Omaha, Nebraska – A major new effort aimed at shaping the future of one Nebraska city is now underway, as leaders turn directly to residents for guidance on how to improve everyday life across generations.
The City of Omaha, alongside Age-Friendly Omaha (AFO), officially launched the Age-Friendly Community Survey during a press conference held at Fabric Lab. The survey is designed to gather input from residents and identify key priorities that will help shape Omaha’s first Age-Friendly Action Plan, a long-term roadmap focused on making the city more livable for people of all ages, with special attention given to older adults.
City leaders emphasized that this survey is not just a routine step, but a central part of a broader effort to understand real needs within the community. The responses collected will help determine what matters most to residents while also measuring how aware people are of current programs that support aging populations.
“As we plan for Omaha’s future, it’s important that every resident—no matter their age—has the opportunity to shape what comes next,” said Mayor John W. Ewing, Jr. “Older adults are the backbone of our neighborhoods. Their lived experiences and ideas will guide us as we create an Age-Friendly Action Plan that reflects the real needs of our community. This survey is one of the most important steps in making sure Omaha remains a place where people can live, stay, and thrive throughout their entire lifetime.”
Community Voices at the Center of Planning
The launch of the survey builds on Omaha’s participation in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a national program that encourages cities to assess how well they serve residents across different stages of life. Joining the network requires communities to evaluate their current conditions, identify areas for improvement, and take action over time.
Officials stressed that listening to residents is the foundation of this process.
“This survey is the foundation of a community-driven plan,” said Todd Stubbendieck, AARP Nebraska State Director. “By listening directly to older adults and their families, Omaha can coordinate practical solutions that improve daily life for people of all ages.”
Recent data shows why this work is becoming more urgent. The share of Omaha residents aged 55 and older increased from 22.4% in 2010 to 25.2% in 2020, reflecting a growing aging population. Many of these residents, especially renters, face challenges tied to affordability and the ability to remain in their homes as they age.
Leaders say the Age-Friendly initiative is meant to address these concerns through coordinated efforts that bring together different sectors, from housing to transportation and healthcare.
“We launched Age-Friendly Omaha to help partners work together, break down silos, and elevate older adults’ voices,” said Ryan ZimmerMas, Senior Project Manager at Spark and AFO community contact. “Today’s kickoff is an invitation for every resident to guide what comes next.”
Building a More Connected and Accessible City
The survey also aims to help decision-makers better understand how policies—both current and future—impact the daily lives of residents. By identifying gaps and opportunities, the city hopes to create solutions that make it easier for people to stay connected, active, and supported.
“An age-friendly city is one where people can continue to connect, grow, and thrive within their community, no matter their age and ability,” said Lauren Cencic, CEO of Metro Transit. “Partnerships like this coalition ensure decision makers are working together so people have access to what makes life worth living– friends, family, healthcare, community– with transit access working to connect it all.”
Participation in the survey is strongly encouraged for adults aged 45 and older, as well as individuals who may complete it on behalf of someone else. The survey will remain open until May 1, 2026, and is available both online and in printed form at several locations, including senior centers across Omaha and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.
Officials note that the survey takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous.
To ensure that voices from all parts of the community are heard, AFO also plans to host listening sessions and targeted focus groups later this summer. These efforts are meant to reach residents who may not typically participate in surveys.
Once the data is collected and reviewed, working groups—including older adults—will come together to develop clear goals and strategies that will shape the final Age-Friendly Action Plan.
City leaders say the process marks the beginning of a long-term effort to make Omaha a place where people of all ages can not only live, but continue to grow, stay connected, and feel supported throughout their lives.
