TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary subsequent documents or subsequent amendments, including amending the grant award, with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), to accept and expend funding in a total amount not to exceed $30,000 for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant - Transportation Demonstration Grant Program, for a 5-month period, estimated to begin June 28, 2023 through November 30, 2023, with an option to extend for an additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant - Transportation Demonstration Grant, provides grant funding for the Healthy Aging Center to offer free transportation to Long Beach residents (age 50+) to access essential services. This program works to improve health and well-being outcomes for older adults, reduce barriers to accessing essential services, lessen the financial burden associated with traditional transportation options, and combat social isolation by encouraging re-engagement with their community following the COVID-19 pandemic/Stay-at-Home orders. Eligible rides will include trips to/from medical and dental appointments, pharmacy/prescription pick up, grocery shopping, nutrition programs, congregate meal sites, public social services agencies, mental health services, banking centers, and more.
The goal of the Transportation Demonstration Grant is to advance solutions that build capacity toward transportation systems change. There is a growing need in the community for alternative options for on-demand rides for older adults. The barriers that older adults face with existing transportation options range from apprehension and digital competencies around utilizing app-based rides, cost of bus fare, public transportation location, time spent at bus stops, safety, environmental conditions, reduced ability to safely drive, delays associated with rides from medical providers/insurance, eligibility limitations for application-based transport services, reduced independence and flexibility when soliciting rides from family/friends. These difficulties may be alleviated through a safe, convenient, and free transportation option for our aging community by way of this grant funding.
Participants will access this service by contacting the Healthy Aging Center (HAC), a hub for local older adult resources and case management services. By extension, the HAC will see enhancement of case management services offered through the HAC (by a Public Health Nurse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker) by providing transportation to services directly related to the goals/needs outlined in the client’s Individual Service Plan.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on July 11, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on July 13, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 1, 2023, to provide program services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the period estimated to begin June 28, 2023 through November 30, 2023. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. No match or in-kind service is required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER