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AARP investing $65k in Utah communities as part of nationwide grant program
Posted on 07/09/24
by Kristen Tripodi
Four communities across Utah are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages
Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.
“AARP Utah is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Utahns of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Alan Ormsby, State Director, AARP Utah. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities.”
AARP Utah is incredibly proud to have four projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.
The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Utah, these exciting projects were funded:
This project at the Road Home will install hardware to provide high-speed internet access in a residential community for medically vulnerable older adults and veterans. Once installed, volunteers will teach residents digital navigation skills.
SUBA will install bike repair “Fix-it” stations on four community trails that are popular among those 50+ in four different cities. All parties are committed to healthy and safe cycling on well-maintained trails.
The Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah will host walk audits, community convening, and transit guidance for the 50+ population. This project will foster community engagement, laying groundwork for future projects to support public health like accessibility and transit upgrades.
This project in Parowan will provide a desperately needed site development and placemaking for a large, growing group of 50+ who love to share the joy of outdoor recreation with others by creating an active space for social and physical wellbeing.
The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Utah as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
