FUTURE LANDSCAPES The effects of changing demographics

Background

Our region is changing Demographic facts: –Rapid growth of the older population –Increasing immigration Flexible, creative policies are the response to this increasing diversity –“Change is the only constant” Maintaining an innovative, competitive workforce will be the key to a thriving, prosperous region

Are you a baby boomer?

Baby boomer quiz: True or false? 1.The majority of boomers plan to work in some capacity during their retirement years 2.The top two boomer concerns about retirement are “being lonely” and “not being able to drive”

> > > 1970 > 1990 > 2000 > 2010 > 2020 > Aging of the U.S. baby boomer generation > Source: US Census Bureau

Growth of the “very old” (85+) population is particularly dramatic % 1.5% 3.9%

Local growth of the age 60+ population Douglas County 60% Arapahoe County 26% Adams County 19% Jefferson County 18% Boulder County 24% Clear Creek County 40% Gilpin County 46% Denver 10% Broomfield 41%

Most boomers say they want to “age in community”... but communities are not generally set up for successful aging

Even today, we are not meeting the needs of our region’s seniors Percent of the older population facing problems

A huge gap exists between needs and funding for aging services Current and projected costs to meet identified needs ($ millions) 2006 funding level: $8 million

Our region’s seniors are not getting their fair share of funding Our region has 52% of the state’s population over 60, but receives only 47% of the funding DRCOG is the only region in the state with long-term waiting lists for services $3.2 million needed annually just to clear the current waiting list for services: –Home-delivered meals –In-home services  Household assistance  Personal care

As the U.S.-born population ages, immigration brings new families with new needs

U.S. foreign-born population Increasing since 1970s –Back to levels typical of early 20 th century Substantially different –Past migrants – Europe –Today’s migrants – Latin America, Asia More diverse ethnically, racially, culturally, linguistically As boomers retire, immigrants will account for increasing share of the workforce

Most of our region’s immigrants are from Latin America Percent of the Denver region’s immigrant population by place of birth

Net population change in Denver metro area by race and Hispanic or Latino origin, Race and Hispanic or Latino 2005 Population Net Gain Percent Change Total2,729,358147,8525.7% White2,225,673145,9537.0% Black or African American126,0406,2115.2% American Indian or Alaska Native21,543-1, % Asian88,80815, % Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,389-1, % Some Other Race196,893-11, % Hispanic or Latino (of any race)595,781119, %

Latin-American immigrants are more likely to live in poverty and suffer from disabilities Source: US Census Bureau

Latin-American immigrants have less access to vehicles and are more likely to take transit Source: US Census Bureau

Latin-American immigrants are less likely to attend college or speak English fluently

Latin-American immigrants are more likely to live in households with children Source: US Census Bureau

Latin-American immigrants are more likely to rent homes and live in multifamily housing Source: US Census Bureau

Latin-American immigrants tend to live in larger households Source: US Census Bureau

Policy implications

Flexible, creative public policy Policies supporting a diversity of options –Housing –Transportation –Human services Policies that support a united regional economy –Globally competitive

Diverse housing options “Livable Communities” –Affordable –Multifamily –Assisted-living senior housing –Family-friendly housing –Located near transit  Communities that enable all to be active, independent, productive members of society

Diverse transportation options Transit Specialized transportation for elderly, people with disabilities Pedestrian and bicycle facilities Safe lighting, street design Connectivity

Diverse human services Senior centers Workforce training Day care Bi-lingual education Dispersed into immigrant neighborhoods and accessible by transit

Maintaining a competitive workforce Able to retain the knowledge of the boomer generation Able to compete for skilled labor in a shrinking pool –“Place” matters Able to support local businesses to be competitive in a global marketplace

Maintaining a competitive region Able to retain our region’s unique sense of “place” and quality of life –Key to attracting/retaining skilled workers

Action items

Early action items Advocate at federal, state and local levels for needed resources –Meet with representatives –Testify at hearings –Meet with editorial boards, other members of the press

Early action items Complete and disseminate livable communities development guidelines –Strengthen Metro Vision policies –Help local governments incorporate into comprehensive plans

Early action items Adopt and distribute findings of DRCOG’s EPA-funded smart growth and aging study –Barriers to senior-friendly development –Case studies senior-friendly land- use codes Seek funding for similar study of immigrant needs

Early action items Formulate a comprehensive outreach program –Raise awareness of demographic changes and implications –Work with other non-profits to engage seniors and immigrant community in Metro Vision process

Longer-term efforts Work to secure long-term funding for aging services commensurate with needs Track and highlight best practices within and outside the region Research issues related to attracting and developing a competitive workforce