Do You Live in Bismarck? Here are Ways to Help Shape the Future of Your Community

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Bismarck’s comprehensive plan – called Together 2045 – is Bismarck’s enrollment into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly State and Communities. Membership in the Network shows that a community’s elected leadership is committed to working with residents and advocates to make their town, city, county or even state a great place to live for older adults and people of ages. The work that happens within the Network is hands-on and locally determined and directed. AARP ND staff and volunteers are working with community leaders to engage and mobilize Bismarck as a part of the Network.  

Bismarck Briefing: What did Bismarck residents say?
Early in 2022, Bismarck residents spoke up during events hosted by the City regarding Bismarck's future and its growth as part of the AARP Network of Age Friendly Community. If you missed the conversation with the Bismarck City Planning Department on March 10, see the video below to find out what they heard and hear how the city plans to use this input as they continue to develop the new comprehensive plan, Together 2045.

How You Can Help - Join the Bismarck Age-Friendly 2045 Ambassadors
Bismarck residents see firsthand their community and know what needs to be improved. Do you have special skills and expertise you want to share, or are you simply passionate about helping others or improving your community? We invite you to share your talents and make Bismarck a great place for all.

Your involvement can be as simple as sending an email to your friends, or by sharing social media posts. We will make sure to equip you with what you need. If you would like, you can do it all from the convenience and comfort of your home! 

 Here are examples of how you can become involved: 

• Write a letter to the editor in your local paper. 
• Send a message to Bismarck city officials on age-friendly issues. 
• Share a Bismarck-focused image or other post on Facebook or Twitter. 
• Appear in a promotional video or other form of media. 
• Talk to your friends, neighbors, or city officials by phone, email, or social media. 
• Attend or serve on relevant Bismarck committees (i.e. Bismarck Renaissance Zone Board, Planning and Zoning, etc.). 
• Complete Bismarck-focused surveys and recommend others do too. 
• Assist in presenting at or attending an event. 
• Participate in an AARP Bismarck local advocacy group. 
• Volunteer in your community. 

No matter the activity, your role matters! Volunteers bring a wealth of insights and professional experience that can help local leaders improve the lives of people in their communities.  

Click here to indicate how you’d like to be involved and join the Bismarck Age-Friendly 2045 Ambassadors. Or, call the AARP North Dakota state office toll-free at 866-554-5383, or email Janelle Moos at jmoos@aarp.org.  

Background
Bismarck’s comprehensive plan – called Together 2045 – is Bismarck’s enrollment into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly State and Communities. Membership in the Network shows that a community’s elected leadership is committed to working with residents and advocates to make their town, city, county or even state a great place to live for older adults and people of ages. The work that happens within the Network is hands-on and locally determined and directed. 

Nationwide, 542 communities representing more than 104 million residents have joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which is a program within the larger AARP Livable Communities initiative. Learn more at AARP.org/AgeFriendly and  AARP.org/Livable. 

AARP staff and volunteers are working with community leaders throughout the nation to engage and mobilize communities, share expertise, and deliver technical assistance to the towns, cities, counties and states in the Network. 

What’s Next for Bismarck? 
Together 2045 will be the roadmap working towards a more livable, age-friendly community. Learn more at www.bismarcknd.gov/Together2045. 

Watch this episode of All Things Advocacy with Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken and Community Development Director Ben Ehreth here. You can find more information about the Network, Together 2045, and how Bismarck residents can become engaged by watching the video. 


On-Demand Events
Bismarck Age-Friendly 2045 Ambassadors Briefing: Places and Spaces for All

• Watch this session and gain insight into the city’s new comprehensive plan – called Together 2045 – and how you can shape the future of your Bismarck community. Likewise, you can learn more regarding Bismarck being a grantee of the 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant and the enhancements happening in your community.
  
  • Watch this Bismarck Briefing

Bismarck Briefing: All About Roundabouts

• Watch this session to hear from a Traffic Engineer with the City of Bismarck, who will share the public survey results from the pop-up roundabout that happened in September. Likewise, learn from the Director of AARP Livable Communities on why projects like the roundabout show a community that it is possible for streets to be both safe and efficient.
  
  • Watch this Bismarck Briefing
    

 Four-Part Series: How to Make Your House a Home for Life

• Watch this four-part series and learn how to live safely and comfortably by enabling where you live to be a “lifelong home.” Information includes technology upgrades and in-home services; home improvements or additions; and new construction techniques that allow you to age in place.
  
  • Staying Independent at Home
  • Accessory Dwelling Units
  • HomeFit
  • Universal Design