2024 aarp livable communities workshop: designing for people of all ages

THIS FREE, VIRTUAL WORKSHOP EXPLORED HOW LOCAL LEADERS CAN DESIGN FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN URBAN, SUBURBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES BY: * Developing (and redeveloping) a housing stock that

meets the needs of individuals throughout their life span to allow them to age in place * Ensuring that communities are healthy and well-connected with safe streets and accessible transit *

Providing vibrant, multigenerational parks and public spaces that have the power to foster community interaction * Recognizing the value of community engagement strategies that ensure all

lived experiences are valued and contribute to the decision-making process Through four core themes — HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC SPACES, and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT — the workshop shared

innovative solutions and best practices to design places that benefit people of all ages and abilities. * _READ A HIGHLIGHTS ARTICLE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP_ * _WATCH THE SESSION VIDEOS BELOW_

WORKSHOP HOSTS: DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 KEYNOTE ADDRESS: DAY 1 | WATCH THE VIDEO MARIIA ZIMMERMAN_, _Principal Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation _A

livability leader with experience in both transportation and housing policy, Zimmerman will share how communities can leverage federal resources to design transportation systems that enhance

safety, accessibility and equity at the local level for people of all ages._ CONVERSATION: AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANTEE INTERVIEW | WATCH THE VIDEO _Learn about an AARP Community

Challenge-funded event inviting older residents to reimagine their neighborhood, which was divided decades ago by highway construction. _ CONVERSATION: LOCAL LEADERS TAKING ACTION | WATCH

THE VIDEO _Learn how mayors are encouraging transformative change for safer streets through federal funding, such as the Reconnecting Communities and Safe Streets and Roads for All grant

programs.  _ * _Moderator:__ _NANCY LEAMOND, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, AARP PANEL: TRANSPORTATION | WATCH THE VIDEO _This panel will discuss the

importance of designing inclusive transportation systems and streets that are accessible and safe for all users._ KEYNOTE ADDRESS: PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES | WATCH THE VIDEO _A dynamic

livability advocate and speaker, Penalosa will discuss how designing spaces to serve people of all ages and abilities can create vibrant, multigenerational places that have the power to

strengthen a community. _ DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 KEYNOTE ADDRESS: DAY 2 | WATCH THE VIDEO  _A disability advocate and storyteller, Taussig will discuss the need to think bigger and

more critically about who has a seat at the table and the barriers that bar others from inclusion. _ CONVERSATION: AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANTEE INTERVIEW | WATCH THE VIDEO _Learn about

an AARP Community Challenge-funded project featuring a "universal design" guidebook for residents._ * _Moderator: _NOEL BONAM, State Director, AARP Maine PANEL: HOUSING | WATCH THE

VIDEO _Learn how livability features, such as inclusive and universal design, are crucial in the development and redevelopment of the nation’s housing stock so people of all ages and

abilities can age in place._ CONVERSATION: AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANTEE INTERVIEW | WATCH THE VIDEO _Hear about the effectiveness and replicability of an ADU Design Competition that was

funded by an AARP Community Challenge grant._ CONVERSATION: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | WATCH THE VIDEO _Learn how local leaders can equitably engage community members to ensure that all lived

experiences are valued and contribute to the decision-making process. _   INNOVATION SHOWCASE | WATCH THE VIDEO We invited representatives from 14 communities and organizations to tell the

workshop audience a bit about the solutions and programs they've designed and are implementing for people of all ages. CHALLENGE GRANTEE VIDEOS Watch how a block party in Bismarck,

North Dakota, welcomes people (and pups) of all ages and an ADU competition in Louisville, Kentucky encouraged the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by local homeowners.  

DISCUSSION GROUPS _The following activities were not recorded. _ TRANSIT YOUR TICKET TO INDEPENDENCE * _Transit leaders will talk about using engagement strategies to meet the needs of their

community’s most vulnerable users and develop a transit network that works for all._ INCLUSION: THE KEYSTONE TO TRULY INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES * _Learn how to use an inclusive,

intergenerational strategy to engage people of all ages for community-wide change._ LET’S TALK: PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES               * _Join a discussion about designing parks and public

spaces that welcome people of all ages and abilities._ DESIGNING STREETS FOR ALL * _Multi-model transportation advocates share insight into designing “Complete Streets” that provide a

variety of transportation options in order to meet the needs of all residents. _ HOUSING DIVERSITY: OPTIONS TO PROMOTE AGING IN PLACE  * _Many older adults want housing options that are more

affordable, compact and accessible. In too many places, such housing types don’t exist. Learn how local leaders are implementing housing options in their communities._ ADUS: A CRITICAL

PIECE TO THE HOUSING PUZZLE * _Our housing needs and preferences evolve throughout our lifetime. Learn how to advance accessary dwelling units (ADUs) as a key way to expand housing choice

nationwide._ SUPPORTING A MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY THROUGH UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND VISITABILITY * _Learn how housing advocates and architects are working to implement design features that

enable homes to be livable for people of all ages and abilities._ CIVICS 101: EMPOWER, EDUCATE AND ENGAGE * _There’s power in designing a decision-making process that encourages

participation from all community members. Learn strategies for engaging elected officials, and empowering and educating residents about the local planning process._