The Dallas Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss the ongoing development of a strategic plan aimed at enhancing services for the city's aging population. The meeting highlighted the importance of effective communication and accessibility of information for older adults, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to address their diverse needs.

Consultants Rick Henley and Jason Wright presented an overview of the strategic plan's progress, which is divided into three phases. They reported that the first phase has been completed, focusing on assessing the current state of services available to seniors in Dallas. This included demographic profiling and a senior services index that categorizes existing resources. Public listening sessions and surveys conducted in multiple languages provided valuable insights into the needs and satisfaction levels of older adults and their caregivers.

Key findings indicated that the most pressing needs among seniors include mobility and transportation, social isolation, and food insecurity. Other areas of concern, such as healthcare access and affordable housing, were also identified but ranked lower in urgency. The consultants emphasized that communication remains a critical factor in ensuring seniors can access the services they require.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to finalize the strategic plan by June 2025, with a presentation of findings scheduled for August. The goal is to create a dynamic document that not only outlines action items but also includes measurable outcomes to track progress over the next three to five years. The committee aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in Dallas through improved resource allocation and collaboration across city departments.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed interest in further exploring the specific needs of different districts, utilizing data tools to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by seniors in various areas of the city.