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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.
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Cleveland Heights, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Zoning barriers and high costs limited Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), reducing housing options for older adults. To build awareness and momentum, the city hosted an ADU design competition that drew 28 submissions and over 5,300 online views. Three winning designs will become pre-approved plans, and a showcase event engaged residents and media. These steps laid the groundwork for zoning changes and future ADU construction, offering affordable, accessible housing. One resident said, "After decades of dreaming of a garage conversion for me in my golden years, I was thrilled to learn my city would reconsider zoning."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Phelps, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Phelps Business Development and Tourism Council Inc. responded to a shortage of affordable, independent living options for older adults by running a design competition for tiny homes and ADUs. Five designers over age 50 submitted concepts shaped by interviews with older adults, which were reviewed through county public health and the Office for the Aging. The effort sparked community discussions, advanced potential sites and formed partnerships with New Energy Works and Ark Design Studio to turn 12 finalists into 2 zoning-ready plans. With land talks underway and donated labor pledged for a first build, the project accelerated locally supported housing options with rents aligned to fixed incomes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bettendorf, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Quad City Area REALTORS addressed a local gap in understanding how accessory dwelling units could function as realistic housing options, especially for adults age 50 or over seeking flexible living arrangements. Misconceptions about scale and design had limited informed discussion, even as housing pressures grew. The group responded by hosting an ADU design competition that invited students and architects to create practical concepts tailored to later-life needs. By publicly displaying the entries, the project gave residents and local leaders clear, visual examples of what ADUs could look like and how they might be used. The competition broadened community awareness and sparked informed conversations about housing choice and design. It also positioned the grantee as a continuing resource for ADU plans and education as discussions with councils and administrators move forward.
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.
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