A program to fund ideas for improving communities is now open to applications.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is accepting applications until March 6 for projects which can be enacted quickly to make cities more livable for people of all ages.

Marie Bonaminio, a volunteer for AARP Idaho, helps select projects in the state. She said the grants are especially helpful for small communities lacking the resources of bigger cities.

"They might think about it but they just know they don't have the dollars," Bonaminio observed. "It's been exciting sometimes to see how they may not ask for anything more than a few thousand dollars, and that will make their project become real."

Since its start in 2017, the program has invested $16.4 million in more than 1,300 projects nationwide, including 26 in Idaho. The program is open to local nonprofits and governments.

Selected projects must be completed by Dec. 15. Bonaminio noted one aspect they consider during the selection process is the feasibility for finishing it quickly.

"That's what we really want to see," Bonaminio stressed. "Giving them that jump-start to get something accomplished that's going to be there long term."

Applicants can apply in three different grant areas, including capacity-building microgrants, demonstration grants and flagships grants, which allow for the most creativity and flexibility.

Several charter reforms on this year's New York City ballot would have sweeping effects.

Propositions 2 through 6 make changes to issues such as capital planning and fiscal analysis of proposed legislation. But they're not that simple. Critics said each initiative can increase the power of certain city agencies or the Mayor's office, without necessary checks and balances.

Donovan Taveras, community defense coordinator for the advocacy group the Justice Committee, said the ballot measures leave out details, citing Proposition 2 on cleaning public property.

"Who doesn't want clean streets? You know, when New Yorkers read that, that's what it reads like," Taveras observed. "But what this would actually do is expand the power of the Department of Sanitation to issue summonses to street vendors, and they would play some type of role in homeless sweeps that happen in the city."

Proposition 3 requires fiscal analysis of proposed legislation before hearings and votes. However, it calls for a fiscal analysis authorized by the mayor, presenting another hurdle for the city council to approve legislation. Members of the city council have not publicly spoken against or for the proposals but a number of them have endorsed No Power Grab NYC, a coalition of good government groups opposed to the measures.

Despite the potential effects of the proposals, New Yorkers do not know much about them. A new survey found only 65% of likely voters have not heard anything about the new charter reforms.

Taveras thinks it is intentional since the presidential election has monopolized election coverage this year.

"The timing of these proposals is important, and we're in a very serious time in this city and in the country with the upcoming election," Taveras acknowledged. "It's tough right now to get New Yorkers' attention on this and to let them know that this is happening."

The Charter Revision Commission, which approved the reforms, has been under fire since it was formed. Rather than being partisan-neutral, opponents argued it was staffed with donors, loyalists and members of Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle.


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Social behavior experts said teens have fewer safe spaces to gather, with technology-driven isolation complicating matters. It is more pronounced in places with documented violence, but a Minnesota project could keep some of the issues at bay.

This month, the organization Nonviolent Peaceforce begins specialized programming at its community hub in North Minneapolis. FBI data show a downward trend in violent crime but North Minneapolis still sees the lingering effects of shootings and other incidents.

Odell Wilson, community peacebuilder for the group, said the dedicated space allows middle and high school students to participate in healing circles and more activities.

"Certain days, on a Saturday or a Thursday, we might have journals or painting to express yourself through the arts," Wilson explained.

He indicated they are planning to set up a music studio as another outlet for teens looking for social and emotional relief from any neighborhood tension. The youth programming space sits inside the gathering hub Nonviolent Peaceforce opened in North Minneapolis last year to foster meaningful conversations among community members.

Nonviolent Peaceforce offers training in de-escalation tactics around the world. It said it sometimes can be hard for youths in troubled areas to have such conversations with family members or school staff. Wilson and other organizers hope to convince teens living in those areas they are not alone.

"It's kind of having that second home to come and to vent to or come in to just be heard," Wilson added.

He emphasized they want teens to find their voice and identity if outside forces are preventing it from happening. Nonviolent Peaceforce received a $17,000 grant from the City of Minneapolis for the new programming.

It may seem early, but as the year comes to end, the new tax year approaches. AARP provides free tax aide and they're looking for recruits.

In Idaho this year, the program helped prepare more than 14,000 tax returns.

Tax-aide state coordinator for AARP Idaho, Karen Cummings, said after a dip from COVID, the number of returns prepared in the last few years is going back up.

She said AARP Idaho helps prepare volunteers for the job during tax season.

"They have to pass an IRS test," said Cummings. "So, we try to get them all the knowledge. Depending on the site even within the state, some will try to start training in the fall a little bit, especially if the new volunteers or returning volunteers are available."

Training also happens in January. Cummings said volunteers who are preparing taxes needed to be trained and certified by February 1st to assist with the program.

The program is open to everyone, although it's targeted toward older people and people with low incomes. Cummings said that's because getting a tax return ready is costly.

"99.99% of the people are so grateful," said Cummings. "They know they would have to spend a lot of money, even for a very simple return."

The AARP tax aide program has helped people since 1968. There are other positions available beyond counselor, including facilitator and translator.

People who are interested in volunteering can register on the AARP website.