure implementation of goals.
• Hold community focus groups or engagement opportunities on CFAA goals.
• Attend quarterly peer city meetings.
• Attend Communities for All Ages educational workshops (three offered annually).
• Share your progress through social media and other communication channels.