Town of West Jefferson joins the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities

WEST JEFFERSON, NC — At a September 9 special meeting of the West Jefferson Town Council, town leaders announced that it has joined the AARP Age-Friendly States and Communities making a commitment to becoming a better place for residents of all ages.

AARP volunteer and West Jefferson resident Alan Briggs said, "People of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable. Well-designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages."

Briggs helped present a certificate of participation to the town of West Jefferson, and will organize volunteers to build on some great momentum being made to create more usable outdoor spaces.

Mayor Tom Hartman said, “All ages benefit from well-designed communities and rural areas. Improving our parks, trails, and open spaces is just one way we are working to make Ashe County a healthier place for all. By joining the Network, the town will work with AARP volunteers and community partners like the Blue Ridge Conservancy to make even more progress so West Jefferson is a healthy destination for visitors and an even better place to live.”

With the inclusion of West Jefferson, there are now 21 North Carolina cities, towns and counties that have joined the AARP Network. In 2023, the state of North Carolina also became a member and since that time has developed a multi-sector aging plan, “All Ages: All Stages NC” that will help inform and guide future development.

If interested in volunteering on this project or others, please send an email to NCAARP@aarp.org with "VOLUNTEER" in the subject line to AARP and a local representative will contact you. AARP works to match volunteers with their individual interests.