AARP

AARP

Livable Communities Newsletter

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Publications & Resources

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Commercial Districts and COVID‑19

The global coronavirus pandemic is devastating the economic health of local downtowns in both rural communities and urban neighborhoods. Join Main Street America and AARP on Thursday, July 30, 11 am (CT), for a discussion about the types of safe, equitable and age-friendly strategies that can support local places and spaces during and after this time of crisis.

SIGN UP FOR THE ONLINE EVENT

Opening Streets for ‘Open Streets’

Open Streets is the first of several topics addressed by Main Street America’s new COVID-19 Response and Management briefs. Download the document (shown above) and learn about the Open Streets concept directly from its creator, Gil Penalosa (pictured here in pre-mask times).

SEE OPEN STREETS IN ACTION

Livability News & Notes

Livable Communities in a Time of Protest — Livable communities “take the whole community into account, including all members and all neighborhoods,” writes Rodney Harrell of AARP. “Inclusive, open conversations, with purposeful outreach to all segments of the community are a start. But policy development and implementation must follow these conversations, with a process that takes differences into account.” Source: AARP Public Policy Institute ►

Paths to Healing — Greenways (and trails, parks and public spaces) are essential in the COVID era, the authors explain, and “the potential benefits of these outdoor spaces go beyond just offering a place for a pent-up population to stretch their legs.” Source: The Funders Network ►

A Case for Turning Empty Malls Into Apartments — The remains of retail real estate may be reborn as walkable, residential complexes featuring stores and community spaces. Due to housing shortages, such transformations are a “moral imperative,” one expert says. Source: Bloomberg CityLab ►

LAST CHANCE TO TAKE THE CYCLING SURVEY!

The experiences and preferences of older bicycle-riders can inform local leaders about the cycling infrastructure and services that are needed for people of all ages. Answer the 50+ Cycling Survey.