Principal
A founding member of SEC Planning.
A growing awareness among small rural towns has led many to seek ways to enhance their competitive position for recruiting larger percentages of the rapidly expanding boomer population. The 65 and older population reached 38 million in 2008 and based on bureau of census projections the over 65 age group will expand to 85 million by 2050. Although national developers will continue to capture their share of the boomer population, it is apparent that existing rural communities can enhance their competitive position by expanding on their social infrastructure. Housing alternatives, recreational opportunities, historic themes, educational and medical amenities currently in place can be expanded through thoughtful planning and program enhancements. Many of the amenities offered by small rural communities can not be duplicated even by the most sophisticated private development.
The combination of existing amenities and lower cost of living places many existing rural towns in highly competitive positions. The greatest risk; however, for existing communities is a failure to honestly evaluate their adequacy for the components important to potential retirement populations.
If your community is interested, we can provide an outline of a community audit which can serve to determine what, if any, deficiencies need to be supplemented to enhance your town’s competitive position. The outline can also serve to provide a framework for compliance with Community Retirement Certificate Programs offered in most southern states, i.e. the GoTexan - Certified Retirement Community designation from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Seal of Approval sponsored by AARC.
If you would like to obtain our Community Audit Outline, please email me at jverdoorn@secplanning.com.
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