The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) jointly lead the Master Plan for Aging Council, a central coordinating body established under Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Order No. 23. Created in 2022, the Council’s mandate is to guide the development and implementation of a ten-year strategic framework addressing the needs of New Yorkers as they age.
The Council’s Role
The Council serves as the State Agency Council for the Master Plan for Aging (MPA). It brings together leaders from multiple state agencies—including transportation, labor, housing, and financial services—to ensure that policies affecting older adults are integrated across sectors. This interagency approach is designed to address the multifaceted nature of aging, from healthcare and housing to economic security and community inclusion.
From Executive Order to Action
Governor Hochul’s Executive Order charged NYSOFA and NYSDOH with convening the Council to draft and oversee the MPA. A preliminary progress report, released in September 2023, outlined early initiatives and stakeholder engagement. The Council then helped shape the final Master Plan for Aging report, published in June 2025, which contains over 100 proposals across nine core pillars, including housing access, caregiver support, and technology development.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Council’s work has been informed by input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates, and older adults themselves. This collaborative process ensures that the plan is responsive to the realities faced by different communities, particularly those historically underserved.
Implementation and Policy Influence
Although the Master Plan for Aging is not legally binding, the Council’s recommendations are expected to guide state budget priorities, regulatory reforms, and program development. For example, the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted State Budget allocates significant funding to expand community-based aging services, reflecting Council priorities.
Takeaway
The Master Plan for Aging Council is the engine driving New York’s comprehensive approach to aging policy. By coordinating across state agencies, engaging stakeholders, and producing actionable recommendations, it is setting the framework for how New York will respond to the challenges and opportunities of an aging population over the next decade.
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