2024 AARP Livable Communities Workshop: Designing for People of All Ages

Facebook Twitter

This free, virtual workshop explored how local leaders can design for people of all ages in urban, suburban and rural communities by:

meets the needs of individuals throughout their life span to allow them to age in placeEnsuring that communities are healthy and well-connected with safe streets and accessible

transitProviding vibrant, multigenerational parks and public spaces that have the power to foster community interactionRecognizing the value of community engagement strategies that ensure

all lived experiences are valued and contribute to the decision-making process

Through four core themes — Housing, Transportation, Public Spaces, and Community Engagement — the workshop shared innovative solutions and best practices to design places that benefit people

of all ages and abilities.

Workshop Hosts:

16 Watch the Opening Remarks Keynote Address: Day 1 | Watch the Video

Mariia Zimmerman, Principal Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation

Learn about the annual AARP Community Challenge grant program — and how to apply!

A livability leader with experience in both transportation and housing policy, Zimmerman will share how communities can leverage federal resources to design transportation systems that

enhance safety, accessibility and equity at the local level for people of all ages.

Learn about an AARP Community Challenge-funded event inviting older residents to reimagine their neighborhood, which was divided decades ago by highway construction. 

Watson, Director, AARP Livable CommunitiesJohn Chin, Executive Director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation Conversation: Local Leaders Taking Action | Watch the Video

Learn how mayors are encouraging transformative change for safer streets through federal funding, such as the Reconnecting Communities and Safe Streets and Roads for All grant programs.  

Fontana, California Panel: Transportation | Watch the Video

This panel will discuss the importance of designing inclusive transportation systems and streets that are accessible and safe for all users.

Government AffairsGrace Perdomo is an architect, urban designer, civic practice sector leader for Zyscovich Architects and board member of the Underline ConservancyJonathon Stalls is a

multidisciplinary artist and co-creator of Walk2Connect (now a program of America Walks) and the Pedestrian Dignity project. He is the author of WALK – Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1-3

Miles Per Hour Keynote Address: Parks and Public Spaces | Watch the VideoGil Penalosa, Founder, 8 80 Cities

A dynamic livability advocate and speaker, Penalosa will discuss how designing spaces to serve people of all ages and abilities can create vibrant, multigenerational places that have the

power to strengthen a community. 

Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body

 A disability advocate and storyteller, Taussig will discuss the need to think bigger and more critically about who has a seat at the table and the barriers that bar others from inclusion. 

Learn about an AARP Community Challenge-funded project featuring a "universal design" guidebook for residents.

Director and Older Adult Services Coordinator, Town of Bowdoinham, Maine Panel: Housing | Watch the Video

Learn how livability features, such as inclusive and universal design, are crucial in the development and redevelopment of the nation’s housing stock so people of all ages and abilities can

age in place.

Conversation: AARP Community Challenge Grantee Interview | Watch the Video

Hear about the effectiveness and replicability of an ADU Design Competition that was funded by an AARP Community Challenge grant.

CommunitiesViviana Frank, FAIA, CEcD, Co-founder and Partner, Able City, and Founder, City Makery Conversation: Community Engagement | Watch the Video

Learn how local leaders can equitably engage community members to ensure that all lived experiences are valued and contribute to the decision-making process. 

Director, AARP TexasLaura Poskin, Executive Director, Age-Friendly Greater PittsburghTabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Officer, City of Dallas, Texas   Innovation Showcase | Watch the Video

We invited representatives from 14 communities and organizations to tell the workshop audience a bit about the solutions and programs they've designed and are implementing for people of all

ages.

Watch how a block party in Bismarck, North Dakota, welcomes people (and pups) of all ages and an ADU competition in Louisville, Kentucky encouraged the creation of accessory dwelling units 

(ADUs) by local homeowners.

The following activities were not recorded. 

vulnerable users and develop a transit network that works for all.

Inclusion: The Keystone to Truly Intergenerational Communities

Let’s Talk: Parks and Public Spaces              

Designing Streets for All

of all residents.  Housing Diversity: Options to Promote Aging in Place Many older adults want housing options that are more affordable, compact and accessible. In too many places, such

housing types don’t exist. Learn how local leaders are implementing housing options in their communities.

ADUs: A Critical Piece to the Housing Puzzle

housing choice nationwide.

Supporting a More Inclusive Community Through Universal Design and Visitability

livable for people of all ages and abilities.

Civics 101: Empower, Educate and Engage

There’s power in designing a decision-making process that encourages participation from all community members. Learn strategies for engaging elected officials, and empowering and educating

residents about the local planning process.