Livable Communities

As we step into a new month, it’s the perfect time to stay informed about the pressing issues and opportunities that could impact your life and community. This month brings a wealth of important updates, particularly for older Floridians, as the 2025 Florida Legislative Session is approaching. AARP Florida released its 2025 legislative priorities, emphasizing the importance of accessible housing options for all ages, the need to enhance long-term services and supports, and increase consumer protections as top priorities for the AARP advocacy team and volunteers. Understanding these key issues is crucial for staying engaged and advocating for policies that make a positive difference.

Twelve entities in Florida received AARP Community Challenge grants this year, for a total of $101,920, with many projects focused on accessibility and safety.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, and join us for the 2nd Annual World Car-Free Day in Tampa! This exciting event, organized by Walk Bike Tampa and sponsored by AARP Tampa Bay, promises a day filled with fun, community and sustainability.

Recently, AARP Florida announced the recipients of the 2024 Community Challenge grants—a select group of organizations throughout the state. These grantees will undertake quick-action projects this year, addressing critical areas such as public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their efforts prioritize the needs of residents aged 50 and above.

AARP is investing $101,920.00 in Florida communities as part of a nationwide grant program. Twelve communities across Florida are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages.

On April 24, Thayra Hausheer, an AARP Florida Executive Council Member, presented Mayor Francis Suarez and the Commissioners of the City of Miami with a recognition plaque for completing a five-year cycle and their extraordinary progress in making the City age-friendly for all its residents. Among the City’s many accomplishments, Miami initiated the Safe Routes to Age in Place program, which empowers older adults to identify their transportation needs to improve safety in their neighborhoods, including pedestrian safety. The City also focused on supporting affordable housing, working with housing providers to diversify Miami's housing options, providing rental assistance, and expanding the number of older adults who qualify. In addition, Miami is now home to a Senior Planet site to provide older adults with digital skills and connections to a range of programs and supports, and your Empower 60 program has received widespread recognition for its civic contributions to both older adults and the broader community.

This February, we recognize National Senior Independence Month. At AARP, we strive to create spaces where people of all ages can live independent, fulfilled lives. We are here to act as a wise friend and fierce defender for the 50+, and we aim to help you and your families feel confident, in control and secure as you age.

AARP Florida invita a las organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro y a los gobiernos elegibles de todo el país a solicitar el programa de subvenciones AARP Community Challenge 2024, desde ahora hasta el 6 de marzo a las 5 p.m. Oriental. Las subvenciones de AARP Community Challenge financian proyectos de acción rápida que ayudan a las comunidades a ser más habitables mejorando los lugares públicos, el transporte, la vivienda, las conexiones digitales y más.

AARP Florida invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 6 at 5p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

Eight Florida entities won 2023 AARP Community Challenge grants, totaling $102,000. The program funds projects aimed at improving community livability. This year's awards in Florida will help fund a mobile legal clinic, park restoration and asphalt artwork, among other initiatives.