Tempe, Arizona Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
4/23/2020

Lead Agency: City of Tempe Human Services Department

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

    Promote mobility options in older adults through an age-friendly marketing campaign that will better communicate available transition options.

  2. Housing

    Ensure that older adults are aware of community- and partner-led housing supports for older adults facing housing insecurity.

  3. Respect and Inclusion

    Expanding the Connect Tempe program to include Improve technical confidence and decrease feeling of isolation in older adults by supporting and technology training and providing laptops, high-speed internet, and age-friendly technology classes.

Progress Report Download

Age-Friendly Tempe improved safety and visibility by converting all street lights to LED and developed guidelines for installing high-visibility crosswalks, including shared paths and school zones. Through VisionZero and Tempe In Motion campaigns, the City promoted safe driving and expanded mass transit education, while the Pyle Senior Center partnered with AARP to offer safe driving courses for older adults. To support aging in place, Tempe created a resource guide for older adults and caregivers, backed TCAA's Roommate Matching Program to reduce housing costs and social isolation, and recruited MSW interns to assist with benefits applications and resource navigation. The City also compiled a list of emergency housing resources for residents facing eviction. Additionally, Tempe advanced digital inclusion by implementing the AARP Digital Skills Ready 50+ curriculum through its Connect Tempe program.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Tempe (2026)

Tempe, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: An educational session will guide memory care caregivers through home safety checks using a home modification guide. Participants will receive door alarms and learn to use them for safer caregiving and greater peace of mind.

City of Tempe (2025)

Tempe, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Housing Design Competitions

Description: High plan costs and confusing permitting kept many residents from building accessory homes that could support aging in place. Tempe ran a design competition that produced ten standard ADU plans, including accessible and small-footprint options prioritized in the criteria. Hundreds engaged through meetings, an open house and a public vote, and the city is preparing a handout to guide next steps. Staff expect more permit applications and will track how often winning plans are used, connecting homeowners with designers and lowering barriers over time.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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.

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Phone: 866-389-5649
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