Brisbane launched new age-friendly resources, expanded transportation options, and engaged older adults to guide the community’s Age-Friendly Action Plan.
Overview
Strong partnerships and engagement with community members, city officials, and others have led to meaningful progress toward making the City of Brisbane age friendly. As part of this progress, Brisbane created new resources, expanded transportation programs, and implemented plans to enhance outdoor spaces to make the City safer and more accessible for older adults.
The Challenge
Brisbane had a head start in developing an Age-Friendly Action Plan as the city held several focus groups with diverse populations as part of becoming a member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly State and Communities in 2023. Completing a community-level action plan with clear, strategic goals and direction for the city faced challenges due to other priorities.
The Approach
With the enthusiastic support of one City Councilmember, and a California Local Aging and Disability Action Planning (LADAP) grant,the city’s age-friendly work accelerated. The community identified transportation, outdoor spaces, and social participation as top local priorities. Community engagement efforts led to the development of a concise, realistic action plan, which was presented to the City Council in January 2025, and later adopted., Center for Age Friendly Excellence (CAFÉ), and a California Local Aging and Disability Action Planning (LADAP) grant, the city’s age-friendly work accelerated. The community identified transportation, outdoor spaces, and social participation as top local priorities. Community engagement efforts led to the development of a concise, realistic action plan, which was presented to the City Council in January 2025, and later adopted.
“The quality and number of programs are good; I also enjoy
the new intergenerational events.”
- City of Brisbane Community Member
The Results
The Brisbane Age-Friendly Action Plan prompted active dialogue among City Council members and a commitment to implement the Plan. Additionally, the city developed an Brisbane Age-Friendly Action Plan with information including the Monday Lunches program, Senior Club events, and the Senior Sunrise Room community activities. The city also allotted funding to increase resident participation in the “Got Wheels!” program, a transportation partnership with Yellow Sierra Cab that allows adults over age 70 receive discounted rates for rides. In March 2025, the city held an Age-Friendly Action Plan launch event that drew more than 40 older adults who brought energy and ideas for future projects — a clear sign of progress toward a more age-friendly Brisbane.
“A shuttle is needed for older adults to participate in our community, get to our appointments, and perform day-to-day chores. Also, a shuttle is better for our environment than having too many cars on the road.”
- City of Brisbane Community Member
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