By temporarily closing streets to cars and filling the space with entertainment, food and activities, the Open Streets event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, highlighted the need for a more welcoming, walkable downtown. What began as a pilot project was extended into a summerlong series that attracted more than 55,000 people.

After receiving a grant from AARP to complete 10 home repair and improvement projects for older residents, a nonprofit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was able to secure additional support, which led to upgrades for a total of 32 homes.