Comprehensive and coordinated planning

Policymakers should enact comprehensive planning statutes, regulations, and incentives that create communities that promote the independence and active community engagement of older adults and serve people of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. They should do so through: 

• coordinated land use, 

• sustainable and resilient infrastructure investment, 

• equitable and inclusive allocation of resources that supports all members of a community, 

• a wide range of affordable and accessible housing and transportation options, 

• policies and programs that foster positive health outcomes, 

• adequate access to amenities and delivery of services, and 

• full community participation, including populations that are not typically engaged. The public should have ample opportunity to provide input before policymakers make decisions on land use, housing, and transportation. 

State policymakers should require local governments to plan for a variety of affordable and appropriate housing options interspersed throughout the community. 

State and local policymakers should periodically review infrastructure and zoning requirements publicly to assess their impact on the availability of affordable housing and mixed-use development. Federal policymakers should support state and local governments that require technical assistance to conduct these activities successfully.