Livable Communities

AARP today announced three Nebraska organizations—Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA), Partners for Livable Omaha, and Project Houseworks—will receive 2025 Community Challenge grant funding. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

AARP Nebraska invites eligible, local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 5, 2025, at 4 p.m. Central. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

The AARP® Purpose Prize® is open to founders of 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be over 50 and need to have started their organizations after age 40. Up to five winners will receive $75,000 for their organization and a year of organizational supports to expand their reach provided by AARP. Application deadline is February 28, 2025, at 4 p.m. Central.

Omaha residents will have more affordable housing options to choose from following recent zoning changes that make it easier to build accessory dwelling units.

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.

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.