New AARP Book Recognizes Des Moines and Mayor Frank Cownie

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.

“Mayor Cownie and the City of Des Moines deserve tremendous credit for their vision and leadership in focusing on sustainability, conservation and livability,” said AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern. “From the start of his administration in 2004, Mayor Cownie has led the charge to adopt a citywide sustainability plan and beautification campaign and his efforts are having long-term health, economic growth and livability benefits for residents, businesses, and the community at large,” said Sovern.

“We’re extremely proud to have Des Moines included in this book as an example of how a focus on sustainability and livability has benefits for citizens, including reducing the city’s long-term operational costs” said Mayor Cownie. “We thank AARP for recognizing our community’s great work, and we support the association’s efforts to promote livable communities that can help all cities become greater places for people of all ages.”

Sovern said AARP published the book to help answer the question, “What makes a town or city a great place to live?” In addition to Des Moines, the publication highlights 100+ initiatives by mayors to improve their communities, respond to pressing local issues and build partnerships. Copies of the book are available in a free, e-book format at aaarp.org/WhereWeLive, see page 37 for the Des Moines citation.

The City of Spencer and Mayor Reynold Peterson are the only other Iowa mayor and community included in the book. Spencer and Mayor Peterson are recognized for their efforts to improve community health.

AARP is dedicated to forming partnerships with communities that are creating great places for people of all ages, and has developed numerous resources, such as this new, free book, to help make communities more livable for all. Additional tools and resources are available at the AARP Livable Communities website at www.aarp.org/livable.