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Phelps Business Develpment and Tourism Council Inc. (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Housing
└ Housing Design Competitions
└ Housing Design Competitions
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Iowa City, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing 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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland Heights, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing 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.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing 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!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Canandaigua, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management
Description: Older adults in Ontario County lacked safe, enjoyable biking options, limiting exercise and social connection. The Office for the Aging purchased two electric pedicabs and two electric trikes, hosted public demonstrations and launched a bike club to organize rides. Volunteers assisted with pedicab driving and safety education in partnership with the Sheriff's Department. The program sparked plans for a bike sign-out system and expanded rides, giving residents new mobility choices. One attendee said he that was very excited to try the trikes and the pedicab, while another is very happy to see a bike club finally starting in his community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Victor, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: The project responded to concerns that older adults and other residents could not safely reach village shops or nearby trails due to heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure. Walk audits along key access roads and well-used paths documented barriers such as difficult crossings and missing amenities that made walking less comfortable. Volunteers gathered data that highlighted where improvements were needed, and findings were presented to local leaders. The effort prompted early planning for walkability, including exploring grants and identifying priorities like benches, bike lanes and safer sidewalks. One volunteer said the project offered "a productive way to be part of positive change."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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