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City of Omaha (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Two South Omaha intersections lacked safe crossings, contributing to serious injuries for pedestrians, including older adults. The city installed modular refuge islands, ADA-compliant ramps, new crosswalks and signage to make crossings safer, with LED lighting planned next. The quick-build approach gave officials experience for future projects and drew attention to pedestrian safety. "This is a great corridor to install this infrastructure," said Metro Transits CEO, citing its importance for a heavily used transit route.
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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St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: The #70 Grand bus route in Saint Louis lacked seating and shelter, forcing riders-many older adults-to perch on tree fencing or wait in rain and heat. A new sustainable bus shelter now offers seating, solar lighting and a planter box with native plants, creating a safer and more comfortable wait. The design prompted Metro to adopt similar features and drew interest in solar upgrades for future shelters. A longtime rider said he's "so happy to finally have a bus shelter" for errands, underscoring how small changes can transform daily transit for older adults.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: It rains more than one out of three days, on average, in Indianapolis. To give riders of the city's public transit system a more comfortable wait for the bus -- even in wet weather -- IndyGo made outfitted three bus stops with shelters. Additionally, they added sidewalk ramps and seating to make them ADA compliant, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use them.
Corydon, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Rural residents in Southern Indiana, especially older adults and people with disabilities, lacked reliable transportation to health care and other essentials. Blue River Services expanded its transit system into Floyd County, hired additional drivers and launched public awareness campaigns. The service now offers door-to-door rides with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. This expansion closed a critical gap and secured funding for a new vehicle to sustain service. One rider shared, "I am so very thankful that I now have reliable transportation to and from Baptist Hospital for treatment each week... I would not be able to go places without them!"
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To activate a city-owned vacant lot in North Omaha, the City of Omaha installed accessible planters -- built by a local community gardening organization -- that accommodate gardening from a standing or sitting position. A local artist worked with local elementary school children, helping them create murals depicting their aspirations. In addition, the project included a community chalk wall, where residents can leave inspiring messages. To improve a nearby bus stop, the City purchased installed benches. The art and new outdoor furnishings were in pace in time for a fall festival at the site, which organizers hope will occur annually.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice 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.
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