Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: Missoula In Motion addressed speeding and unsafe crossings on neighborhood greenways that older adults and other residents use to reach schools, parks and local services. Although the city had installed traffic calming features, conflicts between drivers and people walking continued, especially at busy intersections. The project added two artist-designed street murals at key crossings, created with hands-on help from residents during an open streets event and volunteer paint days that included older adults. The murals increased visibility and signaled that the streets are shared spaces, prompting drivers to slow and pay attention. One community leader said, "This intersection has become the primary crossing zone for kids coming to and from school... the mural is helping to make it a safer street." The changes made crossings feel more predictable and comfortable for people of all ages and strengthened community support for ongoing traffic safety efforts.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Pelzer, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: The town will install visible crosswalks and protective sidewalk railings in the downtown district. These upgrades will help residents walk safely between civic spaces and local businesses.

Laconia, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: An accessible patio and pavilion will be built to relocate resident gatherings away from a busy parking lot. This safer space will reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, especially for residents using mobility devices.