Connecticut General Statutes Title 17B. Social Services § 17b-420a. “Livable Communities” initiative. Internet portal. Report. Community recognition

(a) For purposes of this section, (1) “livable community” means a community with affordable and appropriate housing, infrastructure, community services and transportation options for residents of all ages, and (2) “age in place” means the ability of residents to stay in their own homes or community settings of their choice regardless of age or disability.

(b) The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall establish a “Livable Communities” initiative to serve as a forum for best practices and a clearinghouse for resources to help municipal and state leaders to design livable communities to allow residents of this state to age in place.

(c) The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall establish and facilitate partnerships with (1) municipal leaders, (2) representatives of municipal senior and social services offices, (3) community stakeholders, (4) planning and zoning boards and commissions, (5) representatives of philanthropic organizations, and (6) representatives of social services and health organizations to (A) plan informational forums on livable communities, (B) investigate innovative approaches to livable communities nationwide, and (C) identify various public, private and philanthropic funding sources to design such communities.

(d) The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall establish a single portal on its Internet web site for information and resources concerning the “Livable Communities” initiative.

(e) Not later than July 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, shall submit a report on the initiative to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to aging, housing, human services and transportation.

(f) The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, as part of the livable community initiative established pursuant to this section, shall recognize communities that have implemented livable community initiatives allowing individuals to age in place and to remain in the home setting of their choice. Such initiatives shall include, but not be limited to: (1) Affordable and accessible housing, (2) community and social services, (3) planning and zoning regulations, (4) walkability, and (5) transportation-related infrastructure.