Livable Communities

AARP Vermont Announces 2023 State Walking College Fellowships

Have you been wanting to get back on your bike, but feel a little rusty with your riding skills?

Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will — for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

Applications are currently being accepted through March 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET

The AARP Livable Community Team recently posted a series of photo albums, focused on AARP Community Challenge grant recipients around the country. The AARP Community Challenge has helped communities raise awareness about the need for local streets to be safe for all users, especially pedestrians.

Complete Streets are streets designed for all modes of transportation, allowing people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, use public transit and drive. It is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders (Smart Growth America).

Winter Placemaking Projects Promote Livability for All Ages

AARP Vermont is collaborating with Team Better Block to implement a Community Demonstration Project in one Vermont community in 2016. The $15,000 initiative is an approach to revitalization that begins with temporarily transforming a single block into a vibrant destination that illustrates the potential for new business, safer streets and improved livability. Typically, cities have used their Better Blocks to set up farmers’ markets, beer gardens, bookstores and fruit stands. They’ve built swings and climbing areas, set up trampolines and presented school plays, local dance troupes and open-mike musicians. They often lead to more permanent neighborhood improvements.

Bethel Better Block Final Report

Accessible transportation enables vibrant neighborhoods and connects people with economic