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Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: This project set out to increase awareness of accessory dwelling units -- small housing units constructed on a property alongside a preexisting single family home. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus held its proposes a Granny Flat Academy, a series of educational workshops for Chicagoland residents, elected officials and municipal staff. The workshops highlighted best practices for amending ordinances to allow ADU construction and how to educate residents about the benefits of ADUs. Organizers say ADUs support lifelong communities, allowing people to age in place in their neighborhoods in an accessible, affordable setting.

Dallas, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: Seminars, workshops and a design competition will demonstrate the value of accessory dwelling units for older homeowners, who can rent the ADUs to students and generate additional income. Participants live in a neighborhood situated between two colleges, which are experiencing severe student housing shortages.

Medford, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: This project will create permit-ready housing plans that incorporate accessibility features for older adults and people with disabilities. The city will provide the plans for free or at low cost to residents, allowing them to construct duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes or cottage cluster housing.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: This project creates a traffic calming lending library in Milwaukee, giving residents the power to try out traffic safety designs on their street so they can understand what options would most effectively address their concerns.

Milwaukee, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of the ongoing efforts to improve Gardner Park, the City of Milwaukee added a new community gathering space. Located in the Menomonee River Hills neighborhood, the intergenerational space features a gravel patio area, as well as wheelchair-accessible tables with built-in game boards, benches, an information kiosk and new landscaping. Previously, the City installed a new playground, walking path and fitness equipment at the park. Project organizers say in recent years the neighborhood has welcomed an influx of new families -- including those from the Hmong community -- underscoring the need for a public space for neighbors to meet and socialize.

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