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City of Altoona (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
Residents seeking smaller, more affordable homes had few options because no accessory dwelling units were being built, and many people were unsure how ADUs worked or why they mattered. To address this, the city held an open house where designers pitched ADU concepts, recorded the presentations and shared them online. A new website explained ADUs and offered clear guidance on their use. The event produced several ready-to-use designs and began generating local interest. One presenter described how an ADU had once helped her shelter a friend, saying it "literally saved her," highlighting how these small homes can support people with changing needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Lake City, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Lake City, home to one of Minnesota's oldest populations, faced a shortage of affordable housing and options for aging in place. Although ADUs were allowed, few residents pursued them due to lack of awareness and design access. The Port Authority launched an education campaign with informational sessions, brochures and a dedicated webpage. They partnered with housing advocates to provide free pre-reviewed ADU designs, including above-garage options. Interest surged, with residents contacting city planners and realtors seeking guidance.
Suffolk County, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Suffolk County's housing costs leave many older adults with few options to age in place. To spark solutions, the county launched the Home to Opportunity ADU Design Contest, inviting residents to submit accessible accessory dwelling unit concepts. Winning designs were showcased with 3D models, and a published report now guides future ADU development. The project also funded research mapping senior housing zoning patterns, informing policy discussions on expanding housing options. Local media coverage amplified the effort, showing how ADUs can support independence and affordability for older residents.
Salt Lake City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Salt Lake City's housing shortage left many residents struggling to find affordable options. To highlight Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a practical solution, the group hosted a tour of three ADUs for over 70 attendees and developed a digital map showing where ADUs could be built. They also worked with city leaders to streamline approvals through a pre-authorized design program and secured funding for an ADU loan initiative. Policy changes passed in April 2024 eased construction barriers and spurred permit requests, with about 150 new ADUs expected in five years-creating more housing choices for older adults and families.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Spring Valley, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: In rural communities, older adults faced fall hazards at home but were reluctant to ask for help, making aging in place risky. The project trained volunteers to assess homes and install safety upgrades like grab bars and secured rugs. It also completed multiple improvements and created a stock of equipment for future use. It introduced HomeFit concepts and built trust, with new requests already coming in. One couple said the heavy-duty grab bars installed by volunteers and a local handyman has finally given them secure footing in their bathroom.
Neillsville, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform a brushy area next to the community walking trail into a creekside greenspace with an accessible picnic table, bench, and pathway. Volunteers will clear brush and install ADA-compliant amenities.
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