Hilliard is now in the planning phase of its commitment to become a more age-friendly city, with the Aging in Place Committee taking up "next steps" for the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities at its Aug. 11, meeting.
The discussion item appeared on the committee's posted agenda as "AARP Age Friendly Community - Next Steps." Meeting minutes have not yet been published, so the specific actions discussed are not publicly available.
The designation is still fresh. Hilliard and Norwich Township signed a joint proclamation on May 6 at the Hilliard Social Center inside The Well, making them the 49th and 50th communities in Ohio to join the national network. Norwich Township trustees voted 3-0 on April 21 to authorize participation.
Under the AARP program, enrolled communities commit to a continuous improvement cycle: conducting a community needs assessment, developing an action plan, submitting it to AARP for review, implementing the plan and reporting progress. The program covers eight areas including housing, transportation, social participation and health services.
Who's on the committee
City Council created the Aging in Place Committee in 2022 to identify the needs of older residents and determine how the city can support them. The 10-member volunteer body includes nine resident seats and a council liaison. Chair Kathy Grubbe leads the group alongside Vice Chair Sue Timan and Secretary Les Sauer. Council member Tina Cottone serves as the council's representative. One resident seat is currently vacant.
The committee's earlier work led to the creation of Home in Hilliard, a nonprofit that uses a "village model" to connect seniors with volunteers for rides, household help and socialization. Surveys the committee conducted drew a few hundred responses from Hilliard seniors, who said they most wanted socialization, communication and transportation help.
Home in Hilliard Executive Director Ginny Favede described the program in the city's Winter 2026 newsletter, published in November 2025: "It builds community. There's nothing like the feeling of doing good in your heart when you've done volunteer service."
Other agenda items
The Aug. 11 meeting also covered emergency preparedness for older residents, a Hilliard Senior Center update presented by a staff member identified on the agenda as Collins, Coffee Chat presentations and a plan orientation for new members. The committee also discussed volunteering at an upcoming Historical Society event.
Hilliard residents 55 and older can use the free Hilliard Express transportation service seven days a week for appointments and errands. Reservations are available at (833) 742-7333 or sharemobility.com/hilliard.
No next meeting date has been publicly posted.
