The program funds projects that improve mobility and livability "for all ages."
AARP has announced the second year of its Community Challenge grant program, which aims broadly to improve the built and social environments for people of all ages and abilities. Melanie Curry explains:
The grants can go to transportation projects, either permanent or temporary ones, that help increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, or access; to permanent or temporary projects and programs that activate and improve open spaces and parks; to projects that support or help increase access to affordable housing; and to other innovative projects that improve a community.
In its first year, the program awarded 88 grants nationwide that "put in crosswalks, added street signs, lighting and bike racks, cleaned up and activated alleys and parks, built gardens, created Open Streets events, created walking tours and walking paths," and more.
Projects can be large or small, but must be completed rapidly—within less than six months of applying. Applications are due May 16, 2018. "The quick turnaround is deliberate, to get communities to work together and 'coalesce' around specific projects," Curry explains.
FULL STORY: AARP Launches 2018 Community Challenge Grant
What the Livability Index Shows About Housing
A new report highlights inequalities in accessibility and affordability.
Seniors and Urbanists Unite!
The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and CNU (Congress for New Urbanism) have produced a new set of urban planning guides. Their latest is, "A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods."
Insights From the Latest Livability Index
The latest edition of the AARP Livability Index reveals the U.S. regions with more of the kinds of neighborhoods that offer quality of life benefits for residents of all ages.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service