NYS and Stakeholders Continue to Develop Potential Proposals for MPA

(Jan. 7, 2025) The NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Office for the Aging (SOFA) are continuing efforts to finalize a comprehensive Master Plan for Aging (MPA) in 2025.

Roundtable discussions including provider, consumer, researcher, and expert stakeholders, including LeadingAge NY members, were convened by the agencies in late 2024 to discuss additional recommendations for inclusion in the final MPA. LeadingAge NY staff participated in one such roundtable to discuss potential proposals related to purpose-built senior housing. Proposals that may be added to the MPA as a result of these discussions could include engaging in federal advocacy to support the creation of multigenerational housing; disseminating education regarding landlords’ responsibilities relating to accessibility modifications, and providing regulatory relief for homeowners and landlords seeking such modifications; and creating incentives to develop workforce housing options for health care and direct care workers.

Using examples from across the country compiled by LeadingAge National, LeadingAge NY also encouraged the MPA Council through the roundtable process to consider modifications to the State’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and State Low-Income Housing Credit (SLIHC) Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs) and regulations to incentivize the development of affordable housing properties with services and physical features that support healthy aging in place. The State is expected to publish its proposed changes to the LIHTC and SLIHC QAPs and regulations in the State Register this year, providing an additional opportunity to weigh in on how best to leverage the Tax Credit programs to support NY’s aging population.

LeadingAge NY will work with its members and colleagues at LeadingAge National during the anticipated public comment period to develop a refined response and welcomes members to contact Annalyse Komoroske Denio (akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org) to join that effort.

Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866