Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are residential living units on the same lot as a single-family or primary dwelling. AARP Iowa is working to expand access to this housing option by championing a statewide ADU law that would give all Iowans the right to build an ADU on their property, reducing unnecessary regulations and red tape.
AARP Iowa works with community members and decision-makers to inform and enact positive change on the issues that affect all of us as we age. This includes health and independence, financial security and making our communities more livable for all Iowans.
The City of Des Moines’ efforts to encourage energy efficiency, sustainability and age-friendly practices have earned the city and Mayor Frank Cownie inclusion in the new book, “Where We Live: Communities for All Ages, 100+ Inspiring Ideas from America’s Mayors,” by Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President for Community, State and National Affairs.
AARP Iowa’s top legislative priority in 2017 will be passage of the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act. The legislation would provide training and support for family caregivers when a loved one comes home from a hospital stay.
Don Corrigan of Des Moines has been named winner of the 2016 AARP Iowa Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award.
All are invited to join AARP and volunteer and community leaders of the Greater Des Moines Age-Friendly Initiative for the fourth annual report to the community on Friday, Dec. 16th at Des Moines University, this year featuring special guest Daniel Parolek.
AARP Iowa, the state Office of Attorney General and other agencies are providing training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges to help them address elder abuse in their communities. Funded by a three-year $400,000 federal grant, the project also provides services to victims—including housing and legal assistance—and strengthens intervention at the local level.
More than 500 Iowans from across the state participated in our recent series of voter engagement Social Security solutions forums to discuss the importance of Social Security in the 2016 election and to the economic security of Iowans for generations to come.
Politicians are not likely to make plans to update Social Security unless voters ask them to do so. That’s why AARP opened an office in Des Moines—to serve as a hub for efforts to hold presidential and congressional candidates accountable for explaining how they would keep Social Security financially sound for current and future generations.