AARP Announces 'Quick-Action' Community Challenge Grant

The program funds projects that improve mobility and livability "for all ages."

1 minute read

March 29, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Senior Pedestrians

Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock

AARP has announced the second year of its Community Challenge grant program, which aims broadly to improve the built and social environments for people of all ages and abilities. Melanie Curry explains:

The grants can go to transportation projects, either permanent or temporary ones, that help increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, or access; to permanent or temporary projects and programs that activate and improve open spaces and parks; to projects that support or help increase access to affordable housing; and to other innovative projects that improve a community.

In its first year, the program awarded 88 grants nationwide that "put in crosswalks, added street signs, lighting and bike racks, cleaned up and activated alleys and parks, built gardens, created Open Streets events, created walking tours and walking paths," and more.

Projects can be large or small, but must be completed rapidly—within less than six months of applying. Applications are due May 16, 2018. "The quick turnaround is deliberate, to get communities to work together and 'coalesce' around specific projects," Curry explains.

Thursday, March 22, 2018 in Streetsblog California

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Public Market sign over Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with pop-up booths on street.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure

After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

May 15 - Cascade PBS

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

May 15 - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

May 15 - Happy Cities