S2 Ep348: LIVE LIFE BETTER: Nanette Wiser & Guest Laura Streed, AARP Florida

Tampa Bay Podcast Archive

In this episode of Live Life Better, host Nanette Wiser talks with AARP Florida's Laura Streed, Sr. Associate State Director/Advocacy and Livable Communities about what makes a livable community desirable and resources for aging in place from newsletters to digital resources and books, including walkability and biking audit. AARP Florida's Community Challenge grants have helped improve Tampa Bay and Pinellas County for seniors. We discuss the past winners and the grant is currently open for 2025.
AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older. “Florida communities have much to do to become great places to live for people age 50 and older, but sometimes transformative changes come from small packages,” said AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson. “The Community Challenge Grant Program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing Floridians’ quality of life.” This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. aarp.org
Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.
Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.
Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.

“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthens the places they call home.” AARP Florida works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Florida’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. Past Florida grantees have improved public spaces, addressed housing and transportation needs, created community gardens and other opportunities for civic engagement.
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