Macon-Bibb County is celebrating 10 years as an Age–Friendly Community! On Saturday, October 22, 2022, community leaders will celebrate and help launch AARP’s Age-Friendly Leadership Academy (AFLA) in Tattnall Square Park (1155 College Street) from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event, meet with community service vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and learn more about being Age Friendly Community. 

“Macon-Bibb County is the first designated Age-Friendly Community, and we must lead by example, as other communities look to us for inspiration and our many wins,” said  Co-Chair of Macon-Bibb Age-Friendly Council Karen Middleton. “This is a milestone, and we want to make sure our community knows how monumental this distinction really is. The 10-year celebration is a great way to spotlight this initiative at the location where it all began!”

The County was selected based on being a livable key community, enrolled in the age-friendly network, in good standing with the network, and showing a strong commitment to age-friendly work. 

The Academy is an innovative, 10-month program specifically designed for community leaders. It consists of monthly online presentations, workshops, and project-based shared learning discussions that will run from October 2022 through June 2023. The speakers and project mentors will draw from national age-friendly experts who will support learning, skill-building, and project development. Participants will also have opportunities to network with approximately 30 like-minded age-friendly colleagues from around the country. 

 The Academy will offer more than just technical assistance and formal learning—it will also provide practical skill-building, networking, and funding opportunities.   As part of the application process, each community will also be asked to select a project that they are either planning, implementing, or evaluating as a foundation for work with their assigned mentors.