St. Paul, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: St. Paul's North End, originally settled around 1850, once was a magnet for European immigrants who worked for the railroads. In the late 1900s the neighborhood became a haven for migrants from Laos, Somalia and Burma, making it one of the most diverse places in Minnesota. The District 6 Planning Council, a local community organization that later changed its name to the North End Neighborhood Association, wanted a way to convey multilingual community and events information to residents who don't use the internet. The organization purchased five message boards and install them at two community gardens, at an outdoor seating area by an ice cream shop and in other locations.

Chelmsford, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Chelmsford launched the Trails and Tales initiative to address gaps in understanding of Indigenous history and culture. The project installed mini, free libraries filled with books by Indigenous authors and kiosks featuring the town's Land Acknowledgement and educational content. Programs and film screenings led by Indigenous speakers deepened engagement, while volunteers of all ages built and decorated installations. These resources will remain in place year-round. One Girl Scout shared her pleasure with seeing the delightfully decorated library and said "The Little Free Library is at an unexpected and ideal location."

Duluth, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: This project engaged teams of participants to design solutions that will make the city more age-friendly, with a focus on areas such as housing, transportation and more.