GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING Open Government Report 2014 To institutionalize a culture of transparent and open government, accountability, and to expand opportunities for resident participation and collaboration, this Report describes how the Office on Aging has and will continue to develop and enhance transparency, public participation, and collaboration. In accordance with Mayor’s Order 2014-170, this report addresses the following topics: 1) Transparency DCOA regularly posts press releases, newsletters and other pertinent information related to seniors and person with disabilities who are 18 years and older to the agency’s website (www.dcoa.dc.gov). For example, DCOA posts on its website the Performance Plans, press releases and senior newsletters such as The Spotlight on Community Living. Spotlight on Aging and DCOA E-News. DCOA also posts to its website applicable meeting material, such as the Aging and Disability Resource Center Lifespan Caregiver monthly online chat meetings which are archived on www.dcoa.dc.gov. In addition, DCOA has a website dedicated to providing the public with detailed information regarding how the District government is performing. The Track DC website, www.track.dc.gov, allows users to track agency performance measures, learn more about agency budgets, and monitor agency spending. DCOA also participates in grade.dc.gov, which provides for continuous feedback from customers on DCOA programs and services, and this information is posted and available to the public at www.grade.dc.gov. DCOA tracks all requests for information that are received from members of the public and provides information in accordance with the requirements of the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act, D.C Code Section 2-531 et seq. DCOA’s responses to requests for information pursuant to the terms of this statute are posted and available on the agency’s website. DCOA also regularly posts notices of meetings of the Commission on Aging to the Open Government website www.dcoa.dc.gov, and also posts this information in advance of scheduled meetings at the agency’s offices and on its website. DCOA maintains tape recordings of the full proceedings of meetings of the Commission on Aging, and this information is available upon request. Draft minutes of meetings of the Commission on Aging are posted to the agency’s website, and final, approved 1 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING Open Government Report 2014 minutes are also posted and available on the agency’s website. DCOA will work with OCTO to webcast live meeting on the website beginning fiscal year 2015. DCOA will continue to implement aggressive community outreach programs to increase public awareness of the agency’s programs and services for seniors and persons with disabilities who are 18 years of age and older. These activities will include advertising and announcements in weekly news publications; television ads, outreach and other community events. To date, public service announcements have included segments on WJLA, WUSA, WHUR, and D.C. government and public access channels. Print media used by DCOA has included the Northwest Current, Senior Beacon and Washington Informer. DCOA also conducts several annual events at which information about the agency’s programs and services is available, including the Senior Symposium, the annual holiday luncheon, and the intergenerational community festival. In addition, DCOA’s website contains extensive information for the District’s population that includes DCOA’s services, calendar of events, and various publications. 2) Public Engagement and Participation DCOA publishes proposed rules and regulations in the D.C. Register and also posts this information on the agency’s website: www.dcoa.dc.gov. DCOA also conducts extensive community outreach to the agency’s Senior Service Network comprised of community service providers and other key stakeholders. DCOA also secures public input on proposed rules and regulations at town hall meetings convened at DCOA’s six senior wellness centers located in Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. DCOA carefully reviews and considers written and verbal comments received in connection with the rulemaking process. There are several ways that DCOA shares information and resources to keep the public properly informed: Website – DCOA proactively posts information and resources pertinent to the agency and the government as a whole on its website (www.DCOA.dc.gov). For example, the DCOA website includes: agency performance plans; a comprehensive list of senior services; links to Grade DC and resources for seniors. Agency Performance – DCOA posts agency Performance Plans and Performance Accountability Reports to its website. The Performance 2 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING Open Government Report 2014 Accountability Report, for example, is an annual report that rates whether or not the agency fully achieved, partially achieved, or did not achieve the initiatives and performance targets contained in the Performance Plan. Agency Events – DCOA also keeps the public informed about community meetings and events. DCOA post all events that are related to the senior population. Twitter – DCOA has a twitter account (@DCAgingNews) to tweet important information about upcoming community meetings, share recent press releases, and to re-tweet important information shared by other District agencies. Email – DCOA has an “Ask the Director” feature on the DCOA website for feedback on the agency’s performance. Facebook – DCOA has a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DCAgingNews) that informs the public about events, activities and important information regarding seniors and persons with disabilities who are 18 years of age and older. DCOA also participates in public oversight hearings and roundtables before the Council of the District of Columbia, providing testimony and answering questions at these hearings and roundtables. These proceedings are televised on cable television and are also available on the Council’s website. 3) Collaboration DCOA regularly coordinates with a diverse array of key internal and external stakeholders in order to promote the agency’s important mission and to implement and expand the agency’s programs and services provided to D.C. residents who are 60 years of age and older, and to persons with disabilities who are 18 years of age and older. These stakeholders include agencies of the Government of the District of Columbia; the federal government; DCOA Senior Service Network; community advocates; and the recipients of DCOA programs and services. DCOA will continue the community outreach activities outlined above and will strive to identify additional opportunities for effective collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. 3