Charlotte, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Sustain Charlotte hoped to build enthusiasm for the concept of ten-minute neighborhoods -- places where people can meet their daily needs without needing to own a car. Based on input from residents of Charlotte's North End, the organization designed and installed 86 wayfinding signs. Each displays a QR code, which visitors can scan with their smartphones to view a map of neighborhood amenities, including parks and recreation centers, schools and public transportation. Following this project, Sustain Charlotte has continued its relationship with North End residents. The North End Community Coalition now serves on the steering committee for the Charlotte Regional Transportation Coalition, which Sustain Charlotte started in 2020. That coalition advocates for equity-centered transportation improvements, which include pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Since then, the City has increased its budget for transportation projects to make biking and walking safer.

Sheboygan, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: The City of Sheboygan augmented its downtown historical walking tour by creating a mobile app to teach residents and tourists about the city's heritage. The app was based on StriveOn, a platform designed to tell stories about local places. Additionally, the City installed signs and created printed paper maps for people who don't use smartphones or computers. The effort involved local businesses -- and their unique buildings -- in the tour. Project organizers hope the walking tour gets people interested in historical preservation and increases opportunities for physical activity.

Carlin, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Carlin -- one of the oldest communities in Elko County -- has suffered economically with the decline of the Southern Pacific Railroad. To preserve its history and attract tourists to town, the Carlin Historical Society installed wayfinding signs promoting its local history museum. The signs sit on two streets in the center of town, as well as at an offramp from Interstate 80. Installation of the signs comes after years of investment into the museum building itself, including repairs to bring the structure up to code and installation of two new museum exhibits.