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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from the American Association of Retired Persons Community Challenge Microgrant Program in the amount of $2,500 and amending the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment Number 27.006. (Laura Armanino, Recreation Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from the American Association of Retired Persons Community Challenge Microgrant Program in the amount of $2,500 and amending the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment Number 27.006.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge Microgrant Program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities Initiative that helps communities make immediate quality of life improvements benefitting residents of all ages, with an emphasis on supporting older adults.
Since its debut in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded more than 2,800 grants, investing $32.6 million in projects nationwide, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults ages 50 and older. In 2026, AARP doubled its annual investment by awarding $8.3 million to support 750 quick-action projects.
Older adults may be exceptionally vulnerable to disasters due to physical and cognitive health, mobility, and social isolation issues. These factors can make it difficult for seniors to safely and effectively navigate an emergency. Having a simple plan in place and being able to tailor it to individual needs can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and fear in preparing for an emergency.
The Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded the AARP Community Challenge Microgrant in the amount of $2,500. As part of the grant-funded program, the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a series of workshops for seniors to meet the goal of educating and ensuring older adults are aware and included in emergency preparedness operations in our community. Each participant will receive a personal emergency preparedness kit that includes a first aid kit, flashlight, thermal blanket, hygiene kit, multifunction tool, water purifying straw, can opener, and more. The Department will collaborate with the County of San Mateo Department of Emergency Management and South San Francisco Fire Department in delivering these workshops.
Sessions will take place at four recreation centers around the city to reach seniors where they are. Spanish translation services will be available at all sessions. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Services Program staff will also attend the trainings as part of a train-the-trainer effort to make this program sustainable in the long term.
FISCAL IMPACT
No funding beyond the grant amount is being requested. Budget Amendment Number 27.006 will increase the Parks and Recreation Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 revenue and expenditure budgets by $2,500.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
Acceptance of grant funding will contribute to the City Council’s Priorities Action Plan under the Major Focus Area “Quality of Life” by providing additional emergency supports for residents with an emphasis for the City’s older adult population.
CONCLUSION
Acceptance of this grant is important to addressing disaster preparedness for older adults. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from the AARP Community Challenge Microgrant Program in the amount of $2,500, amending the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreement.