Hackensack, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: This project will provide dozens of rain barrels, as well as community education to help address future flooding. The rain barrels will be painted to serve as functional public art.

Davenport, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: The town will provide portable generators and carbon monoxide detectors to older adult residents. This will keep residents -- especially those with electronic medical devices -- supplied with power during storms and other disasters.

El Paso, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: As part of its Million Trees El Paso initiative, Eco El Paso planted 88 native and drought-tolerant trees along the Paso Del Norte Trail. In addition, the organization improved wayfinding along the trail, which passes through the city's Thomas Many neighborhood. The City lent a hand in the effort, removing dead trees and making needed irrigation repairs. El Paso has less tree canopy cover than many other communities, with an average of fewer than three trees per acre. Project organizers hope the new trees help cool the neighborhood and combat the urban heat island effect, making walking more comfortable for residents. The City later cited the success of the project in its efforts to secure bond funding for future tree planting efforts.