Livable Communities

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

AARP Vermont has awarded $10,000 in Community Action grants to seven local organizations for their efforts to improve the livability of their communities for residents of all ages.

AARP has awarded Community Challenge grants totaling nearly $45,000 to five Vermont organizations, as part of a national program to promote livability.

AARP promotes the creation of ADUs.