Livable Communities

AARP invests in communities across Minnesota through 7 organizations as part of nationwide grant program

Mardi Knudson, 68, was baffled when she drove into a downtown St. Cloud parking garage recently and couldn’t find a way to pay with cash.

If you want to improve your skills and effectiveness as a walkable/livable community advocate, check out the AARP Central Region Walking College.

Applications are currently being accepted through March 22, 2022, 4:00 p.m. CT.

AARP is pleased to welcome Minnesota as the tenth state to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Membership is a commitment to engaging older residents in efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, systems and social environment. The network provides access to resources and information on age-friendly best practices being developed and implemented in other Age-Friendly states and over 600 communities across the nation.

The AARP Community Challenge program has awarded six grants in Minnesota communities this year to fund quick-action projects to improve housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement and connection with others.

Created in 2019, the Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota plans to submit its final recommendations this year. AARP is also continuing to support communities and work with state legislators to set up a permanent age-friendly council that will enable more change across the state.

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But, we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability for all. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2021 for its fifth year and is currently accepting applications online through April 14, 7:00 p.m. CST.

An Age-Friendly Community includes safe, walkable streets; housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. In November, more than 500 people attended our virtual conference focused on Building Great Places for People of All Ages. Learn more about Age-Friendly Communities in action and what tools and resources are available to create change where you live. If you were unable to participate you can still access the recordings using these links:

Living in the COVID-19 pandemic, we are more reliant on our internet connections – we are working, learning, and even receiving health care from home. All require a strong internet connection. The reality is, though, that thousands of Minnesotans still don’t have access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet.