Livable Communities

Today, AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including 3 recipients right here in Vermont. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

The City of Winooski’s first-ever parklet project is coming to Main Street.

Change always starts with a good idea and energy…and sometimes a little jump start! As a way to encourage and support grassroots action to make Burlington more livable, AARP Vermont is once again offering Community Action Grants to provide modest funding and technical support to community groups or individuals. The initiative is part of the Livable BTV, an AARP Vermont initiative aimed at preparing Burlington for the rapidly aging demographic shift – particularly in the areas of housing, mobility and community engagement. The deadline for applications is September 28, 2018.

Walk Audit Report

SSTA is looking for full and part-time paratransit drivers to help our clients get where they need to go. Drivers operate a 27’ van, 14-passenger van, or sedan, providing reliable door-to-door transportation.

2018 is proving to be a busy year at AARP Vermont. From protecting Medicare and Social Security to cutting VT tax on Social Security and fraud prevention outreach, your team in Vermont is on the job. That's why we want to give you a special opportunity to get occasional updates on the issues that matter to older Vermonters, by joining our mobile team.

Enjoy a free cup of coffee and learn about CarShare Vermont. Tim Boyle will talk about their collaboration with AARP and the benefits of carsharing as part of an active multimodal lifestyle. CarShare VT is also running a special promotion for residents age 55+ that Tim will share information about.

AARP is focused on a placemaking process that incorporates the needs and desires of a community to catalyze quick improvements and promote true livability. A partnership between AARP VT, VDH, YMCA, Community Workshop and ACCD is interested in exploring how placemaking can help grow strong local economies, support, healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages and ability while strengthening a community’s historical, natural and cultural assets. Two recent workshops in Brattleboro and Burlington featured presentations and discussion on how a placemaking initiative might look in different Vermont communities.

Are you a musician…or just into music? There’s a non-profit in Burlington that could use your help on some projects.

AARP Vermont partnered with Smart Growth America on Nov. 6 to host a Vermont-specific webinar on implementing complete streets principles in rural and small towns across the state. Attendees and officials from towns and villages across Vermont participated.