Livable Communities

Visitors in Olympia may have noticed a curious sight in our State Capitol's backyard recently. In the shadow of the Legislative Building dome, AARP and housing advocates set up a model Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to help bring attention to a new legislative effort aimed at supporting flexible housing options for people of all ages. Hundreds stopped by to tour the unit, including legislators and their staff, housing advocates and the public. More information about the event is available in AARP's news release, and in this Feb. 16 story from story from the Washington News Service.

The annual program aims to make Washington communities more livable for people of all ages

By Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle’s age-friendly initiative helped Emerald City residents remain connected by hosting more than 50 virtual events. Collectively, they were viewed more than 12,000 times.

The 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant has funded four projects in Washington this year, each aimed at making their communities more livable.

AARP Washington announced four organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.

Applications are currently being accepted through March 22, 2022, 5:00 p.m. ET.  

AARP Community Challenge grants awarded in three Washington areas this year are funding improved access to high-speed internet, a "story trail" to help children boost physical activity while improving their reading skills, and dozens of small urban gardens.

Communities across Washington are all working to become more livable for residents of all ages.

The grant will be used to build community food gardens