Livable Oregon

Metro's Transportation 2020 and Our Region's Transportation Future

What happens when we are not able to drive or use public transit? How do we get around to meet our everyday needs and stay connected in to our community? AARP research tell us that transportation and mobility options are fundamental to our well-being as we grow older. But too often, lack of accessible, reliable transportation options keep older adults and people with disabilities from participating in everyday activities or meeting basic needs.

Portland area events: Be Active. Stay Active

On February 28, Governor Kate Brown signed into law Senate Bill 608 to stop unchecked rent increases. AARP Oregon proudly supported the bill and worked for a number of years along with many other advocates across the state to make sure that people who rent their homes are protected from no-cause evictions and rapid increases in the rent of their homes. Hundreds of AARP volunteer leaders and activists from around the state contacted their legislators in support of the bill.

The unprecedented housing crisis we are experiencing here in Oregon has meant that we hear a great deal about the lack affordable housing in our communities. As the single biggest item on most household budgets, the rising cost of housing impacts the well being of people of all ages and abilities, especially those living on fixed and low incomes. For many, paying rent or mortgage means going without medication or food. For other still, increasing housing costs can mean displacement or even homelessness. So it is exciting that local municipalities, state policy makers, and housing advocates are working together to devise bold solutions to address housing affordability in our communities, from increasing housing production through allowing innovative and new types of housing, protecting renters from skyrocketing rents, to preserving and funding affordable housing.

In 2018, the fourth  season of NeighborWalks begins in June! We excited about the fabulous walks we have planned for in and around Portland. One exciting thing this year is that we are expanding our walks to include Clackamas and Washington counties!

AARP Oregon is kicking off a statewide listening tour this spring to hear from Oregonians 50+ about their communities. The Age-Friendly Oregon: Building Communities for All Ages Listening Tour will include stops in twelve Oregon communities between March and June 2018. In each community, AARP staff and volunteer leaders will be host a public community conversation designed to hear from 50+ Oregonian about their communities, their priorities and aspirations for a livable and age-friendly Oregon.

by Elaine Friesen-Strang

There are many reasons for walking - for health and wellness, to get to places and save gas, and of course, to connect with community! Join AARP Oregon and Rogue Valley Transportation District this September for two great NeighborWalks in the Rogue Valley. Get your steps in, meet new people, and explore Medford and Grantspass on foot. These walks are part of the Oregon Drive Less Challenge.

On April 13th, AARP Oregon, 1000 Friends of Oregon, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Transportation Growth Management Program, Oregon Chapter of American Planners Association hosted the Rogue Valley 17 Livability Solutions Forum: Future of Housing in Medford. The event focused on exploring how the Jackson and Josephine Counties can create more housing options, identifying barriers and challenges to more innovative housing that support residents across age, ability and income spectrums and how “missing middle housing” can be instrumental in building successful multi-generational communities.