Salinas, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: California's housing shortage has spurred the state to adopt legislation to encourage the creation of accessory dwelling units, with many local governments embracing the small housing type. The City of Salinas created bilingual educational materials and hosted virtual and in-person workshops on regulations, permitting requirements and benefits of ADUs. The City tailored each workshop to either contractors and builders or consumers, with child care and Spanish translation available for attendees. Afterwards, the City posted the materials and workshop videos on the city's website.

San Leandro, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: The City of San Leandro hosted a design charrette to engage residents -- including students and older adults -- in the planning process for a school gardening space. Historically, teachers and students interested in improving the space had difficulty connecting with community groups. The design workshop addressed this, bringing together local schools with Friends of the San Leandro Cree, StopWaste, and the Sogorea Te Land Trust, a local indigenous group. Participants brainstormed options to create an ADA-compliant outdoor education lab where residents can learn about gardening and the San Leandro Creek ecosystem. Ultimately, project organizers adapted curriculum developed during the charrette in the design for a second garden site at San Leandro High School. Organizers say the gardening sites will provide hands-on experiences for students and community members to engage in watershed ecology, gardening and indigenous history.