Livable Communities

What is Livability? A livable community is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing, diverse transportation options, and supportive community features and services. Once in place, these resources enhance the personal independence and health of community residents and enable residents of all ages to engage in a community's civic, economic and social life. Policy makers at the federal, state and local levels play a huge role in designing and maintaining cities, towns and neighborhoods so they are active places where residents of all ages can live, work and play.

The first Toastmasters Club for the Hard of Hearing in the United States — Audible Talkers — will be holding its inaugural meeting on Monday, July 1, 2019 from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. in the Tempe Public Library. The Club will meet the first and third Monday of every month.

The Granite City Greenway in Mt Airy is a 6.6 linear mile trail and a great local resource for walking, biking, running or strolling. And a couple of additions would make it even better for users of all ages. A 2019 AARP Community Challenge Grant will help add ten benches, five bike racks and new trees to the trail.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. In La Crosse, local volunteers and AARP Wisconsin staff collaborate to bring this idea to life.

Don't miss the largest one-day ADU tour!

AARP in San Jose is here to help you take on June with local offerings, resources and more. We hope you will join us at one or all of the following events!

By Tamara Lytle

This article was writen by Darline Goyea, Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist, for the Defense Health Agency.

Two decades ago energy companies and their lobbyist convinced legislators that Maryland consumers would save money if only they deregulated the electric and gas companies. During the 2019 session, the industry hired dozens of plugged-in lobbyists to advocate for a measure to change the way electric and gas utilities set their annual rates. HB 653 Electric Companies and Gas Companies – Rate Regulation – Alternative Rate Plans was sponsored by Chairman Dereck Davis. Under the radar of the Public Service Commission and consumer advocates, the bill passed the House Economic Matters Committee 20-0 and the full House 83-51. AARP Maryland, however, took notice and our members sprang into action, sending hundreds of emails and faxes to their senators urging them to kill this anti-consumer measure. The bill’s supporters complained about the “noise” made by AARP volunteer advocates, but our efforts made a difference. The more AARP members made “noise,” the more lawmakers began to pay attention and the bill stalled in the Senate.

Governor Bryan, Jr. has made a commitment to work toward making The Virgin Islands age-friendly