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Louisville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: Louisville faced high costs and delays for Accessory Dwelling Units, limiting housing options for older adults. To remove these barriers, the city purchased three sets of pre-approved ADU plans and posted them online for free, cutting costs and streamlining permits. The plans include universal design features and options for different lot sizes, making ADUs more accessible for families seeking multi-generational living or supplemental income. The effort has already led to permit approvals and is expected to expand housing choices for aging in place. "People are always looking for opportunities for generational wealth... it's a wonderful opportunity for the city," said one supporter.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: An aging-in-place guide and video will be created from proven housing examples. The materials will help neighborhoods explore local housing pathways.
Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Lihue left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Erie, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will add accessible seating and a .25-mile all-weather walking path to a public park. These improvements will create a vibrant space for residents of all ages and abilities to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Princeton, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Illinois, thousands face food insecurity and limited access to books and art. Community A-to-Z responded by installing 26 Little Free Libraries, Pantries and Art Galleries across Bureau and neighboring counties, including local community centers and food pantries. Nearly half of volunteers were age 50-plus, and building days drew more than 100 visitors, sparking additional installations beyond this project. Older adults now use the libraries as destinations for walks and bike rides, forming new connections and reducing loneliness. With plans to grow to 4,050 units, the project created a lasting network that strengthens literacy and community ties.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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