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Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
Tampa's housing crisis has left many residents, including older adults, struggling to afford shelter. To spotlight a flexible solution, Habitat Hillsborough hosted an ADU Design Competition, drawing six teams from schools and architecture firms. At a public event, participants pitched designs to a panel of experts and eight winners were selected. Plans will be posted online for public use, and the contest sparked interest among policymakers and residents. "The kids got to have hands-on experience using CAD" and gained valuable lifelong experience said one of the teachers, underscoring the project's impact on future housing innovation.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Iowa City, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: To expand affordable housing options, Johnson County tackled restrictive ADU policies through a creative approach: Lego design competitions at fairs, libraries and festivals. The events drew 156 participants and hundreds of visitors, sparking conversations about zoning flexibility. Volunteers shared materials on ADU benefits, and advocacy led Iowa City to adopt nearly all proposed code amendments. Parents at the events voiced interest in ADUs for aging relatives, signaling growing community support for housing solutions.
Portland, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: AIA Maine will host a design competition to explore innovative housing solutions for underserved communities. The event will include educational sessions on accessibility, aging in place, and lessons learned from the competition.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Tucson strain older adults, and while ADUs were legalized to expand options, homeowners lacked guidance and resources. The city launched a design competition that drew 63 submissions, selected 10 winning plans and created a model plan library with a website to simplify permitting and reduce costs. Public engagement events and educational materials boosted awareness. The effort accelerated ADU adoption and sparked community interest, with one participant noting, "I am very excited to bring more housing options to Tucson and AZ!"
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Trails
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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Trails
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