Austin, Texas Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
12/12/2012

Lead Agency: AustinUP

Non-profit

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. Transportation

    Improve transportation systems by enhancing pedestrian safety, installing easy-to-read signage, and encouraging public transit use by offering older rider discounts.

  2. Housing

    Encourage new and redeveloped mixed-income housing by tracking housing costs for middle- and low-income residents, improving zoning, and better assessing demand.

  3. Communication and Information

    Broadcast the "Commission on Seniors" meetings at times convenient for older adults.

Progress Report Download

Austin's age-friendly progress report describes the community's work to improve public spaces, transportation options and housing affordability. The City renovated parks to make them more age-friendly, including adding seating, shade and accessible walkways and restrooms. They also expanded recreational programming in neighborhood parks. The Austin City Council adopted a community-wide mobility plan to guide its transportation policies and projects. To make Austin more walkable, they upgraded sidewalks and added seating and wayfinding signage. The City has also worked to increase public transportation options, including expanding bus service and planning for a new rail system. To meet its age-friendly housing goals, the City incentivized construction of affordable housing units for older adults. They also worked to address displacement and prevent homelessness though rent and utility assistance programs and expanded property tax exemptions.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Movability Inc. (2024)

Austin, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: Older adults in Austin faced mobility challenges and rising isolation, often relying on costly ride-hailing or limiting outings. Movability hosted Mobility Camps and Lunch & Learns where participants practiced using buses, learned trip-planning apps and enrolled in reduced-fare programs. Participants received toolkits and hands-on experience with transit and carpooling. One camp took participants to the historic Driskill Hotel, where they shared holiday photos and made new friends. Participants report feeling more confident using transit for errands and appointments.

BikeTexas (2025)

Austin, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: This project will create a 104-foot mural on the Austin urban loop trail, celebrating the city's 1871 railroad history. Featuring 13 panels of local art, this project promotes outdoor recreation and community well-being.

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

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Visit AARP.ORG/LIVABLE
people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Check out the Livable Library
download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

Subscribe now!
mail icon

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Texas State Office

1905 Aldrich St
Suite 210
Austin, TX 78723
United States

Phone: 866-227-7443
Fax: 512-480-9799
Email: [email protected]