Livable Communities

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.

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.

Press Statement:

Burlingtonians had a chance to share their opinions and concerns on a host of issues around livability in a citywide survey conducted by AARP Vermont and released today. AARP Vermont held a briefing for Burlington officials, stakeholder groups and the press today to share these research findings from the household survey of 500 residents over age 45. The report is entitled The Path to Livability: A Citizen Survey of Burlington, VT.