From Big Ideas to Better Places: Building Livable Communities Across South Dakota

From East River to West River, South Dakota communities share a common goal: creating places where people of all ages can live, work and thrive. AARP’s Domains of Livability provide a framework to help communities do just that. Through the AARP Community Challenge grant program—designed to spark quick, impactful local projects—South Dakota communities are turning big ideas into visible, people-centered improvements.

Read the South Dakota Community Challenge Grant Report, which showcases grant-funded projects across the state designed to build more livable communities.

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What Are AARP’s Domains of Livability?

AARP’s approach to livable communities is rooted in eight interconnected domains that together support quality of life at every age:

1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings – Safe, accessible parks, streets and public buildings
2. Transportation – Affordable, accessible options for getting around
3. Housing – A range of choices that support independence
4. Social Participation – Opportunities to connect, learn and have fun
5. Respect and Social Inclusion – Communities that value people of all backgrounds and ages
6. Civic Participation and Employment – Meaningful ways to engage and contribute
7. Communication and Information – Clear, accessible ways to stay informed
8. Community Support and Health Services – Access to services that support well-being

These domains work best when addressed together—something South Dakota communities are embracing.

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Turning Vision into Action with Community Challenge Grants

AARP Community Challenge grants fund short-term, “quick-action” projects that can ignite long-term change. Across South Dakota, these grants have helped communities pilot ideas, build momentum and demonstrate what’s possible when residents put people first.

Here’s how local projects are bringing the Domains of Livability to life:

• Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Communities have used grants to enhance parks, create pop-up public spaces, add benches and shade and install wayfinding signs. These improvements invite people to linger, gather, and enjoy shared spaces—supporting both physical activity and social connection.
• Transportation: Small, thoughtful transportation projects can make a big difference. Community Challenge grants have supported safer crossings, improved walkability and bikeability around key destinations and the planning or installation of transit amenities like shelters and seating—especially important for older adults and people with mobility challenges.
• Housing and Community Support: Some projects focus on helping residents age in place by improving access to information about home modification resources or by testing neighborhood-level solutions that connect people to services. These efforts strengthen independence and peace of mind.
• Social Participation and Inclusion: Murals, community events and creative placemaking projects funded by AARP grants have sparked community pride and social connection. By involving residents in design and implementation, these projects foster respect, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging across generations.
• Communication, Civic Participation and Opportunity: From hosting community conversations to creating new tools for sharing local information, South Dakota communities are using grants to engage residents in shaping their future. These efforts elevate local voices and encourage ongoing civic participation.