AARP has announced the awardees for its 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including two recipients in North Texas.
Here in North Texas, grantees include:
- The City of Allen will receive $5,996 for the purchase of electric- and pedal-powered adult tricycles to allow people with varying levels of mobility to access and enjoy local trail systems and recreational areas.
- The City of Richardson will receive $15,200 for a transportation demonstration project at a major thoroughfare that involves replacing driving lanes with a bicycle lane and an artistic pedestrian crosswalk. The concept aims to make streets safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge grant program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State and National Affairs. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.”
A total of nearly $1.6 million will be distributed to fund 159 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
Nearly 1,700 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its third year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by Nov. 4, is designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks, and access to other amenities.
- Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by engaging residents and policymakers in accessing, understanding and using data to increase the quality of life for all.
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
- Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.
The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. As part of this, AARP staff and volunteers are working across the country, engaging and mobilizing residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 381 communities and four states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
