New York, NY — Last week, Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, in partnership with Chair Crystal Hudson of the Aging Committee, introduced the Expanding Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) Act. This legislation, which will be heard on September 21st, calls for a comprehensive study to identify potential NORCs and Neighborhood NORCs in New York City and to assess the needs of older adults living in these communities.

The bill mandates that the Commissioner for the Aging conduct a detailed study over a three-year period, identifying at least 20 potential NORCs and 10 Neighborhood NORCs across the city. The study will evaluate the necessary improvements and investments required to support aging in place, including access to healthcare, social services, and infrastructure enhancements.

“With 1.5 million New Yorkers aged 65 and older, it’s critical that we ensure they have the resources and support needed to live independently in their communities,” said Council Member Gutiérrez. “This legislation is a crucial step toward identifying and enhancing the infrastructure and services that will allow our older residents to age in place with dignity.”

“Over the next fifteen years our city will undergo an immense demographic shift, experiencing a 40% increase in its older adult population. By 2040, nearly 1 in 5 New Yorkers will be an older adult. The steps we take to support our older neighbors today will help us prepare for tomorrow’s aging population and are critical to guaranteeing the wellbeing of all New Yorkers as we enter our golden years. This legislation is a significant and necessary step toward achieving a goal that will ensure we are all afforded the opportunity to age in place in the communities we call home with the dignity and care we all deserve,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the Committee on Aging.

Currently, there are only 37 recognized NORCs in New York City, and the process to establish them is slow and complex. This bill aims to streamline that process and provide a clear path to support for more communities.

The findings of the study will inform the development and implementation of a plan to improve services and infrastructure for older adults in identified NORCs, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive in their communities.