DUNCAN – Duncan officials are hoping to join the AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, an organization that aims to improve cities for residents of all ages.
During the Duncan City Council’s May 28 meeting, the board voted to seek membership in the organization. The board also authorized Mayor Robert Armstrong to sign a letter to AARP Oklahoma’s state director, which indicates the city’s commitment to becoming a livable community for everyone.
Armstrong also read a proclamation saying the city was committed to promoting, creating and sustaining communities for people of every age.
Membership in the organization will help the city when it applies for AARP grants, said community development director Nate Schacht.
“One of the things that, through their AARP grants – community challenge grants – they do inquire if you are an age-friendly community,” he said. “Having this in place and passing the resolution, doing the proclamation and, here in a little bit, hopefully signing the letter to AARP Oklahoma – that will earn us a few more points as we apply for these programs.”
Schacht said the organization also offers resources that off icials can tap throughout the year as they develop policies and programs that would affect the entire city.