AARP Iowa invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.
During the 2026 state legislative session, AARP Iowa plans to engage in legislation across several key areas, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, financial security, long-term care, energy and livable communities.
An estimated 41% of American adults have lost money due to fraud or have had sensitive information obtained and used fraudulently. Scammers steal billions from consumers annually and fraud is a serious issue. AARP Iowa is committed to helping Iowans stay informed about how to avoid scams and where to find support and resources in the fight against fraud.
This summer four Iowa communities received AARP Community Challenge grants to jump-start beautification and accessibility projects. The Iowa grants, which totaled more than $17,000, will help the Avoca Public Library build a musical park for concerts and a green space for gatherings, enable the Keokuk Parks Foundation to convert tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts, fund decorative lighting on Main Street in Manning, and share the Woodbine community’s history by mounting signs on buildings and in pocket parks along Main Street.
Voting in the mid-term elections is easy for some people – just a quick walk around the corner or a short drive to the polling station. But for others, it may seem impossible.
When you go into an airport, coffee shop or mall, connecting to free public Wi-Fi is convenient for sending emails, checking social media or even sending a text, but using it can be risky.
Before you head to the polls, learn where the candidates stand on the issues that matter most to you. AARP Iowa sat down with candidates for Iowa Governor to hear how they would help Iowans live independently, support caregivers, protect public pensions and strengthen guardianship laws to protect Iowa's most vulnerable citizen. Watch how they responded below, so you can cast an educated vote this November.
Maddie Miller was born with spina bifida and has been confined to a wheelchair most of her life. Now 22 years of age and employed at the South Suburban YMCA in Des Moines, Miller takes great pride in her independence and relies on Dart transportation to get to and from work. The lack of sidewalks in her neighborhood, however, has put her safety and independence in jeopardy.
AARP Iowa, Latino Political Network (LPN) and county auditors are partnering to inform voters ahead of mid-term election with 5 statewide programs -- Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Mason City and Shenandoah -- during the week of Oct. 15.