Lake City, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Lake City, home to one of Minnesota's oldest populations, faced a shortage of affordable housing and options for aging in place. Although ADUs were allowed, few residents pursued them due to lack of awareness and design access. The Port Authority launched an education campaign with informational sessions, brochures and a dedicated webpage. They partnered with housing advocates to provide free pre-reviewed ADU designs, including above-garage options. Interest surged, with residents contacting city planners and realtors seeking guidance.

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

Altoona, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Residents seeking smaller, more affordable homes had few options because no accessory dwelling units were being built, and many people were unsure how ADUs worked or why they mattered. To address this, the city held an open house where designers pitched ADU concepts, recorded the presentations and shared them online. A new website explained ADUs and offered clear guidance on their use. The event produced several ready-to-use designs and began generating local interest. One presenter described how an ADU had once helped her shelter a friend, saying it "literally saved her," highlighting how these small homes can support people with changing needs.

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

Suffolk County, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: Suffolk County's housing costs leave many older adults with few options to age in place. To spark solutions, the county launched the Home to Opportunity ADU Design Contest, inviting residents to submit accessible accessory dwelling unit concepts. Winning designs were showcased with 3D models, and a published report now guides future ADU development. The project also funded research mapping senior housing zoning patterns, informing policy discussions on expanding housing options. Local media coverage amplified the effort, showing how ADUs can support independence and affordability for older residents.

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