Leland, North Carolina Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
4/25/2022

Lead Agency: Town of Leland

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

    Support mixed-use development, allowing residents to live within walking distance of places of employment, recreational options and businesses. Ensure residents have access to outdoor spaces -- including parks and community gardens -- near their homes.

  2. Housing

    Update the local zoning ordinance to encourage infill development, giving residents a diverse range of housing options.

  3. Transportation

    Design roadways according to Complete Streets principles that support many modes of travel, including walking and cycling. Expand public transit use throughout the community.

Progress Report Download

The Town of Leland has focused on providing age-friendly housing options, providing park access, improving walkability and increasing digital literacy for older adults. Using Community Development Block Grant funds, the town built a new, accessibility home to help its resident safely age in place. Renovations to Founders Park aim to provide outdoor gathering space near Leland's senior center. Additionally, Leland completed a sidewalk extension project and town staff are reviewing designs for a new pedestrian crossing at a major intersection. The community is also participating in a regional efforts to develop a digital inclusion plan.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

North Carolina Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail (2023)

Navassa, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: Brunswick County's older population needed safe outdoor spaces for exercise and social connection while preserving Gullah Geechee heritage. The project launched a demonstration trail with ADA-compliant features, benches, markers and cultural storyboards, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting event. The effort sparked regional collaboration and a feasibility study for a 14-mile corridor linking historic sites and greenways. One attendee said the celebration "brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face," reflecting its cultural and community significance.

Town of Leland (2025)

Leland, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will provide for the installation for eight audible pedestrian signals at a key intersection to enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, especially those age 50-plus and individuals with disabilities.

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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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 North Carolina State Office

5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States

Phone: 866-389-5650
Fax: 919-755-9684
Email: [email protected]