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Q&A
Council Member Mealy inquires about RFP process for senior centers
1:17:27
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159 sec
Council Member Darlene Mealy questions Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez about the process for opening new senior centers and getting existing centers funded through DFTA's budget. The discussion focuses on the upcoming RFP in 2026 and the challenges of getting specific centers included in DFTA's funding.
- Cortés-Vázquez explains that new centers can only be opened if there are resources to match them
- Mealy expresses frustration about waiting for an RFP for the Mount Ararat center in her district
- The conversation reveals that DFTA currently funds 280 older adult clubs across 308 sites
- The RFP for senior centers is confirmed to be scheduled for release in July 2026
Darlene Mealy
1:17:27
So if you anticipate no closures with this RFP, do you anticipate taking or opening up any new centers?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:17:41
Unless we have the resources to match additional centers that would not be possible.
Darlene Mealy
1:17:47
So the Mount Ararat in my district, I'm waiting for RFP to come out.
1:17:55
I'm funding it right now.
1:17:57
So you're saying it's not on your list or what do they have to do to get a RFP to make sure they on this list because the city should not be paying for department agents, should but I'm just waiting for the RFP.
1:18:16
When
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:18:17
we issue an RFP, people apply for that RFP and the candidates that come up with the strongest proposals will be, you know, awarded an RFP.
1:18:29
We don't have a set, I don't even want to use that word.
1:18:38
We don't have a set of, we have a set number older adult clubs that we would fund.
1:18:46
But I can't tell you if every existing program would if new entrants come in and they have stronger proposals.
Darlene Mealy
1:18:54
But you do fund some centers, Department of Aging.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:19:00
Oh yeah.
Darlene Mealy
1:19:00
Fund We
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:19:02
fund a 80 older adult clubs, a total of 308 sites.
Darlene Mealy
1:19:08
So how can this club get on your budget instead of mine?
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:19:13
When the RFP when the RFP is released in July in 2026, that particular censor could apply for to get to become one site.
Darlene Mealy
1:19:31
Chair could you please follow-up?
1:19:33
Yeah
Crystal Hudson
1:19:34
we can continue the conversations that I know we've been having.
Darlene Mealy
1:19:37
Because they keep being pushed back pushed back and they need to have a center.
1:19:44
I just felt it was robbery that a unit, a housing unit, 420 all seniors do not have a senior center.
1:19:54
So I put my budget in there just to make sure and it keeps saying RFP is coming out.
1:20:00
So now you're sure the RFP is in 2026?
Crystal Hudson
1:20:04
Mhmm.
Darlene Mealy
1:20:04
Okay.
1:20:05
Thank you.
Crystal Hudson
1:20:06
Thank you.