See More Projects Like This One

Alpine, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: A design competition will create pre-approved universal design ADU models for backyard housing. The models will help families support independent living and expand flexible housing options.

Bemidji, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: A regional housing design competition will highlight age-friendly, build-ready home models. The work will support safer aging in place across northern communities.

Omaha, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Omaha's housing shortage leaves many older residents in homes that don't support aging in place. To address this, Omaha by Design launched a duplex design competition to showcase affordable, age-accessible options. The effort produced three winning designs and a public design book, paired with webinars on universal design and a diverse jury that included older adults. These resources are now guiding developers and informing zoning reform discussions. Interest is growing, with one developer immediately expressing plans to build intergenerational housing after seeing the designs, signaling the potential to reshape local housing choices.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Cedar Rapids, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public Places Other

Description: A pickleball court will be built as part of a new activity center for adults age 55 and older. The court will support regular exercise and social play in an affordable community setting.

Ely, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: The project addressed limited social and recreational options for older residents in Ely, especially during winter, as well as barriers to technology access. The library purchased four VR headsets and hosted events to teach older adults how to use them, offering immersive experiences like virtual travel and nature walks. Participants expressed excitement and plan to return, and the program is evolving into a monthly Virtual Travel Club, creating new opportunities for socialization and learning.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Iowa State Office

600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States

Phone: 866-554-5378
Fax: 515-244-7767
Email: [email protected]