08/27/2026
Statement about the Clearlake Senior/Community Center
For many years, the City has contracted with Highlands Senior Service Center, a non-profit entity, to operate the City-owned facility and provide services to our senior community. The City recognizes the important role the Senior Center plays in our community and the value of the meals, programs, activities and other services it provides to local seniors.
For context:
• The Clearlake Senior/Community Center is a City-owned, public facility.
• The City contracts with Highlands Senior Service Center, a nonprofit organization, to operate the facility and provide senior services.
• The City’s most recent agreement with Highlands was approved in 2011.
• After 15 years, the City intends to evaluate the arrangement through an open and competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
The City greatly appreciates Highlands’ longstanding service and the contributions of its staff, volunteers and community supporters.
Why is the City issuing an RFP?
As the owner and steward of important public assets like the Senior/Community Center building, the City has a responsibility to periodically evaluate its contractual relationships and ensure they continue to provide the greatest benefit to the community.
An open RFP will allow the City to establish clear expectations, evaluate current and potential services, and consider new ideas and partnerships. The selected organization would be responsible for operating the City’s Senior/Community Center and providing senior services from the facility.
The RFP will also provide an opportunity to consider how the Center can better serve the broader community. In addition to senior programs, the facility accommodates meetings, celebrations, educational programs, nonprofit and civic activities, community gatherings and other events. We welcome ideas about how to expand use of the facility without compromising senior programs and services.
What Does This Mean for Senior Services and Highlands?
This process is not a decision to discontinue senior services and is not criticism of Highlands Senior Service Center. Senior services will remain a priority throughout the process and in the City’s evaluation of proposals.
The City values its longstanding relationship with Highlands Senior Service and hopes the organization will consider submitting a proposal. Highlands will have the same opportunity as other qualified organizations to submit a proposal demonstrating its experience, capabilities, programming and vision for the facility.
What are the Next Steps?
The RFP and any resulting agreement will be considered through a public process expected to take several months. No changes to senior services are expected during this period.
The City’s goal is clear: maintain and strengthen senior services while expanding the community benefit of the Clearlake Senior/Community Center. The City looks forward to working with Highlands, local seniors, community organizations and residents to determine the best path forward for this important community facility. We want the Senior Center to remain a welcoming, active and sustainable gathering place that provides dependable services for seniors while creating appropriate opportunities for broader community use.
Dirk Slooten
Mayor, City of Clearlake
