G1: Objective 3

Increase the distribution of resources across state programs to historically underserved and under-resourced communities.

Strategies:

Engage under-resourced communities to plan and implement programs and policies that address community needs.

Overview of Progress Made

  • The Moore-Miller Administration has committed to expanding access to board service, attracting the best talent possible to serve, and making Maryland’s boards representative of the state and diverse communities they serve.
  • The Moore-Miller Administration spearheaded the passage of the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households (ENOUGH) Act, a law intended to tackle the root causes of poverty in Maryland by addressing inequities and working with impacted communities to develop local solutions.

Key Initiatives:

  • Governor’s Appointments Office: The Appointments Office assists the Governor in the appointment process for the individuals who lead and serve on Maryland’s 600+ boards and commissions.
  • ENOUGH: Administered by the Governor’s Office for Children, ENOUGH supports 27 community-led organizations across 12 counties, representing rural, suburban and urban areas in the state that have been historically impacted by barriers to economic mobility.

Establish criteria across agencies for state-funded grants to ensure resources are targeted to communities in need.

Overview of Progress Made

  • MDOA reviewed its Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF) for opportunities to better integrate demographic factors used in state and federal funding allocation. MDOA will be working with Area Agencies on Aging to understand the utility and impact of incorporating additional factors into the IFF to determine a potential State Plan amendment to drive resources to populations in need.
  • MDOA has incorporated eligibility preferences for grantees that focus on historically underserved communities in an effort to drive resources to persons with the greatest need.

Integrate a longevity lens across state equity planning and implementation to improve reach and access of services among underserved populations, including people living in or near poverty, rural communities, people living with HIV, people of color, LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, people with sight or hearing accessibility challenges, Native Americans, and those at risk of nursing home placement.

Provide training that supports the adoption of bias-free language principles that promote the benefits and contributions of older Marylanders in all state- and federally-funded communications.

Overview of Progress Made

  • MDOA partnered with the National Center to Reframe Aging to change the way society talks about aging, work to end implicit bias toward older people, and create more age-inclusive communities. Over 500 participants were trained, including state agency communications professionals, Area Agency on Aging staff, nonprofit professionals, and philanthropists.
  • MDOA initiated the LRM Reframe Workgroup and hosted its first learning session to share best practices and build awareness of age-related bias with stakeholders. Aging Reframed through Community Conversations was held on October 9, Ageism Awareness Day and included over 500 participants.

Key Initiatives

  • Reframe Aging: Reframe Aging addresses the impact of age-related bias in the community and disseminates educational material on identifying and eliminating age-related bias.
  • LRM’s Reframe Aging Workgroup works to reshape the aging narrative and promote proven strategies that reduce age-related bias.

Continue investment in sustainable growth to build community resiliency, connectivity, affordability, and vitality.

Overview of Progress Made

Key Initiatives

  • The Maryland Sustainable Growth Subcabinet: Chaired by the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning, is responsible for creating, enhancing, supporting, and revitalizing sustainable communities across Maryland.​

Outcomes:

Short-Term (1-3 years)

  • Develop resources to improve equitable public program delivery 
  • Map eligibility criteria for programs targeting older adults
  • Increase representation of under-resourced communities in collaborative planning

Mid-Term (4-6 Years)

  • Enhance service policy collaborations with local organizations

Long-Term (7-10 years)

  • Increase services to those in greatest social and economic need