Salem, Oregon Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/16/2017

Lead Agency: Center 50+

Senior/Community Center

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

    Conduct a community education program focused on public transportation, walking, biking and carpool options for older adults.

  2. Housing

    Provide education for residents and conduct community discussions on affordable housing options for older adults, while offering training to local building and developers on universal design.

  3. Communication and Information

    Create a communication tool box to educate community partners and municipalities on how to effectively communicate with older adults centered around 'word of mouth' peer-to-peer information sharing, informal leaders to facilitate communications, current events and opportunities to disseminate information.

Progress Report Download

Salem's age-friendly progress report describes the community's efforts related to transportation and mobility, accessibility in public spaces and housing affordability. The City launched an app-based on-demand transit service, which offers shared rides within the city limits. They also updated the local ADA transition plan to improve accessibility in within public buildings and parks. Additionally, the City worked to make its communications -- including municipal websites -- more accessible. To offer affordable housing options, Salem updated its accessory dwelling unit policy -- which also focused on preserving neighborhood character.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Center 50+ with City of Salem (2019)

Salem, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: To help residents of Salem get around town, this project activated a vacant downtown storefront to create a pop-up summer program. Free and available to people of all ages and abilities, the program provided hands-on educational opportunities to help assist residents -- and especially older adults -- navigate the local public transit system. It also assisted participants find their way around downtown Salem.

Sustainable Living Center (2022)

Salem, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project turned an unused outdoor area between two historical glass greenhouses into an accessible space for educational programs on sustainability, multigenerational gardening and social engagement.

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

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Visit AARP.ORG/LIVABLE
people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Check out the Livable Library
download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

Subscribe now!
mail icon

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 Oregon State Office

9200 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Suite 410
Clackamas (Portland), OR 97015
United States

Phone: 866-554-5360
Fax: 503-652-9933
Email: [email protected]