Cortland, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Walk audits will examine connections between sidewalks and bus routes used by residents age 50 and older. The findings will help identify locations for safer crossings and improved pedestrian access.

Chicago, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Unsafe sidewalks and crossings near 87th and Stony Island left older adults hesitant to walk and feeling isolated. Black Cornerstones audited 253 intersections, gathered resident stories and launched the Reimagine Stony Campaign. The effort produced a detailed walk plan, formed a walking club and hosted a block party to share findings. These steps sparked ongoing safety improvements and inspired similar efforts in other neighborhoods. One participant, age 84, said, "I used to be afraid to walk around my block, but now I feel safe and connected to my neighbors."

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

Utqiagvik, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Two walk audits will assess unstable or unusable walkways in central Barrow. Elders from the community will help identify priorities that guide future repairs and stakeholder coordination.