Auburn Hills, Michigan Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
3/4/2013

Lead Agency: City of Auburn Hills Senior Services

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Improve accessibility and inclusion in community parks by conducting a professional park assessment to guide planning, exploring a rubber compost track as an alternative surface, and building new ADA-accessible facilities to ensure safe and welcoming spaces for all residents.

  2. Health and Community Services

    Strengthen safety and preparedness for older adults by partnering with the Police Department to provide education classes on scams and collaborating with first responders and gyms to host emergency preparedness classes.

  3. Communication and Information

    Improve access to information for residents by creating an easily accessible City services directory, adding streamlined buttons for quicker navigation to key webpages, and developing a user-friendly frequently asked questions page.

Progress Report Download

In its progress report, Auburn Hills described its efforts to improve housing access, improve walkability and expand transportation options for older adults. The City amended its zoning ordinance to incentivize developers to add universal design elements to new housing. The City also worked to educate residents about home repair assistance programs and teach homeowners basic maintenance skills. To improve the community's disaster resilience, they reinstated a volunteer check-in call program, which checks on older adults during power outages and inclement weather. To improve walkability, the City connected its sidewalk network, added bike repair stations along a popular trail and installed emergency phones to support public safety. Auburn Hills worked to inform residents about its on-demand transportation service for older adults and procured an accessible van for the service.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

City of Rochester Hills (2018)

Rochester Hills, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This grant set out to create an intergenerational exercise space in Bloomer Park. Equipment for the space includes apparatuses for building core muscles, improving posture and working the upper and lower body. Additionally, the space features a water fountain and benches.

Chaldean Community Foundation (2023)

Sterling Heights, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: Many caregivers age 50-plus struggle with stress and isolation while managing complex care tasks without training. To address this, the foundation launched classes on self-care, financial literacy and stress management, hosted an introductory event for 68 participants, and provided bilingual workshops. It also conducted 27 home safety evaluations and distributed emergency preparedness bags. Caregivers reported feeling supported and less alone, forming friendships that eased depression. One participant said, "I met a lot of people my age... It made me feel good knowing there were other people like me taking care of their parent."

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP Michigan State Office

309 N. Washington Square
Suite 110
Lansing, MI 48933
United States

Phone: 866-227-7448
Fax: 517-482-2794
Email: [email protected]