Livable Communities

As part of a new AARP-backed initiative in Connecticut, the city of Hartford will temporarily close busy thoroughfares to cars on the fourth Sunday of each month, from June to September.

This guest post was written and submitted by Michelle Puzzo, President & Co-Founder of UR Community Cares

The annual program aims to make local communities in Connecticut more livable

AARP Connecticut has selected six recipients for its fourth 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 has funded 22 projects since the inception of the grant program in 2018.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges across the country, and the programs funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are designed to address those challenges including those related to expanding access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service, also known as broadband.

AARP CT Livable Communities Grant Application

AARP Connecticut announced three Connecticut organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.

2021 was a very unusual year at the Connecticut General Assembly. The Connecticut Capitol may have been closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions, but AARP Connecticut staff and volunteers were still vocal and active, virtually advocating on behalf of older adults and submitting nearly 50 pieces of legislative testimony. Below is a summary of the AARP Connecticut-supported bills that successfully passed both the House and Senate and are expected to be signed into law.

AARP is pleased with portions of Governor Lamont’s plan for ARPA Funds, but sees opportunities for additional investments in Home and Community-Based Services

The program funds quick-action projects; Application Deadline is April 14, 2021