Where to Be in 2026: The MPA Toolkit, CO’s New Dashboard, and Events (Jan 2026)

Multisector Plan for Aging Toolkit

The Multisector Plan for Aging Toolkit was released by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) to help states and partners develop coordinated, cross-sector strategies that support healthy aging. The toolkit offers step-by-step guidance and practical tools to move planning into action across health care, social services, housing, transportation, and other key sectors.

The toolkit is organized around six key focus areas:

• Getting Started with a Multisector Plan for Aging – An overview of what an MPA is and how states can begin the planning process.

• Securing State Leadership Buy-In – Strategies for gaining executive and legislative support to ensure long-term success.

• Working Across State Agencies and Sectors – Guidance on building strong cross-agency and cross-sector collaboration.

• Engaging Stakeholders and Community Members – Approaches for meaningfully involving communities, advocates, and partners.

• Using Data to Drive Decision-Making – Tools for leveraging data to inform priorities, track progress, and measure impact.

• Drafting, Implementing, and Refreshing the Plan – Best practices for developing the plan and keeping it relevant over time.

  Learn more and access the toolkit

Colorado Launches New Multi-Sector Plan on Aging Dashboard

The State of Colorado has launched a new Multi-Sector Plan on Aging Data Dashboard, a public online tool designed to provide real-time insights into the lives and needs of older Coloradans. The dashboard aggregates data across eight key areas — including demographics, housing, economic security, healthcare access, communication and information, and home- and community-based services — to help community organizations, policymakers, local planners, and advocates make data-informed decisions that support aging well throughout the state.

This new resource complements Colorado’s broader 10-year Multi-Sector Plan on Aging, a comprehensive blueprint that aligns state agencies, community partners, and service providers to enhance quality of life for older adults and build age-friendly communities.

Explore the dashboard:

USAging Answers on Aging 2026 Conference & Tradeshow

July 18–21, 2026 | San Diego, CA

Don’t miss the USAging Answers on Aging Annual Conference and Tradeshow, the largest gathering of aging network professionals in the United States. This four-day event brings together Area Agencies on Aging, tribal aging programs, policymakers, service providers, and community partners to share insights, explore new strategies, and build meaningful connections that support older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers nationwide. With more than 100 sessions focused on innovative practices in advocacy, caregiving, housing, transportation, workforce development, social engagement, and more, attendees will gain practical tools and new ideas to strengthen aging services in their communities. Whether you’re looking to enhance program delivery, expand your professional network, or stay current on national trends and policy, this is a must-attend event.

Register here:

ADvancing States 2026 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference 

August 23–27, 2026 | Baltimore Marriott Waterfront | Baltimore, MD

Save the date for the 2026 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference, ADvancing States’ premier national event focused on strengthening long-term services and supports (LTSS) for people of all ages and abilities. This annual conference brings together state, federal, and local policymakers, along with leaders who administer, manage, and deliver HCBS programs, to share innovative practices and policies that improve state systems.

Attendees can expect in-depth sessions, peer learning opportunities, and meaningful discussions on advancing equitable, sustainable HCBS systems nationwide. Registration will open in Spring 2026, and interested participants can sign up now to receive conference updates.

Sign up for updates

ASA On Aging 2026 Annual Conference 

On Aging is the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for members of the American Society on Aging (ASA). On Aging 2026 is an opportunity to connect, learn, and share your expertise with thousands of professionals working in aging and related fields. 

On Aging 2026 will take place April 20–23, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

Registration for On Aging 2026 is now open! 

Power of Alignment—Strengthening Aging Services Through MPA & SPA Integration
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Hanover E

Join this 60-minute session at On Aging 2026 to learn how states are aligning State Plans on Aging (SPAs) and Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) to strengthen aging services and long-term supports. Speakers from Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania will share real-world examples of coordinating goals, leveraging shared data, engaging stakeholders, and integrating staffing approaches to support sustainable systems change.

How Multisector Plans for Aging Are Shaping the Aging Experience—A Stakeholder Perspective
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 9:00–10:00 AM | Lenox Room

Attend this engaging panel discussion at On Aging 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, to hear directly from stakeholders at different stages of Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA) implementation. Facilitated by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), this session will highlight how MPAs are impacting lives and work on the ground, while offering practical insights on stakeholder engagement, outcomes tracking, and building buy-in for successful implementation.
Learn more and attend:

Contact us

For questions, comments, or suggestions related to MPAs or the newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at MPA@westhealth.org.