AARP has approved the second cycle of Howard County’s Age-Friendly Action Plan 2025-2029.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced that the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities has formally approved the plan, indicating that the county and AARP intend to collaborate towards the plan’s success.
“Providing a place where all of our residents of all ages and abilities, can feel safe, valued and fulfilled is an important goal we take to heart,” Ball said in a statement. “Our Age Friendly Action Plan is a measurable, concrete guide to make sure we are on the right track. I am pleased that AARP has, once again, approved the second cycle of our action plan. Collaboration is not just a theme of this cycle; it is how we will deliver meaningful results for people of all ages.”
The 2025-2029 Action Plan builds on Howard County’s first Age-Friendly cycle, with nearly 50 recommendations to improve quality of life for people of all ages. The ideas are organized into three “Pillars of Livability”:
- Health and Wellbeing: promoting healthy aging, resilience, and opportunities for personal growth so residents can thrive physically, mentally, and socially.
- Living and Mobility: safe, accessible housing and transportation options that support independence, connection, and full participation in community life.
- Community and Inclusion: belonging, civic engagement, and access to clear, inclusive information.
Ball launched the county’s second Age-Friendly cycle in January 2025. Since then, hundreds of people in the community gave feedback through listening sessions and discussions. The input and advice across sectors shaped the Action Plan, which is in line with the State of Maryland’s Longevity Ready Maryland initiative.
In December 2025, the county expanded eligibility for property tax credits for seniors. It also extended the length of a different tax credit to help residents age in place.
“Howard County continues to demonstrate what it means to be an Age-Friendly community,” said Jen Holz, associate state director of outreach for AARP MARYLAND. “The County’s collaborative approach, strong network of partners, and dedicated volunteers are essential to creating places where people can life well at every stage of life. This Action Plan is a powerful example of that commitment.”
Howard County agencies, community organizations, and residents will coordinate to implement the Action Plan, which prioritizes healthy aging and community design and systems that support it.
“Age-Friendly Howard County is a community-driven effort,” said Martha Gagné, Age-Friendly Howard County manager. “Implementation depends on collaboration across agencies, community partners and with residents themselves. By working together, we can turn these recommendations into tangible improvements that strengthen our community for everyone.”
A key strategy of the 2025-2029 Action Plan involves volunteers. There are opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved posted at the Howard County Volunteer website. People with questions about volunteering or ideas for collaborative projects can email agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov.
The first cycle of the Age-Friendly Action Plan began in December 2019, when Howard County joined the Age-Friendly Network. That began 18 months of research, planning, and community engagement to assess the county’s needs and assets. Once survey results were in, the Howard County team met in eight work groups, each representing one aspect of livability: Communication and Information; Health and Community Services; Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Respect and Social Inclusion; Housing; Social Participation; Transportation, and Work and Civic Engagement.
The eight groups reviewed the survey results and came up with recommendations for addressing the needs for services and resources in the county. These ideas formed the basis of the 2021-2024 Age-Friendly Action Plan, approved by AARP in January 2022.
In December 2024, Howard County released its five-year progress report, which was also endorsed by AARP, outlining the steps taken to enhance livability for residents of all ages based on the Action Plan. Highlights include the Trualta Platform, which profices 24/7 education and emotional support to family caregivers free of charge; the Ageism Awareness Campaign; opening the East Columbia 50+ Center in March 2024; opening an Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot, and more.
