The workshop was focused on defining the characteristics that make communities livable for older adults—and for everyone.

Though Chattanooga is the focus of this report, the speakers and attendees discussed issues that are relevant to communities around the country. The report, which covers the workshop in detail, will be the starting point for developing a full-fledged strategic plan for making Chattanooga a livable community for all.

Key Findings:

• Chattanooga’s leaders recognize that accommodating the needs of their aging residents is essential to their hope of being one of the great cities in the country
• Chattanooga can serve as a model for successfully coalescing around communitywide, multi-sector partnerships to transform a city, town or region.
• Chattanooga has figured out how to engage thousands of citizens in envisioning the area’s future.
• Chattanooga also understands the importance of developing workable plans and seeking the financial resources to execute them.
• Chattanooga has learned that economic development and livability for all ages are inextricably linked.