Livable Communities

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has affected communities across the country, hit older adults incredibly hard, and put a spotlight on a host of disparities. As Ohioans and people across the nation look to recovery from the pandemic, local leaders are making decisions about how to invest federal funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that passed Congress in March 2021 in response to the pandemic.

AARP awarded 10 Community Challenge Grants in Ohio in 2021 as part of its national Livable Communities Initiative.

AARP’s nationwide grant program works to make communities more livable for people of all ages with tangible improvements for long-term change. See what Ohio’s 2021 grantees are doing for you.

Visit with Cincinnati-based artist, poet, author and actor Annie Ruth, who will talk about how art can connect communities and encourage diversity.

With limited supply and high costs, AARP Ohio is promoting affordable housing initiatives across the state, such as revised zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units.

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, 8:00 p.m. ET.

Newly planted trees, art mural and playground among the Livable Community improvements.

AARP Ohio released written testimony, along with the following statement from State Director Holly Holtzen, PhD, on House Bill 606 and Senate Bill 308, companion legislation bills under consideration this week in the Ohio House of Representatives Civil Justice Committees and the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee:

The city of Lorain and village of Leipsic in Ohio received 2019 AARP Community Challenge grants to add swings and other improvements to local parks.

AARP Cincinnati has worked with Cincinnati Parks to open an AARP sponsored fitness park that is designed for people of all ages. AARP Vice President of the Office of Community Engagement, Maureen Pierce-Smile, Mayor John Cranley, and Cincinnati Parks Director, Wade Walcutt will welcome members of the community to the new park on Saturday, August 10th at 11AM in Jacob Hoffner Park (map).