Livable Communities

Organizations in six cities across the state received 2022 AARP Community Challenge grants for local improvement projects.

The 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant has funded four projects in Washington this year, each aimed at making their communities more livable.

As small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence, Accessory Dwelling Units — or ADUs — play a major role in serving a national housing need. This home type is emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that meets the needs of older adults and young families alike.

Complete Streets are streets designed for all modes of transportation, allowing people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, use public transit and drive. It is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders (Smart Growth America).

Community leaders from the Appalachian region of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee gathered in early November to address the needs of the 50-plus communities in the three states.

CARY, NC -- To best prepare for a population that is both growing and aging, the Town of Cary, North Carolina, joined the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities. The announcement was made at the City Council Meeting on November 17. Through the Network, the Town of Cary will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages.

NEW BERN, NC – Age My Way NC, a North Carolina collaboration to identify and prioritize changes needed to support older adults, will be hosting a public listening session in New Bern on December 1, from 5-6:30 pm, at Cullman Hall – North Carolina History Center – Tryon Palace, 529 South Street.

Español | On November 16, 2022, AARP State Director Troy de Chabert-Schuster opened the AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park in The Virgin Islands. The Grand Opening was held at 11:00 am at the Altona Lagoon in Christiansted, St. Croix, VI. Due to COVID-19, a soft opening was announced in 2021. With 15 parks opened in 2019 and more nationwide between 2020 and 2022, AARP sponsored a fitness park in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Winter Placemaking Projects Promote Livability for All Ages

AARP Connecticut has selected seven recipients for its fifth Livable Communities Support Program that funds quick-action projects in Connecticut communities that will help make immediate improvements or jumpstart long-term progress that will support residents. AARP Connecticut has funded 29 projects since the inception of the program in 2018.