Livable Communities

For people who don’t drive, it can be hard to find convenient, affordable transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. That’s why AARP is recruiting volunteer drivers for Community Rides, a statewide program that offers free round trips for older Vermonters, people with disabilities and Medicaid patients.

Have a coffee on us and share ideas on how to make Greater Burlington more livable!

Home Share Vermont -- A National Model

Utility regulation in Vermont can be a very complicated process and one that most citizens do not fully understand. AARP Vermont is working hard to shed light on some of the problems with the current approach to regulating electric and natural gas utility companies -- especially as it relates to the rates you pay. A new, independent report just released by AARP Vermont (attached below) shows how Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) has been operating under what is known as an alternative regulation plan created about 10 years ago. While the goal of this form of ratemaking regulation was to best serve Vermont consumers and ratepayers, the actual experience over the past decade has been just the opposite!

Meet the next Vermont Governor!

Sometimes all it takes to make a difference is a little nudge. That’s what happened when AARP Vermont elected to support a small educational program in Burlington serving New American parents and grandparents. A modest grant from AARP Vermont to Parent University leveraged real progress in reaching a population that was largely ignored. The sponsorship was critical to the program’s success over the past year and helped it reach older adults among the New American population, providing valuable education while engaging them in the school community. This school year, 55 parents, guardians and grandparents graduated from the program having participated in at least 3 classes a week for over 6 months.

Can you or your group make a difference in the Queen City?

We are headed into a critical election both nationally and locally; and voters deserve to know how candidates will lead. The future of Social Security needs to be a critical part of the debate for President. As for state level elections, if a candidate wants to be Governor, they should be able to tell us their plans to address transportation needs and the rising cost of our utilities. We need your help to ensure issues facing older adults are top of mind for our next Governor.

After an extensive review of several very qualified applicants, AARP Vermont has selected Bethel, VT to receive a $15,000 sponsorship aimed at a downtown revitalization demonstration project slated for late this summer. AARP, town officials and local groups will be collaborating with Team Better Block to implement the Community Demonstration Project -- 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 and towns 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.

Do you want inspiration for how Burlington could make its streets safe for walking and biking -- for everyone, all year round? Join us for an evening with Betsy Hodges, the mayor of Minneapolis, who will share her city's work to bring walking and biking within reach for all her city's residents.