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Intersections of Livable Communities and Travel

Oregon’s Breakthrough as the First Accessibility Verified State

Mikala Marshall,

AARP Oregon

Published April 14, 2026

Grandparents and granddaughter watch sunset on a lake dock

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What Makes a Community Livable?

The AARP Policy Book reminds us that “livable communities include essential features that allow residents of all ages and backgrounds to thrive.” At the heart of livability are three built environments we interact with every day: transportation, housing, and outdoor spaces. These are the foundations that shape how people move, connect, and experience daily life. They influence whether a place simply functions or truly feels like home.

When you travel, what do you look for? Most people want the same qualities they appreciate at home: safety, walkability, accessibility, and a sense of comfort. That overlap is no coincidence. Livable and age-friendly communities also support local economies, drawing visitors who appreciate well-designed spaces and return because the community feels easy to navigate and welcoming.

Livability and Travel Go Hand in Hand

The AARP Travel Survey 2025 shows that 70% of adults age 50-plus plan to travel because it boosts both mental and physical well-being. Yet many hesitate to follow through with trip planning. Around 17% expect to need accommodations for a disability or health condition, and 75% of them need mobility support. These numbers highlight a simple truth: travel participation depends heavily on accessibility.

Oregon’s Breakthrough as the First Accessibility Verified State

This connection came into focus when Oregon became the first accessibility verified destination. As Deb Vaughn, Grants Manager at Travel Oregon, explained, the statewide verification involved accessibility assessments across 43 communities and more than 750 hotels, restaurants, parks, and transportation providers. The results are published through Travel Oregon’s partnership with Wheel the World, making accessibility information easier to find for residents and travelers alike.

For Vaughn, this milestone reflects Oregon’s values: “This is a big deal for Oregon because it positions the entire state as a place that is not only opening its arms to other people but also taking action.” A certified accessible destination isn’t just a tourism label; it signals that daily life and visitor experiences are both strengthened by inclusive design.

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How Travel Oregon Supports Livable Communities

When asked, “What is Travel Oregon?” Vaughn described it as an agency that supports visitors and the communities they enter. Her team works within Destination Stewardship, ensuring that tourism enhances local life rather than harming it. A major part of this work involves grants: Oregon law requires that 10% of Travel Oregon’s budget be allocated to projects statewide. Last year, more than $6.2 million was awarded, much of it to infrastructure improvements that expand accessibility.

These upgrades serve both residents and travelers. In Vaughn’s words, accessibility “creates a comfortable environment for everyone.”

Challenges and Barriers Communities Face

Despite progress, barriers remain. Funding is one of the biggest. Many accessibility upgrades are essential but expensive, and smaller communities struggle to cover the cost. Vaughn mentioned simple adaptations, like powered doors, which can be prohibitively expensive unless communities have help identifying lower cost alternatives. Communities sometimes ask, “How does this help me?” without realizing that universal improvements benefit people with disabilities, older adults, parents with strollers, and visitors alike.

Community Challenge Grants Make a Difference

This is where AARP’s Community Challenge Grants play an important role. These fast-action, community-level grants help fill gaps by supporting projects that improve public spaces, mobility, and civic participation. When paired with statewide investments, these grants help communities test ideas, make small yet meaningful upgrades, and move quickly toward livability goals. Past grants have supported many projects across Oregon to improve and enhance local destinations—from Main Street beautification projects and bench installations to support for small business incubators, murals, and more.

Travel Advice from Deb Vaughn

Vaughn encourages anyone visiting Oregon to explore the state’s seven unique regions—and to use Travel Oregon’s website, where the Accessible Travel section sits right at the top. With Oregon’s new verification, travelers can review accessibility details for hotels, restaurants, parks, and transit providers before they arrive. Her personal connection to the state says it best: “I love this state. I’ve lived in other places and came back.”

Learn More in Our Podcast Episode

For a deeper look at how livability and accessibility intersect, check out our latest AARP Oregon Insights Podcast episode, where experts explore the real-life impacts of accessibility and inclusive community design.

The Real Intersection

Livable communities are more than places to reside. They become destinations that welcome people of all ages and abilities. Oregon’s accessibility verification shows what can happen when investments, partnerships, and thoughtful planning come together. Accessible transportation, diverse housing, and inviting outdoor spaces help residents thrive and make communities places visitors want to return to.

When we invest in livability, we’re not just improving travel experiences. We’re building communities where people can move, explore, and belong.