In 2001 F.O.C.U.S. identified a national concern – how to retrofit communities to accept the challenge of the large number of baby boomers about to enter retirement years. Partnerships were formed with Syracuse University, the Federal Office of Aging, Partners for Livable Communities, AARP, Onondaga County Office for Aging, Civic Ventures, LeMoyne College, Cornell University, Ithaca College, SUNY Upstate, SUNY ESF, the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, Zogby International and local city, county and federal government offices. In January 2003 a public visioning session was held, resulting in a case statement and business plan.
