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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

AARP Colorado Seeking Projects to Help Improve Communities

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Wednesday, March 1, 2023   

AARP Colorado is putting out the call for creative projects to help improve communities, by creating new public transportation and housing options, and increasing diversity, inclusion and civic
engagement.

Sara Schueneman, state director of AARP Colorado, said the program, now in its seventh year, aims to support the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

"Those could be anything from putting in community gardens, to setting up property improvements, bike racks or art installations, improving our crosswalks," Schueneman outlined.

Previous grants have helped transform vacant or underutilized public spaces, create intergenerational programs, host open-streets programs and festivals, encourage safe biking and walking, and other improvements. Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. MT on March 15. Proposals should be close to shovel-ready, because projects must be completed by Nov. 30. Apply online at AARP.org/community challenge.

Grants range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands of
dollars for larger projects. Schueneman pointed out because Colorado is currently experiencing an affordable housing shortage, this year's grants include a design competition for creating mother-in-law suites, garage apartments and other accessory dwelling units.

"We are looking for additional solutions to address those needs, especially as we are thinking about aging in place," Schueneman explained. "As we become older, we want to stay where we are, but we need additional sources of housing."

Since 2017, AARP has awarded more than $12 million to more than 1,000 projects, including 22 in Colorado. Schueneman pointed to one recent project in Lakewood, designed to help retirement-community residents who do not drive safely get to medical appointments and shops, which included new murals created by local artists.

"And benches along the walkway -- between the retirement communities and some of the downtown shopping areas -- for individuals to be able to have a place to stop and rest along the way and enjoy some of the murals that we have put in place," Schueneman noted.

Disclosure: AARP Colorado contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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