Three people are outdoors, smiling and talking. The person in the middle is a man with a short haircut wearing a plaid shirt. The woman on the left has short black hair and is wearing a dark blazer. The person on the right, partially visible, is wearing a hat and a patterned shirt. There are cars and a field with trees in the background.

generational initiatives

Anne Arundel County must be supportive of all generations, and allow our residents to age with stability and the support of our community.

Pete will support investment in more senior living options, and make sure the burdens of property taxes don’t push residents from their homes.

Pete will expand health care, senior center programs and transportation options to better connect aging residents with their communities.

Supporting Aging with Dignity in Anne Arundel County: The Pete Smith Plan

Anne Arundel County should be a place where residents can thrive at every stage of life. Pete’s family has faced hard times, and he knows how important stability is—especially for those who have spent decades contributing to our communities. Seniors shouldn’t be pushed out of their homes by rising costs. They deserve the ability to age with dignity, independence, and connection.

That’s what aging in place is about: connectivity, dignity, and independence.

A Comprehensive Approach to Aging

A Pete Smith administration will focus on four core priorities for older adults:

  • Health care – ensuring access to affordable, high-quality services

  • Affordability – keeping housing and daily living within reach

  • Connectivity – reducing isolation and strengthening community ties

  • Safety – protecting residents in their homes and neighborhoods

Pete’s goal is to make Anne Arundel County both a World Health Organization Age-Friendly Community and an AARP Livable Community, using a proven framework built around eight domains of livability:

  • Safe, accessible outdoor spaces and buildings

  • Reliable, affordable transportation

  • Affordable, adaptable housing options

  • Opportunities for social participation

  • A culture of respect and inclusion

  • Civic engagement and employment opportunities

  • Clear, accessible communication

  • Strong community and health services

A Plan for Action

To get there, Pete Smith’s administration will:

  • Establish an Aging Advisory Council representing residents at every stage of life

  • Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment modeled on AARP best practices

  • Develop a countywide aging master plan with clear, measurable goals

  • Work with municipalities to achieve AARP livable community designation

Delivering Real Solutions

Pete will champion practical tools that help seniors stay in their homes and communities:

  • An aging-in-place property tax credit to reduce financial pressure

  • Expansion of the “Villages” model, building on local success to create volunteer-driven support networks

  • Development of cottage home and small-scale housing options for downsizing

  • Expanded property tax relief for seniors

To support health, mobility, and quality of life:

  • Invest in mobile health units and community clinics

  • Improve transportation options for older adults, aligning transit and health services

  • Expand recreation and wellness programming tailored to seniors

  • Provide resources for caregivers, including respite care, training, and support

Proven Leadership

Pete has already taken action to help residents stay in their homes—leading efforts to provide tax relief for veterans and advancing cottage home legislation to expand affordable housing options. He will bring that same commitment to supporting our senior community.

Our Commitment

Anne Arundel County has raised generations of families. Now, we owe it to those generations to ensure they can remain here—living safely, independently, and with dignity.