AARP Vermont partnered with Smart Growth America (SGA), through AARP’s Livable Communities Technical Assistance Program (LC-TAP), to study the proposed Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) and its potential impact on housing development. The LC-TAP program provides the capacity to help AARP State Offices guide policies and projects to support communities to be vibrant and accessible for people of all ages. Addressing housing needs is a vital goal for the Livable Communities Program, including supporting the delivery of homes appropriate for multi-generational living, aging in place, and meeting accessibility needs.
For more than 70 years, the annual Town Officer Education Conferences have provided an opportunity for municipal officials and citizen volunteers to receive updates on tax laws; learn about new technology, procedures and programs; and discuss other job-related matters. The conferences, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension in collaboration with several partner organizations, will be held on April 4, 2019 at Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, and on April 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn, Rutland.
A recent AARP placemaking workshop in White River Jct. attracted some 80 town and city planners, community organizers, grassroots groups and local citizens to learn more about creating public spaces that are vibrant, welcoming, safe and accessible for everyone. These projects employ temporary changes with the goal of leading to permanent change that supports healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities. The workshop featured a number of presentations on actual projects that have been launched in VT towns as well as a some exciting hands-on workshop sessions. A highlight for attendees was the announcement by AARP Vermont that up to three mini-grants of $3,000 each will be made to eligible organizations, local towns and cities embarking on such initiatives.
AARP Vermont held a Placemaking workshop in White River Junction on March 13. In addition to several excellent presentations, and announcement was made about funding opportunities for local projects around the state. (See links to presentations below.)
The 7 th Annual “A Show of HANDS” features 100 decorated wooden hands adorning the walls at Penny Cluse Café during March. A silent auction of the hands will take place on Thursday, March 28 from 6:00-8:00pm (bidding ends at 7:45).
Burlington voters participated in a discussion between the candidates for city council about the future of transportation, housing, job growth, and mobility at a candidate forum on Feb. 20. Voters learned more about how the next City Council will make Burlington a more livable city for people of all ages. Following is a video of the event provided by CCTV of Burlington. The event was sponsored by AARP VT and BBA.