AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created this joint awards program to recognize and honor forward-looking builders, remodelers and developers who have built homes with features that improve residents’ comfort, ease of use and safety, and communities that include critical elements needed for a livable community.  In 2009, a category for architects was included.

Almost nine out of ten Americans age 50 and over say they want to remain in their current homes and communities as they grow older.  The design elements and features included in the 2008 Livable Communities Awards winning projects help make real the goal of assuring independence, comfort and safety through design and diversity of housing and services in the community.