Policy Agenda

Improve access and age-specific expertise in the field

• Monitor the implementation of Proposition 1, the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), and advocate to ensure appropriate attention and resources are directed to older adults.
• Advocate for established local programs serving older adults to leverage funding for Proposition 1, the Behavioral Health Transformation initiative
• Partner with Eldera.ai to build resilience, reduce loneliness, and strengthen communities through older adult/youth mentorship.
• Sponsor a bill to establish the Office of the State Public Conservator within the California Department of Social Services
• Serve on the California Behavioral Health Planning Council
• Monitor the Behavioral Health Task Force

Increase housing options for older adults.

• Advocate for micro-subsidies for older adults at risk of homelessness
• Advocate for expansion of local home-sharing programs to promote housing stability and address social isolation.

Strengthen personal readiness and local response planning

• Elevate the findings of a 2025 CCoA report, REBUILDING LIVES: Disaster Response and Recovery for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in California
• Co-sponsor a Mutual Aid Bill that would direct the California Health and Human Services Agency to develop a long-term care mutual aid program for long-term facilities

Advocate for diversity and specialization in aging

• Secure ongoing funding for the Cheryl Brown Gerontology Scholarship Program
• Serve on the California Workforce Development Board
• Review and consider commendations for the first CA Statewide Study of Older Adult Employment.

Promote age-inclusive employment practices

• Support inclusive employment practices for older adults through a CCoA-hosted Age-Inclusive Management Strategies (AIMS) Initiative with the Departments of Aging, Human Resources, Rehabilitation and the CA Workforce Development Board.
• Explore a potential partnership with the Arizona State University Distinguished Innovation Fellows program.

CCoA will incorporate four bridging concepts into its work. These strategic tenets guide efforts to support effective policies and advance societal change.

Social Connection:

Loneliness is epidemic among Californians throughout their lifespan. Social health and connection fosters well-being and longevity and works as a force multiplier when supported as a component of diverse outreach projects.

Equity:

CCoA upholds values of equity and inclusion; justice; choice, and access; respect and integrity; collaboration and partnership, by and for all Californians regardless of race, income, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

• Participate in the rule-making process to implement SB 1249 (Roth, Chapter 337, Statutes of 2024)
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and provide feedback on the Sept. 2024 CDA report on the needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults
• Monitor implementation of CA Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM)
• Monitor and provide feedback on CDA’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Financing Initiative

Age Inclusivity:

Collaboration between generations promotes social health, resiliency, a positive image of aging, and can be a catalyst for systemic change.

• Support the development of local communities that promote healthy living
• Initiate project development for a K-14 Lifespan Education curriculum

Innovation:

New ideas, new approaches, and new tools inspire change and have the potential to produce new outcomes

• Explore opportunities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to benefit older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and providers