The City of Dallas Office of Housing and Community Empowerment hosted the 2026 Aging & Housing Summit on October 8 at Dallas College West Dallas Center, in partnership with Dallas College, AARP, and the Dallas County Aging and Disability Resource Center. During her welcoming remarks, District 5 Councilmember Laura Cadena emphasized Dallas’ commitment to being an age-friendly city, stating, “The City of Dallas is an age-friendly city. This means Dallas is not simply a place where older adults can live and grow older, but a community committed to helping people live well, live safely, and make choices about how and where they want to live.”The free community event focused on helping older adults and caregivers understand housing options, protect their homes, and access resources that support independence. Nearly 80 community members attended, along with 25 community partners who shared information, resources, and referrals to support older adults and caregivers in the community.
Keynote speakers District 12 Senior Affairs Commissioner Rob Friedman and John Kalkanli, Chair of the Commission on Disabilities, highlighted the importance of accessible, affordable housing in supporting independence and quality of life. Commissioner Friedman addressed the growing population of adults aged 60 and older and the increasing demand for affordable housing, transportation, health care, and other essential community services, emphasizing the need for housing solutions that promote stability, independence, and well-being as people age. Chair Kalkanli emphasized that housing is more than shelter—it represents autonomy, dignity, and the freedom to make personal decisions. He also stressed the importance of planning ahead for accessibility and home safety to help individuals remain safe, independent, and in control of their living arrangements as their needs change.
The summit also highlighted the City of Dallas’ housing priorities through a presentation on Dallas Is Home, the City’s new housing policy framework. James Armstrong III, Deputy Director, and Jasmin Bazley, Assistant Director, of the Office of Housing and Community Empowerment provided an overview of the framework’s approach to addressing Dallas’ housing needs, including expanding affordable housing opportunities, preserving existing housing, and improving access to housing resources. These priorities are particularly important for older adults who may face rising housing costs, live on fixed incomes, or need safe, accessible, and affordable long-term housing options.
Community partners also shared practical information and resources to help attendees make informed decisions about housing, safety, and continued engagement in the community. Dr. Agapito Flores, Associate Deputy Chief of Workforce & Continuing Education, and Erica Lopez, Senior Director of Community Relations, discussed Dallas College’s partnership and Lifelong Learning Program, highlighting opportunities for continued education and community engagement.
Additional presentations addressed homeownership protection and safety. Phillip Clark, Deputy Chief of the White Collar Crime Unit at the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, shared information about deed fraud, including prevention strategies and steps homeowners can take if they become victims. Patricia Nixon, Director of Community Relations Services at the Dallas County Appraisal District, explained the Texas property tax system and available property tax exemptions. The summit concluded its educational programming with a home safety workshop led by Officer Marlenne Aleman of Dallas Fire-Rescue and David Burke of the American Red Cross, North Texas Region. They offered practical guidance on identifying household hazards and creating safer living environments.
The summit connected Dallas residents with valuable resources and brought together City departments and community organizations to advance shared efforts to expand access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing, create opportunity-rich neighborhoods, and strengthen Dallas as an age-friendly community where residents of all ages can thrive.
Connect with City Services and City Supported Resources
Whether you are planning for your own needs or helping a loved one, the City of Dallas Office of Housing and Community Empowerment offers services to support.
Find guidance through Age-Friendly Senior Services.
The Office of Housing and Community Empowerment- Senior Services connects Dallas residents ages 60 and older with information, referrals, and educational resources. Click here to explore Office of Housing and Community Empowerment – Senior Services.
Understand your housing rights.
The Office of Housing and Community Empowerment – Fair Housing Division provides information and assistance with housing discrimination concerns, including disability-related protections. Call 214-670-3247 or email [email protected] to ask questions or learn how to submit a complaint. Click here to explore Office of Housing and Community Empowerment – Fair Housing services.
Get support for a loved one in long-term care.
Through a City-funded contract with The Senior Source, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of Dallas nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Older adults and families can seek help with concerns about care and residents’ rights, as well as guidance when choosing a facility. Call 214-525-6114. Click here to learn about Senior Source Ombudsman Services.
Access housing resources for seniors.
Find available housing resources in Dallas for seniors. Click here to view the Age-Friendly Housing Resource Guide
Find services in your area.
Find local resources and services to support your needs at Office of Housing and Community Empowerment – Community Services Hub.
Understand your rights not to be discriminated against in City services.
Residents must be able to access all City services, programs, and activities without discrimination, including based on age for seniors. The Office of Housing and Community Empowerment – Federal Civil Rights Compliance Program provides information and resources on non-discrimination (Title VI) and also handles reported complaints. E-mail [email protected] or call 311 for more information or to report a complaint. Click here to learn more about the City’s non-discrimination program.
Senior Affairs Commission
Residents can also help shape the City’s work by attending a Senior Affairs Commission meeting and sharing their experiences. Click here to view upcoming meetings and public comment information.