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Civic Nebraska (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walkability
└ Walkability
Residents along Lincoln's 11th Street faced unsafe crossings and heavy traffic, leaving older adults and families vulnerable. Civic Nebraska organized six walk audits covering eight intersections, surveyed residents and hosted an open house with city staff to spotlight hazards. Volunteers, including older adults, gathered feedback that shaped the 11th Street Corridor Improvement plan. The effort forged a partnership with Lincoln Transportation & Utilities, ensuring future projects reflect lived experience and giving residents a stronger voice in street safety.
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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Rochester, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Sidewalks in one Rochester neighborhood lacked safe, walkable routes, putting pedestrians, especially older adults, at risk. To address this, the organization led 12 walk audits covering dozens of blocks, drawing a large group to identify hazards and assets. The effort demonstrated how audits could shape city planning and was incorporated into the sidewalk improvement process. It also sparked interest in expanding audits to other neighborhoods and transit projects, showing strong community engagement in creating safer, age-friendly streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Orosi, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Rural Communities Resource Center organized six walk audits in Orosi to spotlight unsafe streets lacking sidewalks, crosswalks and speed controls. Nearly all participants were age 50-plus, documenting hazards and sharing findings at community meetings. The effort drew attention from local officials and empowered residents to advocate for safer infrastructure. One participant said, "After walking around our town... I felt happy that I could join with others who want to make Orosi a better and safer place."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Austin, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Broken sidewalks and debris in busy Austin corridors made walking hazardous for older adults and wheelchair users. The group led two walk audits near grocery stores, documenting safety issues and sharing findings with city officials and nonprofits. The effort raised awareness and sparked discussions on repairs and accessibility. One resident said he welcomed the assessment after a sidewalk crack caused a fall and weeks in rehab, underscoring the need for safer routes for older adults.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: Crews will build a permanent pedestrian refuge island within an existing crosswalk. The island will allow people to cross in stages, improve driver visibility and make crossing the busy roadway safer.
Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults lacked the digital skills needed to use online tools that now shape daily life, from email and maps to accessing health care and financial information. Lincoln City Libraries addressed that gap by offering hands-on technology classes and individual help that focused on practical tasks participants asked about. Sessions covered computer basics, mobile device use and online safety in an interactive setting where learners worked side by side. One attendee described the classes as "very interactive" and said instructors showed them how to complete tasks in real time. By building confidence and embedding ongoing support into library services, the project helped older adults feel more capable navigating an increasingly digital world.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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