AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Cook Inlet Housing Authority (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
Anchorage's shortage of small multi-family housing with accessible units leaves older adults few options to age in place. To address this, a design competition engaged architects, builders and aging experts to create realistic plans for 2-4 unit homes with ground-floor accessibility. Designs were unveiled at public events, including a First Friday showcase that drew nearly 1,500 attendees and sparked dialogue on housing solutions. Two designs could be built under current codes, and one resident shared, "I love my mom living with us...I would always choose to have my mom live with us."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Miami-Dade County, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Miami's housing shortage leaves older adults with few affordable and accessible options. To address this, the project launched a design competition and partnered with architects, universities and health agencies to create ADU plans that prioritize affordability, sustainability and accessibility. Public charrettes and exhibitions showcased innovative designs for multigenerational living. These efforts sparked ideas for aging-in-place housing and will lead to free online plans, helping homeowners add ADUs without costly design work and promoting long-term solutions for inclusive housing.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: San Antonio needed affordable housing options for older adults, but residents lacked awareness of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Citymakery launched an outreach campaign with an informational video and a design competition, drawing 275 submissions and engaging families and students. The effort expanded through social media and libraries, sparking citywide interest and informing plans for permit-ready ADU designs. "The design process let me reflect on caring for my grandfather," said one winner, showing how the initiative connected housing solutions to real family needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lewisville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Rapid growth and rising housing costs left older adults struggling to age in place, even after zoning changes allowed accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To raise awareness, the city launched a Backyard Cottage Design Competition, engaging more than 18,000 residents through events and multilingual outreach. Older adults volunteered at parades and judging sessions, while the contest drew 67 design submissions and awarded prizes across multiple categories. The effort sparked interest in ADUs, led to a Permit Ready Plans portal for pre-approved designs and strengthened community engagement for future housing solutions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Folker Park is a 2-acre urban forest located within the city of Anchorage. The park is adjacent to intergenerational living facilities and in the past was used by people of all ages. However, many of the park's volunteer caretakers have stopped routine maintenance, leaving many areas overgrown and essentially unusable. To improve the park, the Anchorage Park Foundation installed six outdoor musical instruments, a reflexology footpath, a healing maze and age-accessible fitness equipment. They also gathered volunteers to weed garden beds, pick up trash and plant flowers. Today, the park a central hub for the community once again, and a source of pride for residents.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: In Anchorage's Fairview neighborhood, older adults faced hazardous winter walks as snow buried sidewalks and bus stops, forcing them into traffic. A pilot project organized five Snowfighters who cleared sidewalks after three major storms, installed snow markers and delivered flyers to 50 homes. Their work restored safe routes to nearby housing and transit stops, allowing older adults to walk without risking icy streets. Residents praised the effort for improving safety and community connection and plans are underway to expand the volunteer program to other blocks for lasting winter mobility solutions.
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
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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 Alaska State Office
3601 C Street
Suite 1420
Anchorage, AK 99503
United States