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Johnson County (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
└ Housing Choice Design Competitions
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.
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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Lihue, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: High housing costs in Līhu‘e left older adults and families struggling for affordable options. Better Block Hawaii hosted a design competition for climate-resilient, age-friendly accessory dwelling units, engaging residents through workshops and a review committee. Eight submissions were received, and winning designs were published in a free booklet to guide future builds. "This is a home I can imagine living in," said one attendee at the community open house. The project raised awareness of ADUs as a practical solution for housing and supplemental income and sparked interest in similar efforts across Hawaii.
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.
Bettendorf, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: The Quad City Area REALTORS will host an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition, focusing on the needs of adults age 50 or over, rental income, and affordable housing. Local students and architects will submit designs, with top entries displayed publicly and eligible for cash prizes.
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Iowa City, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
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Ely, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The project addressed limited social and recreational options for older residents in Ely, especially during winter, as well as barriers to technology access. The library purchased four VR headsets and hosted events to teach older adults how to use them, offering immersive experiences like virtual travel and nature walks. Participants expressed excitement and plan to return, and the program is evolving into a monthly Virtual Travel Club, creating new opportunities for socialization and learning.
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