Portland, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
8/13/2014

Lead Agency: City of Portland Office of Elder Affairs

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. Transportation

    Make transit systems more user friendly for older adults by building more passenger shelters and wayfinding methods.

  2. Outdoor Spaces

    Increase awareness of existing parks and outdoor activities.

  3. Housing

    Address the housing needs of older adults by providing training for property managing of public and private housing.

Progress Report Download

Portland's age-friendly progress report focuses on the community's work to improve communication, walkability and opportunities for residents to age in place. The City undertook information sharing initiatives, including hosting community speaker series on disability and aging and a community summit and creating a guidebook of resources for older adults. To help residents get around, Portland launched a Complete Streets initiative, assessed the accessibility of its walkways and ramps, introduced winter sidewalk clearing assistance and educated older adults on their public transportation options. Housing affordability and aging in place were also priorities, with the City partnering with a local nonprofit that supports the Villages model.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Portland (2022)

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: Portland's historic downtown, with its brick sidewalks and preserved buildings, long limited access for older adults and residents with mobility challenges. Age-Friendly Portland's "Ramp Up for Accessibility" initiative provided portable ramps and wireless doorbells to 15 businesses, allowing patrons to enter or request help without altering protected structures. Participation in the city's Age-Friendly Business Program grew 40% as more shops displayed decals signaling their commitment to inclusion. At Mechanics' Hall, a new ramp now welcomes visitors to one of Portland's oldest cultural sites-proof that accessibility and preservation can thrive together, creating lasting visibility for a more inclusive downtown.

American Institute of Architects Maine (2025)

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions

Description: AIA Maine will host a design competition to explore innovative housing solutions for underserved communities. The event will include educational sessions on accessibility, aging in place, and lessons learned from the competition.

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

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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 Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]