Livable Communities

Español | AARP in The Virgin Islands had a triumphant welcoming of the New Year with the successful signing of two (2) major pieces of legislation this month.

While 2020 was a year filled with uncertainty, municipalities and community organizations across Washington still managed to put older residents’ needs front and center. We welcomed two cities - Tacoma and Renton - to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, joining our previous cities of Seattle and Puyallup. Several non-profit agencies also received grants to address crucial pandemic-related issues, such as food insecurity and telehealth.

AARP Connecticut has selected five awardees for its third Livable Communities Grant Program dedicated to fund quick-action projects in Connecticut communities that will help make immediate improvements or jumpstart long-term progress that will support residents. AARP Connecticut funded seven projects in 2019 and four in 2018, the first year of the program.

AARP Vermont has awarded $10,000 in Community Action grants to seven local organizations for their efforts to improve the livability of their communities for residents of all ages.

Two Wyoming localities are using AARP Community Challenge grants to make improvements. Jackson Hole officials will install at least three locally made benches at the Block, a 1.3-acre green space. And the Cokeville Senior Citizens Center will add ramps, replace crumbling concrete and build a new patio with no steps.

Four organizations in three Wisconsin cities have received 2020 AARP Community Challenge grants for improvement projects to benefit residents of all ages.

Five municipalities received 2020 AARP Community Challenge grants, and AARP South Dakota funded three more projects.

AARP awarded 2020 Community Challenge grants to two cities to help make public transit more accessible for older adults and to encourage Kansas residents to fix up their porches as a way to improve their neighborhoods.

We at AARP Texas know that taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for your well-being. Implementing exercise in your lifestyle is one way to achieve good health, and it is easier than you think. The best part is that you do not have you leave your home to get a good workout. AARP Texas offers free virtual events that will get you up and moving. If you are in the mood to try something new, join our virtual Tai Chi classes in English and Spanish.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The full list of grantees and project descriptions can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.