AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

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

Description: Organizers with the Alaska Municipal League believe accessible and affordable housing is integral to age-friendly communities. To pave the way for additional housing options in Alaska, the organization developed a booklet with a model ADU ordinance. The ordinance specifically address the needs of Alaskan communities and features best practices from cities and villages around the state.

Juneau, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Steep terrain and thick tree cover make gardening in Thane difficult, limiting residents' ability to grow their own food. To address this, organizers with the Thane Community Garden Association found a flat, sunny piece of land at an unused hatchery -- perfect for a new garden. Part of larger efforts to create small community gardens throughout the area, this project added accessible garden beds, fencing and a tool shed to the site. Organizers say the space will support the Association's education program, which teaches residents about gardening and nutrition. One resident said the garden is "going to change the nature of Thane for the good."