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St. Charles is taking steps to bring back its Senior Services Commission — an advisory group that’s been inactive since 2007 — as more residents ask the city for clearer communication, better coordination, and stronger support around aging in place.
With roughly 20% of 60174 residents now over age 65, city leaders say the timing makes sense.
Here’s what to know:
Community demand is driving it. As city officials knocked on doors during recent campaigns, they repeatedly heard from older residents who love St. Charles but feel the city isn’t keeping pace with the challenges seniors face today.
The need is primarily about communication. Local nonprofits, Kane County, the township, faith groups, and the park district offer plenty of programs, but seniors and caregivers say they struggle to find them or know where to start.
Regional experts strongly encouraged reactivation. City staff consulted with senior-focused leaders across the area — plus Elmhurst’s mayor, whose city runs one of the most active senior commissions in Illinois — and all recommended reinstating the commission.
AARP’s “Age-Friendly Community” framework could guide the work. This offers measurable goals, a formal progress structure, and a roadmap used by other communities aiming to improve livability for older adults in a clear, trackable way.
The next step will be the city formally reactivating the commission and appointing nine members to begin the work.
Watch the Government Operations Committee meeting recording (topic discussion begins at about the 8:00 mark).
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