Mesa, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: The project will install lighting to transform a dark downtown alley into a clear pedestrian path. Improved visibility will reduce fall risk and support safer evening access to nearby businesses.

Brookings, SD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: Downtown Brookings faced unsafe intersections where fast traffic and poor visibility made it difficult for older adults to cross between parking, housing and key community spaces. The project installed high-visibility crosswalks, painted bump-outs and center-of-street signs that slowed turning vehicles and clarified right-of-way. Volunteers helped paint the designs, strengthening community ownership while creating clearer, more predictable crossings. Residents soon reported that cars slowed or stopped more often, making daily trips feel safer. The changes also encouraged people to walk more and use nearby destinations with greater confidence. These improvements are expected to guide future investments, from long-lasting materials to potential redesigns as the area evolves. Personal stories from residents highlighted how the project made it easier for older adults and families to navigate downtown, showing how simple safety upgrades can create lasting benefits.

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

Long Beach, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: The project will add signs, crossings, seating and events along the Santa Fe Avenue corridor. These improvements will make walking safer and help residents reach food and community destinations.