Des Moines, Iowa Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
4/4/2012

Lead Agency: Des Moines University

Institute of higher education

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

    Partner with local and regional transportation agencies to provide training for older adults in using transit, while assessing transit and mobility gaps for older adults by strengthening Complete Streets policies and coordinating walk audits.

  2. Housing

    Establish more missing middle and affordable housing by financing housing grants, establishing new relationships with non-profits focusing on neighborhood revitalization, and hosting annual thought-leader events for local planners, developers, and policy makers.

Progress Report Download

Age-Friendly Greater Des Moines has worked to integrate age-friendly policies in local planning efforts related to housing, transportation and public spaces. Des Moines educated local leaders and residents using AARP's Home Fit guide, teaching them about home modifications to help residents age in pace in the community. They also held events with neighborhood leaders and partner agencies and to inform local housing plans and policies. The City of Des Moines improved bus stops in several locations and the local age-friendly initiative supported eight municipalities in Greater Des Moines to adopt Complete Streets policies. Additionally, the City worked to identify age-friendly improvements in popular parks. Des Moines also hosted a series of age-friendly events focused on the city's diverse culture, launched an age-friendly business program and promoted walking and other physical exercise for older adults.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Aging Resources (2022)

Des Moines, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: To expand transportation options to more residents, this project created a call center. This allows older adults who don't own smartphones to access rides hailing services by phone -- something previously only possible through an app. To further help residents get around, Aging Resources provides older adults with up to eight free rides each month.

Des Moines Historical Society (2021)

Des Moines, IA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: In the early to mid-1900s, the Waveland Trolley was an integral part of Des Moines' transportation system yet has long since been replaced by more modern options. The Des Moines Historical Society's Waveland Trolley Project set out to commemorate the city's rich history by transforming a long-neglected space into a walkable outdoor transit museum. The park-like setting is located on the former site of the trolley loop, where streetcars would turn around at the end of their route. The outdoor museum features benches, bike racks, panels displaying historical information and a life-sized sculpture of the Waveland Trolley.

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

AARP Iowa State Office

600 E. Court Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
United States

Phone: 866-554-5378
Fax: 515-244-7767
Email: [email protected]