Livable Communities

As part of the newly updated 2024 AARP Livability Index™ website, AARP announced Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, secured an impressive score, ranking 9th place on the Top 10 Livability Index for U.S. Large Communities (population 100,000-499,999) — moving up from 2023’s 11th place.

The most prestigious AARP volunteer award in the state.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small residence sharing a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling. Often found in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, they're generally less visible because of positioning behind or tucked within a larger home.

The commitment by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the City of Lincoln will establish a structured, community-driven process for examining ways the city can become more age-friendly. Lincoln residents are invited to complete a survey to assist in this effort.

AARP Nebraska invites eligible, local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant, which funds quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. The application deadline is March 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern.

This past July, AARP Nebraska announced the launch of a rare and unique Omaha architecture design competition called “An ADU for U.” An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small house or apartment residing on a single-family residence’s property lot. They can be located within, attached, or detached from the primary residence.

Six localities across the state have received 2023 AARP Community Challenge grants for quick-turnaround projects that will help make their areas more livable for residents of all ages.

The competition challenges designers and builders to help meet housing needs with affordable, age-friendly ADU plans. October 13 is the deadline for submitting a plan.

Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable.

The annual program aims to make communities in Nebraska more livable for people of all ages.