​City of Grain Valley Attains Silver Level Recognition through Community for All Ages Program

     The City of Grain Valley has been recognized for its strides toward becoming a Community for All Ages (CFAA). The City received Silver level recognition through the CFAA program, which was developed by the First Suburbs Coalition and KC Communities for All Ages – two groups convened by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).
     The Silver level required conducting a self-assessment of age-friendly policies and actions. The assessment process was conducted through meetings with City staff, business owners and citizens over the course of six months. The discussions were centered around the following topics: outdoor spaces, housing and commercial development, transportation and mobility, social inclusion/communication, civic participation/employment and community and health services. The City attained Bronze level last year, which focused on Awareness.
     The Community for All Ages recognition program was implemented to develop programs and tools to support first-tier suburbs, help communities respond to a rapid increase in the older adult population, and make communities more welcoming for all age groups.
     “The Community for All Ages program has been a priority to the City of Grain Valley as we are aware of the growing population of senior citizens within this community. We want to ensure that this a community that makes them feel welcomed and their needs are met. The program acts as a lens through which evaluation can be done based on what makes the City “age-friendly” and identifies areas in which improvements can be made,” Sara Nadeau, City of Grain Valley’s Public Information Officer, said.

Pictured left to right:  Ken Murphy, City Administrator; Sara Nadeau, Public Information Officer; Theresa Osenbaugh, Deputy City Administrator, and Mayor Chuck Johnston.