AARP Is Hearing From Local Leaders

Through the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, we support long-range planning and activity that emphasizes developing an action plan based on the specific needs of the locality. 

Communities with age-friendly action plans take an average of 21 specific steps to improve livability.

Yes, there are defined features of what we call livability that cover various aspects of the built and social environment. But how communities enrolled in the age-friendly network determine and prioritize their goals and decide what improvements to make, when and how. In addition to providing tools and resources, AARP helps make connections among the enrolled communities so they can talk, listen and learn from each other.

What We’re Hearing

Five themes are emerging out of the 2026 AARP Community Challenge, the ongoing work of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and AARP’s ongoing conversations with mayors and a vast array of local leaders.

• There is strong cross-sector support for a range of initiatives

Nearly 50% of AARP Community Challenge grantees are able to leverage their AARP grant to attract additional funds for their project. In our latest survey of age-friendly network members, 93% of respondents reported receiving financial and in-kind contributions for their work with 79% supported by public sector partners and 71% by private sector organizations. Six out of 10 respondents report seeing local examples of “age-friendly spin-offs” by which organizations not directly involved with the community’s age-friendly work are adopting concepts and engaging in age-friendly local activities.

• Communities are responding to shifts in federal and state funding and policy priorities

A little over one-third (34%) of respondents reported experiencing direct impacts of federal changes, including the loss of funding (77%) or delays in receiving funds (42%). As a result, more communities are competing for private grant resources, and many are redirecting efforts to prioritize critical, immediate needs such as preserving access to food, transportation and housing. 

• When it comes to getting around town, simple infrastructure improvements can have a big impact

Many AARP Community Challenge grant projects focus on improving pedestrian safety and the accessibility of public spaces by upgrading crosswalks, sidewalks, trails, lighting, signage and traffic calming measures. Other grantees aim to expand transportation options by establishing or enhancing volunteer driver programs, improving accessibility and enabling residents to know about and use transportation services.

• Housing affordability is top of mind

Although housing attainability is a vast, systemic issue, communities are finding creative ways to chip away at the problem. AARP Community Challenge grants are funding projects that explore strategies such as home-sharing, missing-middle-style housing and ADUs (or accessory dwelling units).  At the same time, local leaders know that older adults may need supports in order to live independently and safely in their current home and community. That reality is sparking projects that make small, targeted improvements to reduce the risk of falls and increase accessibility. 

• Disaster preparedness (especially for older adults) is a big priority

Close to two-thirds (65%) of age-friendly network communities were either planning for or actively working to incorporate older adults into their preparedness and resilience strategies. This includes inviting older residents to participate in task forces focused on preparing and supporting them during extreme weather events and stepping up efforts to equip older adults with critical information and emergency supplies. 

Growing Interest and Impact

The growing level of interest in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and the annual AARP Community Challenge shows that AARP’s livability work as a whole resonates and meets a real need. 

AARP's age-friendly network has nearly 1,100 enrolled members consisting of 15 states and territories, 302 counties, and more than 700 cities, towns and villages. In 2026, AARP received 5,100 applications for the annual AARP Community Challenge, an increase from 3,500 last year. 

The need for places to be livable for people of all ages is only going to increase as communities face challenges that include an aging population, funding pressures and housing shortages. AARP is committed to helping communities nationwide to respond in practical ways by providing local leaders the support they need to put solutions in place and bringing residents together around positive, tangible change.