Town hall aims to make city work for all ages

Experts and city leaders will discuss ways to make Chattanooga more “livable” during a town hall meeting at the Family Justice Center on Wednesday afternoon.

The City of Chattanooga has joined the AARP in its Livable Communities initiative, which aims “for the communities where we live to be communities for people of all ages and life stages,” according to the AARP website.

Livable communities are, among other things, safe, with affordable housing, transportation options and supportive services.

“We’re going to work as a city on those things, so people who age can work, live and play in Chattanooga,” said James McKissic, director of multicultural affairs for the city.

Rob Naylor, a spokesman for AARP Tennessee, said that although one of the main purposes behind creating livable communities is to

allow older adults to age in place, all residents will benefit.

“Whether you’re 23 or 83, the community is better suited toward living in general,” he said. “It’s something we can all participate in in terms of making a difference.”

The town hall will allow community members to brainstorm along with expert panelists, Mayor Andy Berke and other officials.

McKissic said he hopes that a broad cross-section of people will join Wednesday’s conversation.

“I think a lot of times we focus on bringing new people to the city,” he said. “We hear a lot about millennials, but we also have to acknowledge that we have a very active and strong group of people over 50.”