Creating Vibrant Communities In Which We All Age Well is the countywide strategic plan for aging well in Boulder County. This document presents a shared vision of the future, transmits agreed upon strategies for achieving that vision, and invites individuals and communities to work together to create the future.

The aging of our population creates both opportunities and challenges. In order to prepare for the future, Boulder County (Colorado) Aging Services Division and the senior services divisions of the cities of Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, and Louisville, and the town of Erie initiated a countywide strategic visioning process known as Greeting Our Future. Over a two-year period (2005 – 2006) residents of Boulder County participated in appreciative interviews, engaged in community conversations, held a community summit, and organized four strategic planning sessions. In all, 600 people told their stories, articulated a positive vision of the future, prioritized goals and strategies to achieve their vision, and prepared a countywide strategic plan for aging well.

The Countywide Leadership Council (CLC) was formed in September 2006, and guides the implementation, evaluation, and updating of the countywide strategic plan. In its work, the Countywide Leadership Council will:

• Build upon the strengths of individuals, families, and communities;
• Honor the choices of older adults to live at home and in the community;
• Build strengths in individuals, families, and communities;
• Apply evidence-based strategies to programs and services.

2007 was a busy year for the Countywide Leadership Council. A total of seven Quadrant Work Groups formed to identify goals from the strategic plan upon which to focus, select specific strategies to implement, and establish a workplan for their activities. The first Report to the Community on the activities and accomplishments of the CLC is now available.

In 2008, we are looking forward to engaging even more individuals, families and communities to further realize our strategic vision - We live in vibrant communities in which we all age well. If you are interested in contributing your time and talents, please contact Laura Mathews at lmathews@bouldercounty.org