In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
“Commission” means the Baltimore City Commission on Aging, Resources, and Empowerment, formerly named the Baltimore City Commission on the Aging and Retirement.
“Director” means the Director of the Baltimore City Office of Older Adult Affairs and Advocacy.
“Office” means the Baltimore City Office of Older Adult Affairs and Advocacy.
“Older individual” means an individual who is 60 years of age or older.
There is a Baltimore City Office of Older Adult Affairs and Advocacy.
In general.
The Director is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Office.
Appointment.
The Director is appointed by the Mayor in accordance with <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter</cite>.
Salary.
The Director shall receive such salary as may be provided in the Ordinance of Estimates.
The Office shall:
evaluate the service needs of older individuals in the City;
determine the extent to which existing public and private programs meet the needs of older individuals;
establish priorities for meeting the needs of older individuals;
evaluate services and programs that support older adults in Baltimore City;
educate older adults, their families, and advocates about the services and programs described in paragraph (4) of this subsection;
recommend to the Mayor, City Council, and applicable State and federal officials changes and improvements in City, State, and federal services and programs that address the following needs of older individuals:financial health;
safety;
public health;
behavioral health;
insurance coverage;
housing;
employment;
recreation;
volunteerism;
lifelong learning;
transportation;
in-home care services;
caregiver support; and
institutional and community-based long-term care;
coordinate a Citywide planning process with the goal of transforming Baltimore City into an age-friendly city that supports older individuals as they live their lives with choices, independence, and dignity;
facilitate communication between the City, the Maryland Department of Aging, and the State Commission on Aging; and
perform other functions as may be assigned by the Mayor.
The Office may employ staff in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates.
The Office may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriations.
Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the <cite data-path="|general">City General Provisions Article</cite>, the Director must adopt rules and regulations to carry out this subtitle.
On or before June 30 of each year, the Office must submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council detailing:
the activities of the Office; and
the trainings, exercises, and community outreach activities the Office conducted during the previous year.