WHERE COMMUNITIES FOR WE ALL AGES 100+ INSPIRINGINSPIRING IDEAS FROMFROM AMERICA’S MAYORS LIVE EXECUTIVEEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY,, BYBY NANNANCYCY LEAMLEAMONDOND STATESTATE AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS,AFFAIRS, AARP CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2 ENVIRONMENT FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER AND OPEN SPACES 30 AARP TOOL KIT FOR CREATING Spotlight on Atlanta, Georgia 35 GREAT COMMUNITIES 5 Berkeley, California 36 Bridgeport, Connecticut 36 HOUSING SAFE, AFFORDABLE, Cheyenne, Wyoming 37 ACCESSIBLE 6 Des Moines, Iowa 37 Spotlight on Boston, Massachusetts 11 Evansville, Indiana 38 New York City 12 Laredo, Texas 38 Oakland, California 13 Madison, Wisconsin 38 Salt Lake City, Utah 13 Minneapolis, Minnesota 39 San Diego, California 14 New Bedford, Massachusetts 39 Schenectady, New York 14 New Orleans, Louisiana 40 Washington, DC 14 Raleigh, North Carolina 40 Salt Lake County, Utah 40 TRANSPORTATION CONVENIENT San Diego, California 40 AND SAFE OPTIONS 16 St. Louis, Missouri 41 Spotlight on Omaha, Nebraska 21 Yonkers, New York 41 Altamonte Springs, Florida 22 Atlanta, Georgia 22 HEALTH FROM FOOD TO FITNESS 42 Birmingham, Alabama 23 Spotlight on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 47 Burlington, Vermont 23 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 48 Chattanooga, Tennessee 24 Charleston, West Virginia 49 Clarksville, Tennessee 24 Eugene, Oregon 49 Jersey City, New Jersey 25 Fort Worth, Texas 49 Los Angeles, California 25 Hernando, Mississippi 50 Macon-Bibb, Georgia 26 Houston, Texas 50 New York City, New York 26 Lansing, Michigan 50 Phoenix, Arizona 27 Louisville, Kentucky 50 San Diego, California 27 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 50 San Francisco, California 28 Phoenix, Arizona 51 Seattle, Washington 28 Portland, Maine 51 Utica, New York 29 Spencer, Iowa 52 West Hartford, Connecticut 29 St. Paul, Minnesota 52 St. Petersburg, Florida 52 Seattle, Washington 53 York, Pennsylvania 53

TOC 0608.indd 2 6/8/16 2:44 PM ENGAGEMENT CONNECTING CULTURE ELEVATE THE ARTS PEOPLE TO THEIR NEIGHBORS TO ELEVATE THE COMMUNITY 76 AND LEADERS 54 Spotlight on Salem, Massachusetts 81 Spotlight on Louisville, Kentucky 59 Carmel, Indiana 82 Fayetteville, Arkansas 60 Columbus, Ohio 82 Fort Worth, Texas 60 Gary, Indiana 83 Holyoke, Massachusetts 61 Loveland, Colorado 83 Indianapolis, Indiana 61 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 83 Las Vegas, Nevada 62 Suwanee, Georgia 83 Miramar, Florida 62 New Orleans, Louisiana 62 NEIGHBORHOOD A PLACE TO Portland, Oregon 63 LIVE, WORK AND PLAY 84 Topeka, Kansas 63 Spotlight on Dallas, Texas 89 Wilmington, Delaware 63 Albany, New York 90 Baltimore, Maryland 90 OPPORTUNITY EMBRACING Charleston, South Carolina 91 DIVERSITY AND PURSUING Concord, New Hampshire 91 POSSIBILITIES 64 Detroit, Michigan 91 Spotlight on Chattanooga, Tennessee 69 Las Vegas, Nevada 91 Albuquerque, New Mexico 70 Miami, Florida 92 Buffalo, New York 70 Pembroke Pines, Florida 92 Cheyenne, Wyoming 71 Providence, Rhode Island 92 Denver, Colorado 71 Santa Ana, California 92 Detroit, Michigan 71 Tampa, Florida 93 Grand Forks, North Dakota 72 West Sacramento, California 93 Kansas City, Missouri 72 Wichita, Kansas 93 Los Angeles, California 73 Miami, Florida 73 LEGACY RECOGNITION 94 Minneapolis, Minnesota 73 Providence, Rhode Island 74 INDEX 96 Rochester, New York 74 Sioux Falls, South Dakota 75 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 97 Tulsa, Oklahoma 75 Virginia Beach, Virginia 75 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 97

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK AARP | ENVIRONMENT

people’s interests and energies are more likely focused INTRODUCTION close to home. 2. There’s strong belief in the collective good at WHERE WE LIVE influences who we become. So the community level. let me tell you a bit about where I have lived and how This fact was revealed when AARP asked its mem- it has influenced me and inspired me to write this book. bers whether they had supported or would support I grew up in a northern New Jersey suburb where increased funding for public schools even if they had cities were places to go for special occasions. To me, no children in the schools. The majority answered New York City was magical—diverse, noisy, energetic. “yes.” That’s a powerful sense of legacy. I remember taking my first trip to Yankee Stadium and 3. Community efforts are almost always inter- thinking it was so green and beautiful. I enjoyed musi- generational and can be apolitical. cals and plays on Broadway, and I visited museums I discovered this through a series of visits I made where I could see things I had dreamed or read about. to some of AARP’s state offices, where I met with vol- Also nearby was Newark, New Jersey, where my unteers and members. We talked about Medicare and mother worked for an insurance company. To me, an Social Security, but we also talked about local transpor- avid reader, that city’s grandeur was its outstanding tation and parks and volunteering. Their attention was public library that placed no limit on the number of on where they lived. They were generally optimistic books you could check out. that whatever community improvements were needed These experiences provide the backdrop for my could and would be done, and that solutions would be lifelong interest in cities. good for all generations. Then in the summer of 1969, two years after the nationally reported devastating riots in Newark, I COMMUNITIES FOR ALL AGES interned at the Greater Newark Urban Coalition. As I began looking at demographic trends, I realized There I saw mayors and other elected officials solving that one of the compelling challenges for mayors and real problems—vexing though they were—and seeking other leaders throughout the country—particularly ideas and solutions. My summer of researching, those in cities and towns—would be to construct com- fact-checking, and observing cemented my interest in munities that are livable for residents young, old, and cities. I returned to college and constructed my under- in between. At AARP, we call these places “communi- graduate and graduate degrees around urban studies. ties for all ages” or “livable communities.” I was set on a path as a city planner—a discipline We recognize that work on “livability” will grow in that combines policy with practicality and politics. importance as the nation’s population continues to age, Alas, a recession occurred on my way to that career thanks to the boomer population (people born from goal and planning jobs were tough to find. I ended up 1946 to 1964) and the enormous millennial generation in Washington, DC, where I worked for the federal gov- (born between the early 1980s and early 2000s). ernment in a series of jobs focused on legislation and The U.S. population numbers almost 46 million regulatory policy on Capitol Hill and in government people age 65 and older today, with 73 million pro- agencies. In 2000, after a long federal career, I took a jected by 2030. By then, fully one out of every five job at AARP. There, I was struck by three factors about people will be 65 and older. According to U.S. Census people and their communities: projections, all 50 states will see an increase in the 1. People place a deep importance on the com- percentage of their 65-plus population. munity they call home. This reality is borne out in our cities. Today, the The Silent Generation (people born between the 20 largest metro areas are home to almost 17 million mid 1920s and early 1940s) focuses on the country and people 65 and older. From 2010 to 2020, Los Angeles’s the world, according to AARP research. By contrast, 65-and-older population is projected to increase 38 later generations of Americans center on “me, my percent, Houston’s by 69 percent and New York’s family, and my community.” While it doesn’t mean by 32 percent. Some cities that already have older national issues aren’t important, it does mean that populations such as Prescott, Arizona, will grow 35

2 AARP | ENVIRONMENT

percent, with 30 percent of the city’s population 65 from our members and the success of the work, we and older. Similarly, Asheville, North Carolina, will made livable communities a key part of our social see a 37-percent increase, with 23 percent of resi- mission agenda. dents 65 and older. Over the years, the work has grown as our staff and The demographics within that older population volunteers have engaged more and more. We have all are also changing. From 2010 to 2050 the percent of been struck by the compelling and the obvious: Volun- Hispanics, African Americans or Asian Americans teers might eschew getting involved in a big national and Pacific Islanders age 65 and older will increase issue, but they don’t hesitate to pitch in to clean up a 597 percent, to more than 57 million, compared to local playground or collect cans of food for the home- just a 96 percent increase in the white population age less in their neighborhood. 65 and older. At the same time, the total population age 85 or older will increase 231 percent to more than LOCAL LEADERS AS THE CATALYSTS 19 million. FOR CHANGE While we know the demographic trends, the people While many people have very little trust and faith in in these generations will also reshape the world of the leaders they send to Washington, DC, most have aging. For instance, boomers are more active than their abiding confidence in their local elected officials. parents were at the same ages and they have different According to Gallup, 70 percent of people trust their demands for their communities. The millennials will local government to make decisions versus 32 percent likely live longer than their parents and are already who trust Congress. This is because people want changing the country. With the boomers, millennials results—and town and city mayors just get things done. and Gen Xers (born from the early 1960s to the early One AARP member said to me that if Congress was 1980s), there will be more people who came of age in in charge of snow removal, it would never happen. the “do-it-yourself” era. Legislators would debate whether the snow was actu- An aging population will likely place demands on ally snow. They would state their views on climate local governments. When we take a step back, we see change, the measure would get filibustered, and the the wants and needs of the various generations are snow would never be plowed. By contrast, mayors often similar. jump to action, doing everything they can to get their Boomers and millennials, for instance, have similar streets clear. preferences for walkable neighborhoods that include So it isn’t surprising that as the country talks the a variety of entertainment options, shopping and talk about dealing with the impact of demographic amenities, according to the Urban Land Institute. Both changes, mayors are among the first to effectively generations say they want to be near shops and restau- address those changes. rants and want easy access to public transportation. Mayors and other community leaders don’t see the They prefer to live where there’s a variety of housing changing population just in charts and graphs or in the options and would move into a smaller home for a appendix of a budget document, like many in Wash- shorter commute. ington, DC, do. Local leaders see the shifts every day in Communities are at the center of this demographic their neighborhoods, their kids’ schools and their com- shift, and they’re at the center of the shift in what munity events. As mayors take action, they approach people want, need and demand. the situation with creativity and energy. With these trends, I realized that AARP was in a Where do these ideas come from? Everywhere. I’ve unique position to help communities prepare. While found tremendous entrepreneurial problem-solving headquartered in Washington, DC, AARP also has in communities, and good ideas can emerge from hundreds of employees and thousands of volunteers residents getting together. Solutions can come from staffing offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, knowing what another city did. Many strategies come Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. So in 2006 directly from the mayors themselves, based on what we began working on these issues with a pilot in two they see as they travel around their cities. states: Vermont and Hawaii. Based on the response Continued E

3 DRIVE TO CHANGE ▸Community input and political imperatives: In As my team and I began the search for examples of the many of the cases featured in this book, mayors heard actions mayors are taking to improve their communities, from residents on issues of importance and built plans I was struck by the variety of efforts we found. Step by from there. step, issue by issue, these mayors are making their com- Above all, though, it’s the ideas—and the mayors munities places where residents of all ages can thrive. who have or implement them—that create real changes Transportation, parks and public spaces, unem- and improve communities for older adults and people ployment and entrepreneurship: After looking across of all ages. a broad span of actions that mayors are tackling, we noticed some common triggers that motivate leaders WHAT THIS BOOK IS—AND ISN’T to take action. At AARP, we are focused on keeping the flow of ideas ▸A personal connection to an issue: As you’ll read in moving to help provide opportunities and innovation. this book, some mayors’ experiences with weight loss While AARP’s work centers on people ages 50 and inspired citywide initiatives. A mayor who is an avid older, we are committed to creating communities that cyclist invited constituents to join her for Rolling Town are livable for people of all ages. We recognize that Halls. Personal commitments to reducing the carbon positive community changes benefit people across all footprint have led to initiatives toward the same goal. ages and, since no community is the same, there is no ▸Compelling data that identifies a problem: Some one-size-fits-all approach. of the examples I highlight include launching efforts With that in mind, this book has a simple premise: after seeing scientific data about wildlife decline, high to highlight the interesting and inventive ideas that obesity rates, a lack of affordable housing or low test mayors have implemented and by doing so, to inspire scores by students. even more creativity and sharing of practices to help ▸Economic development needs and budgetary spur even more action. realities: Some towns, for example, have adopted Where We Live: Communities for All Ages details environmentally sustainable policies to save money more than 100 initiatives that mayors have launched to and others have worked to revitalize neighborhoods to improve their communities, respond to pressing issues achieve the economic potential of communities. and build partnerships. ▸External funding sources: Federal and state grants This collection is not an academic study of planning, and money from community foundations—such as nor is it an academic analysis or a complete listing of the John T. Gorman Foundation in Maine, the Tufts ideas and smart solutions. Rather, this guide provides an Health Plan Foundation in Massachusetts and Kaiser overview of some of the interesting strategies that have Permanente in Hawaii—have helped communities worked and can be replicated or adapted in other places. achieve needed change. While many community leaders—including town ▸Nationwide initiatives: A national program can planners, city council members, county commissioners provide a framework for local leaders. For example, and town managers—do wonderful work, I have chosen some mayors have implemented the national Climate mayors as the focus for this project. Action Plan, or adopted Vision Zero agendas (a global Each example is discussed within eight different effort to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries due topics: housing, transportation, environment, health, to vehicular causes). Similarly, some leaders have engagement, opportunity, culture and neighborhoods. leveraged national prizes and networks to drive their agendas, including through the Rockefeller Founda- WHAT CAN YOU DO? tion’s Resilient Cities program, Smart Cities, and the I am more than certain that the 100+ ideas shared in AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities (aarp. this book are just the tip of the iceberg of the creativity org/agefriendly). AARP’s network is part of the World in mayors’ offices across the country. My hope is that Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly sharing the ideas in this book will jar loose even more Cities and Communities, which has participating com- examples and ideas of how we can make our cities and munities in more than 20 nations. towns more livable. Please let me hear from you and

4 learn about more of the great work that is happening Keep up with our growing list of innovative ideas by across the country. If you have an idea or a project you visiting the award-winning AARP Livable Communi- think should be highlighted, email us at livable@aarp. ties website at aarp.orgaarp.org/livable./livable. org so we can add it to our collection of interesting, inspired and practical ideas from America’s mayors. It’s also my wish that as you read Where We Live: Communities for All Ages, you’ll see the creative ideas —Na—Nancyn LeaMond that are out there and then look at your community to AARP ExecutiveExecutive VViceice President of where you can do something big or small to improve CoCommunity,mmunity SStatetate aandnd NNationala Affairs the community for the children, parents and grandpar- ents who live there. Note: This book celebrates innovative ideas across the country, although they may not all be supported by AARP.

AARP TOOL KIT FOR CREATING GREAT COMMUNITIES AARP offers numerous resources to help communities become great places for people of all ages. The award-winning AARP Livable Communities website at AARP.org/livable is the entryway to AARP’s suite of livable communities content and materials. You’ll find these resources, and much more:

▶ AARP HomeFit Guide: aarp.org/homefit ▶ AARP Livability Index: aarp.org/livabilityindex: (English and Spanish): Smart solutions for making Find the “livability score” of communities and a home a “lifelong home” that’s comfortable, safe places nationwide by entering an address. and a great fit. ▶ AARP Livable Communities Policy: aarp.org/ ▶ AARP Imagining Livability Design Collection: livablepolicy: Policies and research from the AARP aarp.org/livability-design: A visual portfolio Public Policy Institute address issues including of tools and transformations for creating age- land use, housing and transportation—all of which friendly places. facilitate aging in place.

▶ AARP Livable Communities A-Z Archives: ▶ AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities: aarp.org/livable-archives: Offers lists and links aarp.org/agefriendly and aarp.org/agefriendly- to reports, action plans, studies and articles member-list: A list of current members and a guide about housing, transportation, Complete Streets, to how your community can join this World Health walkability, livability, age-friendly places and more. Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities-affiliated program. ▶ AARP Livability Economy Report: aarp. org/livability-economy: A report showing how ◼ Subscribe to our free award-winning AARP livability initiatives contribute to improved Livable Communities e-newsletter by visiting economic performance and a more vibrant, aarp.org/livable-newsletter. desirable and competitive environment for ◼ Follow us on Twitter @AARPLivable. housing and commercial investment. ◼ Email us at [email protected].

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1 HOUSING SAFE, AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 7 WHERE WE LIVE | HOUSING

Where we live— our homes—is a fundamental building block for everything from our jobs and schools to where we shop and socialize with friends and family.

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LIVABLE COMMUNITIES Housing affordability and access provide a range of housing options have cross-generational benefits so people of all ages, incomes and as well. Age-friendly upgrades abilities can live in a quality neigh- can help people of all ages—parents borhood and stay in their homes as with strollers, teens using crutches long as they can. after a sports injury, or family caregivers supporting older Close to 90 percent of people over relatives—and are investments age 65 want to remain in their for future generations. Housing homes and communities for as long in walkable places creates vibrant as possible, according to a report communities for young and old, by the AARP Public Policy Insti- and making affordable housing tute and the National Conference more available helps low- and of State Legislatures. Supporting middle-income individuals and this goal requires reimagining families make ends meet. everything from residential home design features to how housing is Mayors across the country have integrated into the community. recognized how important a per- Affordable housing is also critical son’s home is and they are taking because people’s financial stability actions to help people of all ages is easily threatened by increases live in places that are safe, afforda- in rent, taxes or the cost of major ble and accessible. This chapter home repairs. includes some of those examples.

TAKEAWAYS

▸Data-driven assessments ▸Solutions require partner- ▸Small investments can are a critical founda- ships. Successful strategies reap big dividends. For tion for comprehensive balance government-spon- instance, in-home services approaches. There is no sored and market-based and home modifications— quick fix to an affordable alternatives and leverage such as installing a zero- housing crunch. Effective the expertise and ideas step entrance, a frameless policies are grounded in a of diverse stakeholders— shower, secure stair railings thorough understanding from banks and builders to and grab bars—can help of local housing and labor housing experts and com- older residents live inde- markets as well as popula- munity advocates. pendently and safely in tion trends. their homes.

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“To create a thriving, healthy and innovative city, we must work harder to ensure that everyone who wants to live here is able to. ...Boston 2030 is more than just a thoughtful plan; it is a true blueprint for action.” —Marty Walsh, mayor, Boston, Massachusetts

Mayor Marty Walsh Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 10 Boston, Massachusetts WHERE WE LIVE | HOUSING

City doors Boston, Massachusetts

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Mayor Marty Walsh (2014– ) Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030

BOSTON GAINED more than 28,000 new affordable. In addition, the city will partner with residents in the first decade of the 21st century, colleges and universities to construct 16,000 new and data indicates that growth will continue. The dorm beds to decrease the number of students in Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning Council esti- the private rental market. mates an influx of more than 91,000 people, some Each aspect of the plan includes detailed action 49,000 households, with the population exceeding steps such as providing incentives to private 700,000 by 2030. The council’s analysis projects builders, streamlining permitting, using surplus a 13 percent increase in Boston’s workforce. And city land for new development, preserving existing as baby boomers start to retire, residents older low-income housing, negotiating with building than 65 will head one-fifth of Boston households; trades to lower costs, and providing tools and an estimated 17,500 of these 22,500 households resources to help Bostonians rent, buy and stay in will decide to stay in their homes as they age. The their homes. council also looked at the housing needs of low- The city’s Inclusionary Development Policy, income residents and the impact of students of the which requires developers to construct or fund city’s colleges and universities. affordable units alongside market-rate projects, is To keep pace with this population boom, Mayor gaining traction. And the city’s Office of Housing Marty Walsh is championing Boston 2030, which Stability is developing new resources to support aims to produce 53,000 new housing units: 44,000 residents of rental apartments that are converted new units appropriate for working Bostonians, to condos. 5,000 units for older residents, and 4,000 units Boston joined the AARP Network of Age- to help stabilize rents and prices to keep housing Friendly Communities in 2014.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio Housing New York New York City, New York

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: HOUSING

New York City, New York 50 initiatives involve 13 different agencies and Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mayor (2014– ) input from more than 200 stakeholders. Pro- Housing New York grams targeting specific segments of New York’s population are under way, including a $350 New York City has long been one of the most million program to finance 10,000 affordable expensive housing markets in the country— housing units for low-income seniors and the and the world. By implementing a 10-year development of 150 new live/work spaces for plan designed to create 200,000 affordable artists. De Blasio’s commitment to expanding housing units across the city’s five boroughs, access to affordable housing is in keeping with Mayor Bill de Blasio is trying to make it easier New York’s broader focus of supporting its for low- and middle-income residents to stay older residents. in the Big Apple. His Housing New York project New York City joined the AARP Network of mobilizes the full spectrum of city government: Age-Friendly Communities in 2012.

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Oakland, California Salt Lake City, Utah Mayor Libby Schaaf (2015– ) Former Mayor Ralph Becker (2008–2016) Housing Equity Roadmap 5,000 Doors

As Oakland’s housing market heats up, Mayor During Ralph Becker’s two terms as mayor, the Libby Schaaf is making sure longtime residents data on housing affordability in Salt Lake City aren’t left out in the cold. With an influx of new was clear—and disturbing. Home prices were businesses and residents, Oakland is the nation’s skyrocketing. Fully one-quarter of the city’s sixth most expensive rental market—a reality renters devoted more than half their income to that adds significant stress to the budgets of housing costs. These startling numbers were low-income residents. To address this prob- the impetus for Becker’s 5,000 Doors initiative, lem, Schaaf is putting the weight of the mayor’s a five-year plan to add 5,000 new housing units office behind the 41 actions outlined in the city’s for low-wage workers, middle-income families, Housing Action Plan, which was born out of older adults on fixed incomes and people with the Housing Cabinet that Schaaf established disabilities. Based on a thorough data-driven less than one year into her term. The plan aims assessment, 5,000 Doors focuses equally on to protect 17,000 existing households from units for low-income renters and expanding displacement and build 17,000 new units for home ownership opportunities for low- and residents at all income levels over the next eight middle-income residents. But the vision for the years. To protect renters, Schaaf launched a new program extends much further. By involving Safe Housing Inspection Program. This joint stakeholders—including local banks, developers effort of the city’s fire and planning departments and community groups—the program kick- steps up the inspection of rental units and works started an ongoing conversation and com- with landlords to make needed repairs. Schaaf mitment to keep housing affordable through has also called on the city council to increase mixed-income development across the city. funding for tenant outreach and assistance to Salt Lake City joined the AARP Network of help those facing eviction or displacement. Age-Friendly Communities in 2015.

Housing Equity Roadmap Oakland, California

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San Diego, California (2014– ) Washington, DC Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer Mayor Muriel Bowser (2015– ) HERO Program Genesis Intergenerational Community and Safe at Home Thousands of San Diego residents are making home improvements that lower their utility bills, In November 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser said thanks to Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the city’s “welcome home” to the residents of Genesis, a HERO (Home Energy Renovation Opportunity) unique, affordable, intergenerational housing Program. Launched in July 2014, HERO helps community in Washington, DC. Active, ser- homeowners finance energy and water-saving vice-minded older residents are the foundation renovations and equipment upgrades. No upfront of the community, which also includes fami- cash is required to purchase and install products lies transitioning from foster care and others such as new windows and roofs, drought-tolerant interested in living in a uniquely supportive landscaping and energy-efficient or renewable environment. Residents commit to being good energy heating and cooling systems. Instead, neighbors through required community par- HERO fully funds the upgrades, and homeowners ticipation activities such as running errands, repay the investment through special assess- watching or tutoring a neighbor’s child or organ- ments on their property tax bills. Payment terms izing community dinners and art classes. The are flexible, and interest charges may be tax 27-unit building was developed by the District deductible. In just over 18 months, San Diegans in partnership with nonprofit housing developer have completed nearly 2,500 home improvement Mi Casa, the Generations of Hope Development projects through the program. In addition to Corporation, Latin American Youth Centers long-term savings on home utility bills, HERO and Vida Senior Centers. With the Safe at Home also supports Faulconer’s sustainability goals. program, Bowser leverages city resources to The city is on track to meet its 2035 residential help older residents stay in their homes by offer- retrofit goals as early as 2019, and the program ing qualified residents up to $10,000 in grant has already reduced emissions by 74,000 tons and funding to make home improvements that will conserved nearly 240 million gallons of water. reduce the risk of falls and eliminate barriers San Diego is in San Diego County, which joined that limit mobility. the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities Washington, DC, joined the AARP Network of in 2016. Age-Friendly Communities in 2012.

Schenectady, New York Mayor Gary McCarthy (2011– ) HOMES (Home Ownership Made Easy Schenectady)

Mayor Gary McCarthy believes in the power of home ownership to improve quality of life. To promote this vision, McCarthy launched HOMES—Home Ownership Made Easy Schenec- tady—a comprehensive program that provides financial incentives and educational workshops to first-time homebuyers. HOMES also hosts open house events for city-owned properties that are for sale. To help longtime residents remain in their homes as they age, the city of Schenec- tady, in partnership with local charitable organ- izations, connects older residents to a range of in-home services.

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Genesis Intergenerational Community Washington, DC

15 WHERE WE LIVE | TRANSPORTATION 2 TRANSPORTATION CONVENIENT AND SAFE OPTIONS

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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 17 WHERE WE LIVE | TRANSPORTATION People want to be able to get around town easily and safely, so helping them do that is often top of mind for mayors across the country.

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FROM PUBLIC TRANSIT to National Highway Traffic Safety bike lanes and walking paths that Administration. encourage outdoor exercise, liva- ble communities provide a variety The benefits of improved trans- of transportation options to con- portation options are cross- nect people to jobs, schools, stores, generational. Young people have doctors and social activities. more options to get to school, families can take public transit to Without these options, many resi- museums or walk to a park and dents are cut off from opportunities workers of all ages can easily com- to work, socialize and maintain a mute to their jobs. And making daily routine. This is particularly streets safe for cyclists can boost true for older Americans. Driving the bike-to-work movement and becomes challenging as we age exercise opportunities. and walking gets more danger- ous. Pedestrian fatality rates start This chapter includes examples increasing significantly at age of how mayors across the country 45, and by age 75 a person is are transforming transportation more than twice as likely as a systems with a focus on expanding 16- to 20-year-old to die by being transit options and making walk- hit by a car, according to the ing and biking easier and safer.

TAKEAWAYS

▸Infrastructure improve- ▸Cars need to safely share ▸Investments in public ments are still job #1. the road with pedestrians transit help keep people Filling potholes and keep- and cyclists. More people moving. Whatever the mode, ing sidewalks repaired have walking and biking means reliable, efficient and low-cost always been critical jobs for local governments must public transit options benefit local government. Today, rethink their approach to residents of all ages. Older these basic services are safety on the road. From residents stay independent an important foundation dedicated bike lanes and and engaged with their for building multimodal improved crosswalks to communities. Young people transportation systems that re-engineered traffic sig- have more choices to get serve all ages. As Mayor nals and pedestrian-safety to school, jobs and recrea- Kevin Faulconer of San programs such as Vision tional activities, and workers Diego puts it, “If you think Zero (a global effort to of all ages spend less time driving over a pothole is eliminate fatalities and stuck in traffic. bad, try hitting one on serious injuries from vehic- a bike.” ular causes), mayors are taking a holistic approach to safety.

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“If we want our city to grow and develop, we have to look at transportation.” —Jean Stothert, mayor, Omaha, Nebraska

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▸ SPOTLIGHT ON OMAHA, NEBRASKA Mayor Jean Stothert (2013– ) Bus Rapid Transit

OMAHA IS BOOMING—and Mayor Jean Sto- and efficient way to travel between downtown thert doesn’t want that boom to end in gridlock. Omaha, major shopping areas, the University New developments are springing up in of Nebraska-Omaha and the region’s medical Omaha’s downtown and midtown business centers. Each BRT station will incorporate districts. Academic and medical centers are modern, architectural-quality design as well expanding. But even in a region known more as amenities such as Wi-Fi, mobile charging for wide-open spaces than concrete canyons, a stations and art installations. building boom means more people commuting Connections to more traditional bus lines and more traffic. and a proposed Urban Circulator is designed to Enter BRT. After a lengthy review and com- make the BRT part of a broader transit system prehensive analysis, next-generation mass that provides mobility options across the city for transit is coming to Omaha in the form of a Bus residents of all ages and from all walks of life. The Rapid Transit system—identified by residents system could be a particular boon to the area’s as the most useful and preferred transportation 50+ population and the 16 percent of households investment. near the BRT that currently don’t have access to Metro Transit and the City of Omaha are a car. overseeing the modern mass transit effort— And even better news: While the economic Nebraska’s first—which aims to serve 2,700 boom drove the development of the BRT, the passengers the day the eight-mile system opens BRT, in turn, is expected to further boost Oma- in 2018. Likened to light rail on wheels, the ha’s economy, spurring new jobs and attracting system is designed to provide a safe, reliable new businesses and residents to the city.

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Mayor Patricia Bates Uber Partnership Altamonte Springs, Florida

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: TRANSPORTATION

Altamonte Springs, Florida that begins and ends in the city and 25 percent if Mayor Patricia Bates (2008- ) it starts or ends at a SunRail commuter station. Uber Partnership

In March 2016, Mayor Patricia Bates launched Atlanta, Georgia an innovative transportation program: subsi- Mayor Kasim Reed (2010- ) dized Uber rides within city limits. The yearlong Upgraded Walking and Biking Projects pilot will provide discounted rides as a way to integrate the on-demand ride service into the Mayor Kasim Reed created an advisory commit- city’s transportation network and get cars off tee focused on identifying ways to make Atlanta the road. With a $50,000 commitment, public more bike-friendly and walkable for residents funds will account for $300,000, while private of all ages—as part of his commitment (and sponsors will cover the rest. Bates hopes the his city’s membership in the AARP Network of program, in addition to providing residents of Age-Friendly Communities) to make Atlanta all ages with a new way to get around town, will an age-friendly place to live, work and play. encourage citizens to take public transit. Resi- Efforts include introducing a bike-share system, dents receive a 20 percent discount on any ride appointing a “Chief Bicycle Officer” and making

22 WHERE WE LIVE | TRANSPORTATION extensive infrastructure improvements. With walkways will offer the community and visitors support from organizations including People information about Birmingham’s role in the civil for Bikes, Reed is emphasizing the benefits of rights movement. Funded in part through a fed- bicycling—from being a great way to get fit to eral grant, the project also generated significant improving the city’s environment. financial support from local businesses, founda- Atlanta joined the AARP Network of Age- tions and nonprofits. Friendly Communities in 2014. Birmingham joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in 2014.

Birmingham, Alabama Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. (2010- ) Burlington, Vermont Complete Streets Mayor Miro Weinberger (2012- ) Go for Gold For Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., improving Birmingham’s transportation system is all about For years running, Mayor Miro Weinberger making connections—among neighborhoods, has taken a high-profile multimodal tour of citizens and community institutions. The founda- Burlington, highlighting his Go for Gold initia- tion for building these connections, both physical tive to make Burlington a world-class walkable and social, is the city’s Complete Streets initiative city. Launched in 2013, Go for Gold projects to develop transportation infrastructure that include the installation of more than 750 feet of includes walking, bicycling and transit options. new sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks with Developed by the National Complete Streets rapid-flashing beacons along the city’s Pine Coalition, the Complete Streets framework aims Street corridor, aimed at making walking around to make roadways safe for all users. One of Bir- town safer for everyone from older residents to mingham’s major successes is the development young families. New bike and pedestrian-friendly of the Enon Ridge Multimodal Corridor and Civil infrastructure is in the works with the help of a Rights Heritage Trail. When finished, the 29-mile broad-based partnership including the Univer- system will include new sidewalks and bike lanes sity of Vermont, AARP Vermont, the state Health linking the city’s major employers, schools, tran- Department, the county planning commission sit and neighborhoods. Signage along roads and and local business and nonprofit organizations.

Complete Streets Birmingham, Alabama 23 WHERE WE LIVE | TRANSPORTATION

nMotion 2015 Clarksville, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee Clarksville, Tennessee Mayor Andy Berke (2013- ) Mayor Kim McMillan (2011- ) Safe Streets nMotion 2015

A safe street must be safe for everyone—from Mayor Kim McMillan’s step-by-step approach cars and cyclists to pedestrians, road workers to reducing traffic includes a range of options and residents in wheelchairs. That’s Mayor to get commuters out of their cars and builds Andy Berke’s mantra for Chattanooga’s partic- a regional effort to benefit all residents. The ipation in the U.S. Department of Transporta- city’s successful van pool service, operated tion’s Mayor’s Challenge. With the effort still in coordination with the Middle Tennessee in its early stages, Chattanooga has passed a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Complete Streets ordinance to guide how the paved the way for expanded commuter bus city designs, builds and improves its roads and service and a study of potential rail service transportation infrastructure. Citizen engage- between Clarksville and Nashville. As chair of ment is an important component, with three the RTA, McMillan is spearheading the region’s action teams focusing on neighborhoods, results nMotion 2015 initiative to expand and improve and safety. Overall, the city aims to get people affordable, accessible public transit options. In out of their cars by creating more pedestrian July 2015, the program launched an ambitious and bike-friendly transit networks and improv- public engagement effort to solicit feedback ing traffic laws. and plan the region’s transportation future. More options mean shorter commute times and higher productivity for workers, easier access to education and job opportunities for the area’s young people and access to services and social activities for retirees.

24 WHERE WE LIVE | TRANSPORTATION

Jersey City, New Jersey Los Angeles, California Mayor Steven Fulop (2013- ) Mayor Eric Garcetti (2013- ) Bike Share Driverless Cars

Thanks to Mayor Steven Fulop, Jersey City Mayor Eric Garcetti has a vision: automated, residents have a new way to move around town driverless cars that give residents of all ages and get across the river to the Big Apple. In greater access to safe, convenient and affordable partnership with community leaders, Fulop transportation. While the state department of developed and expanded a bike-share program motor vehicles develops appropriate regula- that connects with New York’s 6,000 bike-share tions, Garcetti is working with UCLA to make system. To Fulop, making the city bike-friendlier its Westwood neighborhood a pilot location for is an economic and social priority that gives this futuristic program. The city’s investment residents more options to connect with family in rail and dedicated rapid bus lanes lay the and friends in New York City as well as explore a groundwork for a future where residents—from wider range of cultural and professional options. students and young professionals to downsiz- Over time, the city plans to supply 350 new bicy- ing empty nesters and retirees—can move from cles to the bike-sharing program, providing an place to place using a driverless ride-sharing environmentally friendly travel and recreation system. The city is also partnering with com- option for residents. panies such as Xerox to create a one-stop app for multimodal transportation options, making ordering a car, taxi, bicycle or driverless car and coordinating bus or rail travel as simple as ordering a pizza. Los Angeles joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in 2016.

Bike Share Jersey City, New Jersey

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Macon-Bibb, Georgia New York City, New York Mayor Robert Reichert (2007- ) Mayor Bill de Blasio (2014- ) Second Street Corridor Vision Zero

Mayor Robert Reichert has an optimistic vision Mayor Bill de Blasio’s take on Vision Zero, for downtown Macon-Bibb as a vibrant walkable which he launched in 2014, already appears to and bikable urban center. Construction crews be saving lives. According to data released by have been busy since 2014 making that vision a his office about roadway fatalities and injuries, reality. The multiphase project is transforming 2015 was the safest year in New York City his- Second Street from four travel lanes plus tory. The comprehensive initiative stepped on-street parallel parking to a more pedestrian, up enforcement of traffic laws, improved bike- and transit-friendly configuration of coordination between local police and trans- two travel lanes with bike lanes, reverse angle portation officials and invested in infrastruc- parking and improved sidewalks complete with ture improvements such as new crosswalks shade trees and new benches. Nearby, a pedes- and traffic signals and improved street lighting trian bridge will connect multiunit housing and signage. Vision Zero builds on a broader with the local university campus, and the city is commitment—established in coordination with exploring a state-of-the-art electric bus system the New York Academy of Medicine and then- designed to make it easier for residents of all ages Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2010—to make to get around town and connect with regional New York an age-friendly city and improve transit systems. safety for older citizens. Macon-Bibb joined the AARP Network of Age- New York City joined the AARP Network of Friendly Communities in 2012. Age-Friendly Communities in 2012.

Vision Zero New York City

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MultiModal Transportation Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona San Diego, California Mayor Greg Stanton (2012– ) Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer (2014- ) MultiModal Transportation Fixing Roadways for All

Mayor Greg Stanton is leading his city to a more “If you think driving over a pothole is bad, try livable future with expanded transportation hitting one on a bike.” So says Mayor Kevin Faul- options for residents of all ages as the center- coner, an avid cyclist—and an avid supporter of piece. A light rail system introduced in 2008 making his city more livable through infrastruc- reached its projected 2020 ridership target six ture improvements that make it easier and safer years early, and a bike-share program launched for residents of all ages to get around. Repairs in 2014 attracted more than 2,000 members in include repaving, filling potholes and improving it first four months. The latest success is voter efforts to track road conditions with a focus on approval of a dedicated sales tax increase that bikers. This kind of simple infrastructure main- will pay for a 42-mile expansion of the light rail tenance has a significant impact as citizens find system as well as additional bus routes and road navigating their communities on two wheels improvements. This multimodal approach is safer and more enjoyable. designed to help Phoenix residents get to jobs, San Diego is in San Diego County, which joined schools, health services and cultural and social the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities activities without getting behind the wheel—a in 2016. bonus for young and old alike.

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Vision Zero San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California Seattle, Washington Mayor Edwin Lee (2011- ) Mayor Ed Murray (2014- ) Vision Zero Vision Zero

If you’re going to encourage residents to walk Mayor Ed Murray’s approach to Vision Zero or bike instead of drive, you need to make sure adds a creative element to the global program by they can do so safely. That’s the impetus behind rewarding people for traveling safely, whether Mayor Edwin Lee’s commitment to Vision Zero walking, biking or driving. A parent who drops —achieving zero pedestrian deaths by 2024. To off children in a designated safety zone, for kick-start the program that launched in 2014, example, could be eligible for a $5 gift card. Lee set a target of completing 24 projects in This positive incentive program supplements 24 months—a goal that was met three months more traditional efforts to make roads safer for early. These projects include implementing all travelers that include lowering speed limits, turn restrictions on a busy section of downtown redesigning intersections and changing traffic Market Street, installing painted safety zones signal timing. and high-visibility crosswalks, modifying traffic signal timing and removing obstructions that impaired visibility at targeted intersections. The improvements are aimed at helping all San Franciscans—from students and workers, to parents with small children and older residents who walk or use transit instead of driving—get around the city. San Francisco joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities in 2014.

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Utica, New York West Hartford, Connecticut Mayor Robert Palmieri (2011- ) Former Mayor Robert Scott Slifka Sidewalk Improvement Program (2004-2016) ITNCentralCT Thanks to improvements in the local economy, Mayor Robert Palmieri, in partnership with the Mayor Robert Scott Slifka’s initiatives demon- Utica Common Council, was able to reinstate strate his commitment to creating accessible the city’s Sidewalk Improvement Program and affordable transportation options for all in 2015 after a three-year lapse. Through the citizens. He started by funding local organiza- program, the city covers up to half of property tions to brainstorm new approaches for his city. owners’ costs to repair the sidewalks in front of One successful program launched as a result their homes or businesses. The improvements of this effort is ITNCentralCT, an independ- are aimed at enhancing Utica’s walkability and ent nonprofit agency that provides 24-hour making the city clean and safe. transportation to residents who are 60+ and those who have visual impairments. Delivering free rides since 2009, ITNCentralCT works in coordination with community and social service organizations to make sure that these residents can get where they need to go.

ITNCentralCT West Hartford, Connecticut

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3 ENVIRONMENT FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER AND OPEN SPACES

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31 WHERE WE LIVE | ENVIRONMENT Having fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink and open spaces to enjoy are fundamental for a population to thrive.

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LIVABLE COMMUNITIES physical activity while protecting maintain a healthy environment important habitats from destruc- for people today and generations tion. Energy-efficiency initiatives to come. And what’s good for indi- can minimize pollution from fossil viduals can also be good for the fuels while lowering energy bills environment. for governments and consumers alike. And a focus on green jobs can In the 21st century, protecting put people to work while spurring and preserving natural resources next-generation innovations. doesn’t need to take a backseat to other priorities. Instead, being This chapter spotlights examples mindful of environmental impacts of how mayors are doing their part supports a range of goals—from to lessen society’s impact on the boosting local economies to environment while reaping other improving public health. Expand- benefits for their constituents ing and preserving parks and open along the way. spaces create opportunities for

TAKEAWAYS

▸Environmental conser- ▸Going green can create ▸“Think big, act small” vation can help the planet jobs. With growing mar- can equal success. and the budget. Installing kets for green products Mayors across the country energy-efficient lighting and services, mayors see are encouraging small on public roads; increasing an opportunity to spur actions that add up to big the use of hybrid, electric economic development impacts for our environ- and natural gas-powered through environmentally ment. Person by person, vehicles; and upgrading conscious innovation. town by town and city water, heating and cooling by city, communities are systems in public buildings making a difference to can make a significant dent reduce waste, conserve in both energy use and energy and save habitats. long-term public spending. Similar upgrades in resi- dential buildings help lower utility bills.

33 WHERE WE LIVE | ENVIRONMENT Mayor Kasim Reed Power to Change/ One Million Acts of Green Atlanta, Georgia

“Working together, residents and businesses act powerfully to create relevant change in our city’s future. ...As a vested part of our journey, I challenge you to join this collective effort to make our city a better, more sustainable place and, even more, a shining example of the right way to live and work.” —Kasim Reed, mayor, Atlanta, Georgia

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Piedmont Park Atlanta, Georgia

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON ATLANTA, GEORGIA Mayor Kasim Reed (2010– ) Power to Change/One Million Acts of Green

MAYOR KASIM REED wants Atlantans to join areas (including air quality, water management, him in the effort to make their city a model of sus- energy efficiency, land use, materials man- tainability. How to attain his goal? One Million agement, community education and business Acts of Green. development) are further defined by goals and Since becoming mayor, Reed has moved the priorities that can be achieved through the city toward ambitious environmental goals: cumulative effect of individual actions as well as making the region’s airport one of the most business-government collaboration. Ideas range sustainable in the country, improving the energy from incentives for buying and using electric efficiency of the city’s commercial buildings vehicles to enhancing neighborhood recycling through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge programs and water management programs. and implementing a Climate Action Plan to miti- The Power to Change mobilizes Atlantans gate the city’s impact on climate change. as “sustainability ambassadors” who commit to But to really make a difference, he asked the take action on projects that benefit the 10 impact city’s residents to join the effort. That’s what the areas. Ambassadors log and track their actions innovative, citywide Power to Change/One Mil- through the Power to Change/One Millions Acts lion Acts of Green initiative is all about. of Green website. By the start of 2016, nearly At the start, the program engaged more than 1,000 acts of green had been completed, saving 300 stakeholders—including residents, non- more than 36,000 pounds of greenhouse gases, profits, government, business and academia—to nearly 5,000 gallons of water and 9,000 kilowatt develop a framework for action and break apart hours of electricity. the complex idea of “sustainability” into under- Atlanta joined the AARP Network of Age- standable components. The resulting 10 impact Friendly Communities in 2014.

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Mayor Tom Bates (foreground) Berkeley Climate Action Plan Berkeley, California

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: CLIMATE

Berkeley, California help residents meet the plan’s waste reduction Mayor Tom Bates (2002– ) targets, the city provides curbside pickup of Berkeley Climate Action Plan compost, such as yard waste and food scraps, and distributes bins that accommodate paper on When Mayor Tom Bates wanted to reduce his one side and glass and cans on the other. carbon footprint, he sold his car. Constituents now see him biking, walking and taking public transportation around town—and many are Bridgeport, Connecticut following his lead. Berkeley has the second Former Mayor Bill Finch (2007–2015) highest walk-to-work rate and third highest Greening the City bike-to-work rate among the nation’s mid- size cities. Increasing cycling and walking are In 2010, then-Mayor Bill Finch brought together components of the Climate Action Plan that more than 100 organizations and individuals to Berkeley adopted. Other elements of the plan map out the future of Bridgeport. Their vision: include reducing the amount of solid waste sent a better place to live with cleaner waterways to landfills and increasing the number of green and soil, less reliance on fossil fuels and more buildings and the use of renewable energy. To green jobs. That’s all captured in BGreen2020,

36 WHERE WE LIVE | ENVIRONMENT a blueprint of 64 actionable strategies to enhanced environmental education programs guide the community’s efforts. One innovative and expands the center’s greenhouse, growing BGreen2020 project is the creation of a green its capacity and making it more accessible to jobs hub at an abandoned industrial site. visitors of all ages and abilities. The project is The Eco-Technology Park is now home to the funded primarily through a $16 million one- largest fuel cell facility in North America, a sixth penny sales tax approved by voters. mattress recycling facility, a grease recycling and biofuel production plant, a natural gas vehicle fueling station, a permeable paving Des Moines, Iowa company, a biofuels home heating oil company, Mayor Frank Cownie (2004– ) a tire recycling facility, a waste-to-energy facility Greening the City and one of the city’s two sewage treatment plants. Other BGreen2020 initiatives range from From the start of his administration in 2004, providing loans to make homes more energy Mayor Frank Cownie put a focus on sustainability. efficient to enhancing public transportation and He established an Energy, Efficiency, Environ- improving stormwater management. ment and Conservation Task Force comprised of city staff and community leaders. Over the years, the task force led the charge to adopt a citywide Cheyenne, Wyoming sustainability plan and initiatives ranging from Mayor Rick Kaysen (2009– ) replanting parks with native grasses to adding Cheyenne Botanic Gardens hybrid and zero-emission vehicles to the city’s fleet. Des Moines—which was among the first Cheyenne Botanic Gardens aims to be an oasis cities to join both the World Health Organization on the High Plains, and Mayor Rick Kaysen is Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Com- one of its biggest boosters. A longtime advocate munities and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly and member of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Communities—has also invested in green building Foundation board, Kaysen champions an expan- initiatives, and the city regularly works in part- sion and renovation effort. The centerpiece is a nership with local builders and businesses on large conservatory featuring subtropical plants, adaptive reuse projects that attempt to incorpo- a waterfall and a bonsai garden that is designed rate best practices for energy efficiency, materials to give Cheyenne’s residents and visitors a wel- recycling and sustainable water use. come respite from the region’s long, cold win- Des Moines joined the AARP Network of Age- ters. The improvement initiative also allows for Friendly Communities in 2012.

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Mayor Lloyd Winnecke Increasing Pollinator Clean Evansville Presence Evansville, Indiana Madison, Wisconsin

Evansville, Indiana in the city’s downtown helps keep trash off the Mayor Lloyd Winnecke (2012– ) streets while reducing the number of trips each Clean Evansville trash truck makes, saving 2,000 gallons of fuel each year and reducing emissions by 75,920 When Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said he wanted to pounds. The city also replaced incandescent lead an effort to clean up Evansville, he meant it fixtures in the downtown area with brighter and literally. Through antitrash and litter programs, more efficient LEDs, making streets safer while he aims to boost the city’s economic develop- using 125 fewer watts in energy per bulb. Other ment potential while helping the environment. projects include the installation of solar panels Since the first cleanup day in January 2012 and upgrading HVAC systems in city buildings. under the Clean Evansville initiative, Winnecke and 5,400 community volunteers, coordinated through the nonprofit Keep Evansville Beau- Madison, Wisconsin tiful, have collected more than 50 tons of litter Mayor Paul Soglin (2011– ) and trash. The initiative has now expanded to Increasing Pollinator Presence local businesses, which can take a Clean Evans- ville Pledge, promising to keep their properties At the direction of Mayor Paul Soglin and the and the street in front of their businesses clean. Madison City Council, a city task force devel- oped recommendations to help stop the alarm- ing decline of bee colonies and other pollinators. Laredo, Texas The task force spent its first year conducting Former Mayor Raul G. Salinas research and reviewing practices that contrib- (2006–2014) ute to a problem impacting U.S. food and agri- Energy Efficiency Efforts culture systems. Its recommendations, released in September 2015, include concrete steps the Under the leadership of then-Mayor Raul Salinas, city can take to support habitats friendly to Laredo took concrete steps to make the city pollinators such as using specific plantings on cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient. The instal- city property and changing how frequently city lation of 45 solar-powered trash compactors properties are mowed.

38 WHERE WE LIVE | ENVIRONMENT

Green Economy New Bedford, Massachusetts

Minneapolis, Minnesota New Bedford, Massachusetts Mayor Betsy Hodges (2014– ) Mayor Jon Mitchell (2012– ) Zero Waste Minneapolis Green Economy

Mayor Betsy Hodges’s efforts to make Minne- Mayor Jon Mitchell is working to position New apolis a zero-waste city began with her inaugu- Bedford to be a national leader in renewables ration’s One Minneapolis Celebration, which and green jobs. The city has been able to boast attracted 2,000 people and produced only 24.3 the most installed solar panels per capita in the pounds of trash (or less than one-fifth an ounce continental United States, and New Bedford is per attendee), with 628 pounds of material com- looking to capitalize on its coastal location by posted and 640 pounds recycled. Minneapolis harnessing offshore winds into energy. A part- residents of all ages are encouraged to be “zero nership with technology corporation Siemens heroes” by buying products with less packaging, plans to help upgrade 100 city-owned buildings bringing coffee mugs to work, repairing and with energy-efficient windows and heating and maintaining durable goods instead of replacing cooling systems and replace 10,000 street lights them and creatively reusing materials such as with LEDs. There’s more to come as the city greeting cards and paper products. For more organizes itself to support a green future. The complicated approaches, like composting, the city’s energy officer provides in-house techni- city hosts educational events for residents and cal and policy expertise, and the city has hired businesses. In 2015, a policy task force was des- a chief financial office to keep an eye on the ignated to create additional strategies to move bottom line. “The infusion of talent,” Mitchell Minneapolis toward zero waste. says, “was critical to finding innovative ways Minneapolis joined the AARP Network of Age- to navigate around our fiscal realities—and do Friendly Communities in 2015. more, with less.” New Bedford joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in 2015.

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Salt Lake County, Utah Mayor Ben McAdams (2013– ) Improving Air Quality

With about half of Salt Lake County’s air pollution caused by motor vehicles, Mayor Resilient New Orleans Ben McAdams encourages residents to get out New Orleans, Louisiana of—or tuneup—their cars. A 2015 pilot project conducted in partnership with the Salt Lake County Health Department and Utah Transit Authority gave away 2,000 UTA transit passes New Orleans, Louisiana worth $10 each. The county’s vehicle repair Mayor Mitch Landrieu (2010– ) assistance program helps low-income car Resilient New Orleans owners fix engines that fail emissions tests. As an incentive for residents who own or might The devastation wrought by Hurricane Kat- consider buying an electric vehicle, a fast charg- rina in 2005 highlighted New Orleans’s unique ing station located at the county government vulnerability to environmental forces. Ten years building is open to the public. later, Mayor Mitch Landrieu unveiled a com- Salt Lake City joined the AARP Network of prehensive, forward-looking resilience strategy Age-Friendly Communities in 2015. in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and its 100 Resilient Cities Program. Measures include restoring the coastal wetlands to protect San Diego, California New Orleans from future flooding as well as Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer (2014– ) implementing a regional urban plan to protect Climate Action Plan against floods and reduce the sinking that occurs in communities below sea level. The city also Mayor Kevin Faulconer wants San Diego to be a supports a range of awareness programs that “smart city” that adapts and responds to a chang- promote responsible environmental steward- ing world. That means taking on the challenge of ship and ways to mitigate climate change. climate change with an ambitious Climate Action Plan. The plan sets a high bar for success. By 2035, the city seeks to supply all electricity from Raleigh, North Carolina renewable sources, cut greenhouse gas emissions Former Mayor Charles Meeker by 49 percent and use purified wastewater to pro- (2001–2011) vide one-third of its water needs. A partnership Environment and Sustainability with Sun Edison aims to capitalize on the city’s abundant sunshine by installing solar panels on In 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named publicly owned sites—25 locations to start and 40 Raleigh the most sustainable midsized com- more on deck for the project’s second phase. And munity in the nation thanks, in large part, to a Pure Water plan is under way through a 20-year then-Mayor Charles Meeker. Under his watch, capital improvement and technology program to Raleigh launched a green building worker-train- turn wastewater into a safe and reliable source of ing course, installed 30 electric vehicle charging drinking water. stations and developed what was then one of the San Diego is in San Diego County, which joined nation’s only two convention centers with a Silver the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Coun- in 2016. cil. Meeker also introduced NeighborWoods, a program that works with residents to plant more than 10,000 trees throughout the city.

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Mayor Francis Slay Milkweeds for Monarchs St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri Yonkers, New York Mayor Francis Slay (2001– ) Mayor Mike Spano (2012– ) Milkweeds for Monarchs Sustainability

Monarch butterflies are making a comeback As part of his commitment to make Yonkers in St. Louis, thanks to Mayor Francis Slay. His a sustainable city, Mayor Mike Spano led an Milkweeds for Monarchs program rebuilds crit- ambitious multiphase project to uncover a part ical butterfly habitat across the city, an effort to of the Saw Mill River that had been buried in improve the region’s environment and agricul- the 1920s. The riverbed was rebuilt with native tural system. Launched on Earth Day 2014, the plants, and new parks and pedestrian plazas project’s focus is simple and tangible: planting replaced a parking lot and other above-ground one-square-yard gardens of a milkweed mix, the structures. Aquatic life—including American sole food source for Monarch caterpillars. In its eel, white perch and herring—is now returning first year, the city created 50 milkweed gardens to the restored river. Infrastructure upgrades in public parks and at local firehouses. Slay built improved water quality by separating the city’s on this early success with a call for residents to storm and wastewater sewer systems. build 200 more gardens and expand the pro- Yonkers is in Westchester County, which joined gram into the city’s schools. the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities St. Louis is in St. Louis County, which joined in 2012. the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities in 2013.

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42 WHERE WE LIVE | HEALTH 4 HEALTH FROM FOOD TO FITNESS

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 43 WHERE WE LIVE | HEALTH

It’s no secret that many Americans are struggling to stay healthy. That struggle can be exacerbated or significantly helped by where a person lives.

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COMMUNITIES THAT put a workforce is more productive. premium on health—by increasing Older adults who exercise and eat opportunities for physical activity, a well-balanced diet have fewer making healthy foods available, health problems. And active resi- easing access to health care and dents of all ages are more engaged helping residents manage chronic with one another and with their conditions and mitigate risk fac- community. tors—reap benefits across the generations. This chapter zeroes in on examples of how mayors are stepping up to Healthy, well-fed children go to help residents eat better, exercise school ready to learn. A healthy more and live healthier lives.

TAKEAWAYS

▸Exercise and ▸Changing the ▸Healthy food is ▸Educating the weight loss are built environment a key component next generation easier when they’re encourages physi- of healthy living. about healthy fun. Mayors are cal activity. Public Access to healthy living is critical. working to make parks, walking food options can Partnerships with fitness fun for and biking trails, be key to a healthy local schools help people of all ages sidewalks and city. Mayors are kids start early, through weight-loss pedestrian-friendly working with learning the impor- challenges, commu- communities make local restaurants, tance of sound nity-wide walking, it easier for resi- grocery stores and nutrition and physi- running and biking dents of all ages community part- cal activity. events and other to get outside and ners to highlight creative programs. get moving. healthy options and make them more accessible.

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“With an obesity rate exceeding 25 percent, we have failed as a community to set a high enough standard for ourselves. It is not just us. This is a nationwide problem. But it is a problem that I believe this community can address.” —Mick Cornett, mayor, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma River Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 46 WHERE WE LIVE | HEALTH

Mayor Mick Cornett Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA Mayor Mick Cornett (2004– ) “This City is Going on a Diet”

A DECADE AGO, Mayor Mick Cornett The city reached its goal of one million pounds famously announced that he was putting his city lost, but, to Cornett, that was just the beginning. on a diet. Spurred by his own experience scoring The weight-loss challenge started a community an obese rating on a federal health index website conversation about obesity and health. The next and stung by Oklahoma City’s inclusion on a list step is all about the long-term. of the nation’s fattest cities, Cornett challenged Building on a tax-financing structure and residents to join him and lose a combined one capital improvement program used by his pre- million pounds. decessors to redevelop downtown and revitalize Cornett’s dynamic presence and creative pres- the city’s schools, Cornett rallied support for entation put a national spotlight on his weight-loss initiatives that create new opportunities for rec- challenge. He announced the challenge standing in reational and other health-related activities: devel- front of elephants at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The opment of a 70-acre downtown park; construction initiative’s website—thiscityisgoingonadiet.com— of new sidewalks to foster a more pedestrian life- carried on the colorful imagery, showing the city’s style; creation of new senior health and wellness total weight loss as numbers of elephants while, at centers; and development of a riversport rafting the same time, providing useful information about and kayak center on the Oklahoma River. nutrition and exercise ideas for kids and adults. These new projects are all part of Cornett’s Residents who registered on the site were able to broader vision: moving Oklahoma City from track their progress through interactive health “fattest” to “fittest” and, in the process, making the journals that calculated calories burned through city a more attractive destination for businesses activities and exercise. and residents alike.

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Mayor Melvin L. Holden Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative Baton Rouge, Louisiana

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: HEALTH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana for collaboration among local organizations Mayor Melvin L. Holden (2005- ) that provide health services and resources. The Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative result is the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative, a nonprofit that has more than 70 organizational Having seen the impact of diabetes, heart dis- partners ranging from hospitals and schools ease and cancer in his own family, Mayor Melvin to other nonprofits and local businesses. This Holden knows firsthand the critical importance broad-based partnership expands the reach of living—and encouraging—healthy lifestyles. of the initiative, in an effort to give Baton Holden convened a group of community stake- Rouge residents—young, old and in between— holders to identify ways that the city can help improved access to appropriate health services its citizens get fit and stay healthy. The group and programs. recommended that instead of launching a stand- alone program, the mayor create a mechanism

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Charleston, West Virginia loved ones stay in their homes, and it carries Mayor Danny Jones (2003- ) benefits across all ages as young parents need Power Walking 150 the same type of flexibility.

Mayor Danny Jones’s Power Walking 150 initi- ative is moving Charleston toward a healthier Fort Worth, Texas future—literally. In its inaugural 2014 session, Mayor Betsy Price (2011- ) 1,000 participants logged 150 miles running, Blue Zones Project walking or biking in 150 days. Building on this community-wide kick start, the program invites Mayor Betsy Price signed Fort Worth up for people of all ages and abilities to incorporate the Blue Zones Project—a national program walking or other physical activities into their focused on making healthy choices easier in daily routines. In addition, local partners spon- local communities—to make her city a healthier, sor a year-round schedule of fun events includ- happier place to live, work and play. Through ing group walks, runs and bike rides to get the partnerships with local businesses, schools and community outside and moving. community organizations, Fort Worth is making wellness a priority across the city. Now residents of all ages have more healthy food options at res- Eugene, Oregon taurants and grocery stores. Local schools offer Mayor Kitty Piercy (2004- ) expanded nutrition and physical education pro- Paid Sick Leave grams for children. Businesses place a stronger focus on the health of their employees. And the On July 1, 2015, Eugene’s paid sick time city is implementing policies that encourage ordinance went into effect—a law signed with healthy choices and exercise. The program is a pleasure by Mayor Kitty Piercy on the day it win-win, aimed at lowering health care costs, passed the city council. Under the new law, most creating opportunities for residents to engage workers in Eugene receive up to 40 hours of paid with each other across generations, increasing sick leave to use if they are ill or need to care productivity and improving quality of life. for a sick family member. This can be especially Fort Worth joined the AARP Network of Age- important for family caregivers helping older Friendly Communities in 2014.

Power Walking 150 Charleston, West Virginia 49 WHERE WE LIVE | HEALTH

Hernando, Mississippi Lansing, Michigan Mayor Chip Johnson (2005- ) Mayor Virgil Bernero (2006- ) Healthy Living Lansing Loses a Million

Since taking office more than a decade ago, Mayor It’s not every day that a mayor gets on the Chip Johnson has made health and wellness a top scale in full view of his constituents. But that’s priority. From establishing a new and improved exactly what Mayor Virgil Bernero did to kick city parks department, which has built five major off Lansing Loses a Million, a program to help parks and recreation facilities, to investing in residents track their activity, weight and health infrastructure that makes the community more and connect them to their neighbors. The pro- accessible to pedestrians and bikers, Johnson is gram, one of the city’s age-friendly initiatives, is working to lead his city into a healthy future. His a public-private partnership with organizations Eat Right, Play More initiative promotes health- such as the YMCA that encourages participation ier school lunches and vending machine options. by providing free day passes to exercise facili- His Complete Streets policy mandates a sidewalk ties. Residents who join the challenge get access for every city road. And his efforts to encourage to free diet, sleep and exercise tracking tools as exercise through public activities and incentives well as fitness and nutrition coaching. led Hernando to being named the Healthiest Lansing joined the AARP Network of Age- Hometown in Mississippi in 2010. Friendly Communities in 2015.

Houston, Texas Louisville, Kentucky Former Mayor Annise Parker Mayor Greg Fischer (2011- ) (2010–2016) Healthy Hometown Movement Bayou Greenways With more than half of Louisville’s adults over- In 2013 Mayor Annise Parker announced the weight, Mayor Greg Fischer is taking action. His start of the ambitious Bayou Greenways 2020 Healthy Hometown Movement addresses the initiative, a public-private partnership to create obesity epidemic through a range of programs. an expansive system of parks along the city’s Simple changes to city infrastructure—like major waterways. When completed, Houston increasing the number of bike racks across the residents of all ages will have access to 3,000 city—encourage physical activity. Partnerships acres of public green space connected by 150 with local stores increase healthy food options. A miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. The menu-labeling program is designed to give diners Bayou Greenways project also aims to promote at local restaurants nutritional information and a healthy environment by improving the city’s encourage healthier recipes. And since 2005, water and air quality. the program has awarded more than $500,000 Houston joined the AARP Network of Age- in grants to more than 100 community groups Friendly Communities in 2014. focused on obesity prevention as well as other health priorities such as substance abuse preven- tion and mental health.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mayor William Peduto (2014- ) Live Well Pittsburgh

On his 100th day in office, Mayor William Peduto kicked off Live Well Pittsburgh, a community-wide

Mayor Chip Johnson Healthy Living 50 Hernando, Mississippi WHERE WE LIVE | HEALTH wellness initiative that is part of a broader effort, Live Well Allegheny, led by County Health Director Dr. Karen Hacker, to help make Allegheny County the healthiest county in the nation. Through Live Well Allegheny, schools are building wellness and nutrition education into the curriculum in partner- ship with area hospitals, while older residents are stepping up their physical activity through exercise classes and community run/walk events. Restau- rants can receive a “Live Well” seal of approval by limiting transfats and offering healthy menu items. Live Well Pittsburgh’s initial focus is on making sure that families are covered with quality low to no-cost health care—its Healthy Together cam- paign—and that youth across the Pittsburgh area are connected to programs for summer and after- school meals—its GrubUp initiative. In line with the county’s vision for the region, new dedicated bike lanes throughout the city make biking safer for everyone—from kids with training wheels to commuters to older cyclists who may ride at a slower pace. Peduto’s commitment to building a healthier city doesn’t stop there. As he said when he launched the Live Well Pittsburgh initiative, Community gardens he is dedicated to mobilizing all aspects of city Portland, Maine government—from planning and public works to parks and recreation—to give Pittsburgh residents “the opportunity of a healthy, well-lived life.” Pittsburgh joined the AARP Network of Age- Portland, Maine Friendly Communities in 2015. Former Mayor Michael Brennan (2011-2015) Mayor’s Initiative for a Healthy and Phoenix, Arizona Sustainable Food System Mayor Greg Stanton (2012- ) FitPHX In Portland, farm-to-table has taken on new meaning. Then-Mayor Michael Brennan Phoenix is encouraging its residents to get fit spearheaded the city’s Initiative for a Healthy with FitPHX, a citywide health initiative led and Sustainable Food System. The program by Mayor Greg Stanton and other community transformed the Portland food ethos while leaders. The program matches private and encouraging local economic growth and spur- public institutions with government resources ring cooperation between consumers, local to create healthy living events focusing on nutri- growers, private companies and policymakers. tion education, exercise and worksite specific Community gardens, planted and maintained recommendations. Programs developed through in partnership with local farmers and nonprof- FitPHX include Meet Me Downtown, weekly its, include a public orchard boasting 40 fruit group runs and walks to help make exercise trees. School lunches now include 50 percent a multigenerational social experience, and local produce. FitPHX Energy Zones, free nutrition and fitness Portland joined the AARP Network of Age- education classes in local middle schools. Friendly Communities in 2014.

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Spencer, Iowa Mayor Reynold Peterson (2004- ) Blue Zones/Healthiest State Initiative and Downtown Revitalization

In 2012 Mayor Reynold Peterson made Spencer the first city in Iowa to take the Blue Zones pledge to encourage healthy lifestyles. The city invested in community gardens, the promotion of healthy foods in grocery stores and new infrastructure including $200,000 worth of sidewalks to encourage walking. On top of the numerous personal benefits, the city has seen a 20 percent drop in health insurance claims for Healthy St. Pete city workers, reinforcing the upside of public St. Petersburg, Florida investments in health.

St. Paul, Minnesota St. Petersburg, Florida Mayor Chris Coleman (2006- ) Mayor Rick Kriseman (2014- ) 8 to 80 Vitality Fund Healthy St. Pete

Mayor Chris Coleman initiated the 8 to 80 For Mayor Rick Kriseman, improving the health of Vitality Fund—a program to improve the city’s St. Petersburg citizens means promoting healthy infrastructure and public spaces—as a way to options across four lifestyle categories relevant make outdoor activities in St. Paul safer and to all ages: Live, Eat, Shop and Play Healthy. Live more accessible to residents of all ages and Healthy promotes policies to increase access to abilities. Focusing on street reconstruction, health care, health education and nutritious food. new bike trails and lanes, development of green Eat Healthy offers tips to create healthy meals spaces and more, the fund aims to enhance the and runs programs like Fun Bites to bring healthy city’s quality of life. The project is based on the options to concession stands. Stores, restaurants work of Gil Penalosa, a well-known livability and farmers’ markets are partners in Shop Healthy advocate and consultant, and was recognized to increase access to healthy food. And Play by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Healthy develops and promotes fun community as part of the organization’s Knight Cities activities to encourage exercise. Challenge—a competitive grant program that asks residents to submit their ideas for making cities successful.

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Seattle, Washington York, Pennsylvania Mayor Ed Murray (2014- ) Mayor C. Kim Bracey (2009- ) Increasing Access to Eat, Play, Breathe York Mental Health Care The health of York residents is a priority for Less than a year into his term, Mayor Ed Murray Mayor Kim Bracey, who grew up in the city responded to the need to increase access to she now leads. Since taking office, she has led a mental health care in Seattle. Working with comprehensive program under the banner Eat, Governor Jay Inslee, who dedicated $37 million Play, Breathe York in partnership with local between 2015 and 2016 to increase the number and national organizations. A Complete Streets of beds at two state psychiatric and community policy adopted in 2011 focuses on improving the hospitals, Murray has rallied local businesses city’s transportation infrastructure in ways that and community leaders to support state efforts. promote physical activities such as biking and Because many of Seattle’s homeless struggle walking—something that benefits York citizens with mental illness, the mayor partnered with of all ages and from all walks of life. And in 2014, organizations to advocate for reforms and the city won a $100,000 grant to help combat increased funding for low-cost housing options childhood obesity. The funds are directed and improved health services. By working to largely to York’s elementary schools so they can increase access to effective mental health ser- increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, vices, particularly for the homeless or those in expand physical activity programs and develop need, Murray continues to act as a leader for the school gardens to give kids hands-on opportuni- improved wellness of his community. ties to learn healthy eating habits.

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5 ENGAGEMENT CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THEIR NEIGHBORS AND LEADERS

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MAYOR BETSY PRICE (YELLOW HELMET) ROLLING TOWN HALLS FORT WORTH, TEXAS55 WHERE WE LIVE | ENGAGEMENT

Community means more than people living in the same geographic area.

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FROM SOCIAL ACTIVITIES about how to make a community to civic action, having the oppor- stronger and what programs and tunity to connect and feel wel- policies local government should comed strengthens our social prioritize. People not only need fabric. A livable community fos- to be heard but expect to be heard ters interactions among people by their leaders on the issues and between people and institu- that matter the most, and frus- tions—face-to-face or online— tration can arise when people that adds value to our lives and feel like they aren’t being heard. supports community involve- Engagement creates an atmos- ment with local government. phere where neighbors help neighbors, government listens to Opportunities to connect with its citizens and no one of any age neighbors, meet new people and is left behind. contribute ideas and skills to local institutions help people This chapter offers examples of of all ages thrive. Creating new how mayors are reaching out to ways for residents to get involved local residents and helping them in their communities brings connect with one another and diverse voices into conversations with their government.

TAKEAWAYS

▸People need to ▸Communication is ▸If you build it, ▸Small acts of be heard. Some- a two-way street. they will come. kindness can add times all it takes It’s just as impor- Strong communities up to something to increase civic tant for govern- provide gathering big. Neighbors help engagement is to ment institutions to places that give res- each other in ways create a platform demonstrate that idents an opportu- big and small— for citizens to they’ve gotten the nity to meet, mingle, donating blood, voice a concern or message, report- learn and volunteer. shoveling snow, talk about a new ing back to their These hubs of activ- reading to children idea. Some mayors constituents on ity bring people or making contri- take a high-tech everything from together, whether butions through approach, using how tax dollars are it’s for exercise professional or vol- websites and other spent to what pro- classes at a commu- unteer experiences. technology to build gress was made on nity center, a lecture Mayors are recog- communications key initiatives. series at the local nizing and encour- channels for their library or a forum aging these actions constituents. Others to ask candidates because they add are decidedly low- questions. Online up to something tech, making face- communities can much more—a con- to-face interactions be just as powerful, nected community a priority. reaching a wider of citizens who care audience. about each other.

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“Compassion and citizenship are intertwined.” —Greg Fischer, mayor, Louisville, Kentucky

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Mayor Greg Fischer Compassionate Louisville

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Mayor Greg Fischer (2011– ) Compassionate Louisville

WHEN MAYOR GREG FISCHER took office, acts as simple as shoveling snow or reading to this former businessman set out a clear set of children as well as larger efforts such as partici- values that would guide his administration. One pating in community beautification projects and of those values—compassion—has become his mentoring programs. signature initiative. One of the campaign’s key initiatives is the To Fischer, compassion is a critical element mayor’s annual Give a Day week, which calls of building a strong community. It’s people on Louisville residents to donate time during helping people, asking for nothing in return. It’s the week to community service: donating blood, treating everyone, of all ages and from all walks volunteering at a local food bank, working of life, with respect. He traces his focus on com- with Habitat for Humanity on homebuilding passion to his parents: his mother, who he says projects and engaging in other activities. In helped other people all the time, and his father, recent years, more than 160,000 people of all who treated everyone, “from the head of a com- ages from all parts of the city participated in pany to Sam the shoeshine man,” the same. Give a Day. In 2011, Fischer signed a resolution commit- Give a Day aims to make getting involved ting Louisville to a multiyear Compassionate easy and bring people together who otherwise Campaign that seeks to empower and engage would never meet. Fischer hopes that will move members of the community to help their neigh- the city closer to his goal of compassion: helping bors in ways big and small. The program builds residents of all ages, from all walks of life, meet, on an active network of nonprofit organizations work on common goals and develop greater and education institutions and encourages understanding of and respect for each other.

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Age-Friendly Fayetteville Fayetteville, Arkansas

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: ENGAGEMENT

Fayetteville, Arkansas and taking a comprehensive look at the city, it Mayor Lioneld Jordan (2008- ) will be able to adapt its structures and services Age-Friendly Fayetteville to be more accessible to older residents. Fayetteville joined the AARP Network of Age- Mayor Lioneld Jordan, in partnership with the Friendly Communities in 2013. University of Arkansas and the local chamber of commerce, is spearheading a multiyear effort to transform this college town into a truly Fort Worth, Texas age-friendly city. The first step is a five-year Mayor Betsy Price (2011- ) assessment and planning process, currently Rolling and Walking Town Halls under way, that engages community members in multiple ways. An online survey gauges Mayor Betsy Price puts a premium on face-to- perceptions of the city, and a series of focus face interaction with her constituents. But she groups—90-minute discussion sessions with knew she needed a creative approach to get 10 local residents aged 45 and up—solicit input residents of all ages engaged and involved. An on how Fayetteville can better support an aging avid bike rider herself, Price started inviting population. To collect data for a community residents to join her on rides around the city needs assessment, teams of college students for what she called Rolling Town Halls. The are fanning out across the city inspecting parks, rides—usually five to seven miles, lasting about buildings, roads and transportation options. 45 minutes—have generated productive dis- Fayetteville hopes that by engaging its citizens cussions on issues of interest to residents, from

60 * WHERE WE LIVE | ENGAGEMENT ways to implement recycling programs to steps other city leaders. Public safety and crime preven- residents can take to deal with bird infesta- tion were the primary topics of Morse’s first tour, tions. To engage with residents who are more resulting in important feedback that was used to comfortable on two feet than two wheels, Price create plans for a safer community. launched Walking Town Halls—one-mile walks that focus on a street-level look at neighborhood improvements and needs. Launched in 2011, the Indianapolis, Indiana programs continue, with multiple walking and Former Mayor Greg Ballard (2008-2016) rolling sessions scheduled each month. Band of Neighbors Fort Worth joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in 2014. When the national crowd-sourcing review com- pany Angie’s List is headquartered in your city, it’s only natural that you turn to technology to Holyoke, Massachusetts crowd-source public safety. Mayor Greg Ballard Mayor Alex Morse (2012- ) partnered with Angie’s List to create an online Senior Residence Touring Initiative forum to help neighbors connect with neighbors and local police stop crime. The secure network, Soon after he was elected at age 22, the youngest called Band of Neighbors, is free to use and tai- mayor in Holyoke’s history reached out to the lored to the city’s 840 different neighborhoods. city’s oldest residents to make sure their voices are To make sure that discussions are relevant, only heard. Together with the city’s police chief, Mayor residents of a particular neighborhood can par- Alex Morse launched a Senior Residence Touring ticipate in that community’s forums. Similarly, Initiative, personally visiting with residents 50+ law enforcement or other announcements are where they live, since many would not otherwise posted only to discussions for the affected area. be able to travel to city hall. The tour fulfills a The network is designed to help residents of all campaign promise made in response to residents’ ages stay connected and feel safe in their homes interest in staying connected with the mayor and and their neighborhoods.

Mayor Betsy Price Walking Town Halls Fort Worth, Texas

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Las Vegas, Nevada Miramar, Florida Mayor Carolyn Goodman (2011- ) Former Mayor Lori Moseley (1999–2015) Mayor’s Faith Initiative Senior Centers

Mayor Carolyn Goodman is leveraging Las To keep its aging population energized and Vegas’s faith community to start community engaged in community life, Miramar operates conversations around the city’s toughest prob- two senior centers that serve as hubs for a range lems. The Faith Initiative, launched in 2012, of activities. Under the direction of then-Mayor connects faith leaders, community volunteers, Lori Moseley, the city expanded one center and nonprofit organizations and government agen- established the second, hiring Spanish-speaking cies and engages them to work together. Ini- staff to serve the city’s large Latino population. tially, 120 faith leaders joined with city officials Local residents come together for cultural activ- to develop a framework for ongoing engagement ities and group wellness programs. The Gener- around problems that impact a broad spectrum ation 2 Generation program strives to promote of Las Vegas residents—addiction, strength- lifelong learning and connections between ening families, jobs, education, homelessness children and the 50+ community, with special and human trafficking. The city continues to holiday celebrations and a Rainbow Readers play the role of convener, providing support club, where members share their knowledge and and guidance to the initiative’s representatives, love of reading with elementary school students. who meet monthly to keep up the momentum. Specific programs developed through the Faith Initiative include parenting classes, school New Orleans, Louisiana partnerships and a series of community forums Mayor Mitch Landrieu (2010- ) about addiction. Budgeting for Outcomes

Mayor Mitch Landrieu wants the city’s budget to reflect the needs and concerns of all New Orleans residents. To make sure everyone has a voice in the process, he and the city council hold community meetings in each council district to hear directly from residents. The entire process is results-oriented, with city agency budgets built around what it will take to achieve resi- dents’ priorities. Each community meeting is preceded by a separate event where citizens can meet one-on-one with city officials to talk about specific ideas and concerns.

Mayor’s Faith Initiative Las Vegas, Nevada

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Dashboard Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon more transparent, accessible and responsive. Mayor Charlie Hales (2013- ) Powered by MindMixer, a civic-minded tech Dashboard start-up, the site’s chat forums are interactive real-time discussions about local issues among Mayor Charlie Hales takes a data-driven, high- members of the community and city officials. tech approach to sharing information with his Often, city leaders pose questions to prompt constituents. An innovative website he calls a virtual dialogue: How would you rate your Portland’s Dashboard lets residents track the feeling of safety? For every $1,000 of community progress of priority initiatives. The Dashboard funds, how would you divvy up the money? highlights key indicators and up-to-date data Do you support proposed utility rate increases? in at-a-glance charts, graphs and infographics Putting the forums online is aimed at giving more to show where the city is making strides—and people—from busy working parents to tech-savvy where things are falling short. Hales sees the seniors—a chance to engage without having to dashboard as an important tool for government travel or attend an in-person forum. accountability as well as a way to encourage community involvement in developing public policy. But most of all, the dashboard is a mech- Wilmington, Delaware anism to create a shared sense of accomplish- Mayor Dennis P. Williams (2013- ) ment across all geographic and demographic Wilmington Awards boundaries. “Information is power,” hails the dashboard, “and these metrics can help citizens Every year, the city of Wilmington celebrates the hold city leaders accountable.” community engagement of local residents with Portland joined the AARP Network of Age- the Wilmington Awards, a recognition program Friendly Communities in 2012. established by Mayor Dennis Williams. The awards are presented to individuals of all ages who have excelled in the arts, business, educa- Topeka, Kansas tion, athletics, environment, health or science as Mayor Larry Wolgast (2013– ) well as those who have made significant contri- Topeka MindMixer butions to the faith community and human and civil rights and through community service. In Topeka residents have a new way to interact with 2015 Williams created the annual Thomas L. the city’s public officials: a virtual town hall web- Cottingham Good Samaritan award for acts of site that allows citizens to communicate directly bravery and kindness. The inaugural award went with city leaders online. Mayor Larry Wolgast to a resident who gave his life protecting a woman spearheaded the project to make government and her baby from a knife-wielding attacker.

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6 OPPORTUNITY EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND PURSUING POSSIBILITIES

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MAYOR RICHARD BERRY (RIGHT) RUNNING START FOR CAREERS ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 65 WHERE WE LIVE | OPPORTUNITY Opportunity is the foundation of the American dream. We all want to live someplace where we can fulfill our potential.

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WELCOMING COMMUNITIES skills or volunteer to help their give residents an equal chance neighbors and share a lifetime of to improve their well-being experience. through employment, education, skill development and—in the Achieving financial security 21st-century economy—access to requires education, skill devel- technology. opment and career opportu- nities that keep pace with the Today’s older adults want to demands of a global, technolog- lead active lives that keep them ically driven economy. Strong connected and engaged with communities give Americans of communities that support their all ages, from all backgrounds, goals. Some people transition to ample opportunities to succeed. new careers or start businesses later in life. In fact, older adults This chapter highlights exam- are the fastest-growing group ples of how mayors are build- of entrepreneurs, according ing ladders of opportunity that to the Kaufmann Foundation. support residents as they strive Others look for opportunities to for their piece of the American explore new ideas, develop new dream.

TAKEAWAYS

▸21st-century ▸Policies that ▸Partnerships with ▸Every child should opportunities are support working businesses boost be ready for school built on 21st-century families and fight employment and and have the tools technology. In the poverty strengthen workforce develop- to succeed. Mayors Internet age, mayors communities. When ment. Local gov- are enlisting their are harnessing the poverty persists ernments, led by communities in power of technol- and working fam- mayors, are build- innovative programs ogy to encourage ilies struggle to ing public-private to make sure all chil- innovation and the make ends meet, partnerships that dren develop critical jobs of the future— mayors are using a support entrepre- literacy skills. from wiring cities range of programs neurs, put people with ultra-high and policies to help to work and teach speed connections fill the gaps and young people real- and helping older reverse declines. world job skills. residents develop computer skills to sponsoring tech- driven contests that inspire young people to dream big.

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“Every home and every business in our community has fiber optic cable hooked up and access to the fastest Internet. We have tried to make sure that everybody not only has that access, but uses it.” —Andy Berke, mayor, Chattanooga, Tennessee Fiber Optic Distribution Center Chattanooga, Tennessee

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▸ SPOTLIGHT ON CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Mayor Andy Berke (2013– ) and Former Mayors Bob Corker (2001–2005) and Ron Littlefield (2005–2013) Gig City

THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA earned the Chattanooga a destination for tech-driven nickname “Gig City” thanks to the vision and entrepreneurs. It also created a new high-tech commitment of three successive mayors who smart grid that increases the reliability and championed citywide ultra-high-speed Internet resilience of the area’s power supply and pro- connectivity. motes a host of high tech efficiencies. The groundwork for today’s lightning-fast Today, Mayor Andy Berke is leveraging the Internet speeds was laid in 2003 by then-Mayor city’s unique tech infrastructure through the Bob Corker (now a U.S. Senator), who partnered Enterprise Center, a dedicated organization with the city’s public electric utility to develop a that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and high-speed broadband network serving the city’s digital inclusion. The center anchors the city’s downtown business core. Offering faster Inter- Innovation District, a 140-acre downtown hub net speeds at a lower cost was part of Corker’s for Chattanooga’s knowledge-based, entrepre- digital vision for attracting new businesses and neurial economic development initiatives. maximizing the productivity of local companies. With the city’s leaders putting the critical The effort put Chattanooga on par with much infrastructure in place, dozens of start-up com- larger cities when it comes to infrastructure that panies are building their businesses in Chatta- supports a 21st-century economy. nooga, and the Innovation District has become Then under Mayor Ron Littlefield, the city’s home to nonprofits and venture funds that high-speed network expanded to reach all support further start-up development. residents in the Electric Power Board’s service area. This “fiber to the home” program made

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Mayor Richard Berry Running Start for Careers Albuquerque, New Mexico

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: OPPORTUNITY

Albuquerque, New Mexico Buffalo, New York Mayor Richard Berry (2009- ) Mayor Byron Brown (2005- ) Running Start for Careers Serious Computer Game Design Competition Shortly after taking office, Mayor Richard Berry created the Running Start for Careers program to Computer games are more than just entertain- help students stay in school and develop practical ment in Buffalo. In March 2015, Mayor Byron skills with an eye toward future employment. Brown hosted the city’s first Serious Computer Through this public-private partnership between Game Design Competition to encourage technol- high schools and local businesses, students earn ogy-focused innovation. A group of local college both high school and college credits toward grad- students won the $5,000 prize with a “create your uation while gaining valuable experience working own adventure” game that helps young people see in high-demand industries such as construction, how simple choices can have an impact on their finance and health care. The program is work- lives far into the future. Brown hopes to work with ing to prepare students for future careers while the winning team to develop a version of the game helping make sure they stay in school. In 2014 the for Buffalo schools and youth programs. high school graduation rate in the city’s public Buffalo is the county seat of Erie County, which schools was 62.5 percent, but 98 percent of the joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Commu- Running Start for Careers participants received nities in 2015. their high school diplomas.

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Cheyenne, Wyoming has helped 129 businesses start and grow, creating Mayor Rick Kaysen (2009- ) more than 1,200 jobs. Business Assistance Centers Wyoming’s Digital Capital provide targeted training in accounting, finance and marketing. With Americans aged 55 and older Mayor Rick Kaysen and local economic develop- launching almost a quarter of new businesses ment planners are working hard to turn Chey- nationally, according to the Kauffman Index of enne into Wyoming’s digital capital with new Entrepreneurial Activity, the entrepreneurial high-tech jobs that create opportunities for local focus aims to benefit Denver residents of all ages: residents. Already, employers including Micro- Older residents looking to start a new business get soft, satellite communications provider EchoStar, the support they need while younger workers have data hosting service Green House Data and the new job opportunities in a growing economy. National Center for Atmospheric Research have Denver joined the AARP Network of Age- opened large data centers that take advantage of Friendly Communities in 2014. Cheyenne’s cool climate and affordable electric- ity resources. Next up are start-ups attracted to the city’s fiber network infrastructure and Detroit, Michigan increasingly tech-savvy workforce. By diversi- Mayor Mike Duggan (2014- ) fying the local economy, Kaysen is working to Grow Detroit’s Young Talent expand opportunities for Cheyenne’s residents. Mayor Mike Duggan’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program is a one-stop-shop to pro- Denver, Colorado mote summer jobs for the city’s youth. Local Mayor Michael Hancock (2011- ) businesses commit to offering six-week job Entrepreneurship experiences to help students acquire impor- tant real-world skills, and the city does the rest: Small businesses, averaging 19 employees per recruiting students for each position, handling company, make up over 40 percent of Denver’s payroll and work readiness training, providing total employment. Mayor Michael Hancock wants free city transportation to get to and from jobs that number to grow. Through the city’s Jump- and matching $1,000 in hourly wages. In its Start economic development programs, Han- inaugural year, the program exceeded its goal of cock puts a major focus on supporting the city’s placing 5,000 young people in jobs; 5,594 entered entrepreneurs. A small-business lending program the program in July 2015.

Mayor Michael Hancock (left) Entrepreneurship Denver, Colorado

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Grand Forks, North Dakota Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Michael Brown (2000- ) Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr. (2011- ) Safer Tomorrows Turn the Page Reading Program

It’s hard to thrive in a community where you Mayor Sly James is a strong believer in what he don’t feel safe. Safer Tomorrows, an initiative calls the “magical power” of reading. In fact, he led by Mayor Michael Brown, strives to decrease credits his childhood love of books for his life’s children’s exposure to violence and foster a success. Now he’s helping Kansas City’s children community where everyone is treated with discover the same magical power. His Turn the respect and dignity. One of just four programs Page initiative mobilizes the community to help in the country funded by the U.S. Department every child read proficiently by third grade. The of Justice Defending Childhood Initiative, Safer data-driven program focuses on three key areas Tomorrows focuses on prevention, intervention shown to boost a child’s reading ability: school and data collection through a variety of school readiness, summer learning and school attend- and community-based programs. For example, ance. Through partnerships with a variety of prevention-focused classes aim to help students organizations and a grassroots volunteer move- in Grand Forks schools understand and address ment, Turn the Page organizes book donations, bullying, Internet safety, healthy relationships intensive summer reading programs, individ- and dating violence. And intervention programs ualized tutoring and training tools for parents. provide parents of infants and young children at Since the program’s inception, third-grade risk of abuse with resources and support through reading scores have improved dramatically, intensive weekly home visits. with 49 percent of students scoring proficient in 2015, up from 33 percent in 2011—putting the city well on its way to the goal of 70 percent proficiency by 2017.

Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr. Turn the Page Reading Program Kansas City, Missouri

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10,000 Strong Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California access even further, Regalado’s administration is Mayor Eric Garcetti (2013- ) working with technology companies and Internet 10,000 Strong providers on low-cost alternatives to help resi- dents and businesses buy their own computers Mayor Eric Garcetti created the 10,000 Strong and devices. Initiative to improve job opportunities to veterans in the Los Angeles area. A vet himself, Garcetti is leveraging partnerships with more Minneapolis, Minnesota than 100 companies and 40 nonprofit and public Mayor Betsy Hodges (2014- ) sector organizations to place 10,000 veterans Working Families Agenda in jobs by 2017. His office is also taking the lead coordinating job training, health care and hous- With stagnant wages and other pressures ing services for veterans through partnerships putting the squeeze on Minneapolis workers, and ongoing coordination with public and private Mayor Betsy Hodges is championing a Work- service providers. ing Families Agenda. While her initial proposal Los Angeles joined the AARP Network of Age- addressing fair scheduling, wage theft (denial Friendly Communities in 2016. of wages or employee benefits rightfully owed to an employee) and paid sick leave has been scaled back, Hodges isn’t giving up. Striving Miami, Florida to build consensus, she is actively engaged in Mayor Tomás Regalado (2009- ) discussions with businesses and workers to Elevate Miami develop policies that ease the economic crunch on Minneapolis families and build a strong Mayor Tomás Regalado is making digital inclu- foundation for the future. sion a top priority to help Miami residents Minneapolis joined the AARP Network of Age- leverage today’s high-tech tools. More than 30 Friendly Communities in 2015. city parks and the city’s senior centers are now equipped with computer labs providing free access for users across the city. Free classes at these locations aim to help working-age and older adults learn how to use computers and access the Internet or brush up their skills. To improve

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Providence Talks Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island Rochester, New York Mayor Jorge Elorza (2015- ) and Mayor Lovely Warren (2014- ) Former Mayor Angel Taveras (2011–2015) Anti-Poverty Initiative Providence Talks Rochester has the third highest child poverty To make sure all children have the tools they rate in the nation, and Mayor Lovely Warren is need to succeed in school, Providence is start- committed to doing something about it. She is ing early—and talking a lot. Providence Talks, making the fight against poverty a central theme an innovative citywide program, enlists adults of her administration, developing new solutions across the community to talk to preschool chil- to supplement the city’s job training programs dren. Research shows that hearing at least 21,000 and a state antipoverty task force. Her Office of words a day develops a young child’s vocabu- Innovation is focused on data—looking at factors lary to prepare them for school. Started under that drive poverty—and soliciting stakeholder former Mayor Angel Taveras, the program was input to develop new initiatives. One innova- the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayor’s Chal- tive idea under development is the creation of lenge Grand Prize Winner in 2012, securing $5 cooperatives—employee-owned neighborhood million to launch a pilot project. In 2015 Mayor businesses—that give workers an opportunity to Jorge Elorza expanded Providence Talks with a share in decision-making and business profits. goal of reaching 2,500 families in two years. The Warren is spearheading the initiative with a program provides resources including home comprehensive study, dedication of resources to visits, free books and “word pedometers,” which help new cooperatives get up and running, and help families keep track of words used in their commitments from local institutions to contract households. with cooperatives for locally sourced goods and services. For example, local hospitals may con- tract with a neighborhood cooperative to provide laundry services.

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Sioux Falls, South Dakota program is designed to reap benefits across the Mayor Mike Huether (2010– ) board. Young people supplement their education Sioux Falls Has Jobs! and expand their horizons with hands-on expe- riences. Businesses have eager, skilled workers. Sioux Falls has successfully attracted businesses And the city develops a highly trained workforce and created jobs. Now it needs to find people that will help attract more businesses to grow the to fill them. Mayor Mike Huether launched the local economy. SiouxFallsHasJobs.com campaign to highlight job opportunities in the area through billboard and kiosk advertisements as well as a website for Virginia Beach, Virginia job seekers. Businesses looking to hire workers Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. (2008- ) use the website to promote job openings and Financial Empowerment Initiative connect with applicants. In 2010, Mayor William Sessoms set out to help 500 Virginia Beach families become “financially Tulsa, Oklahoma fit.” This initial effort has grown into the city’s Mayor Dewey Bartlett (2009- ) ongoing Financial Empowerment Initiative, Mentoring to the Max designed to help Virginia Beach residents under- stand how to manage their finances, build savings Mayor Dewey Bartlett has a new equation for and avoid debt. Participating residents take success in Tulsa: teens + businesses = expanded monthly classes and receive individual coach- opportunities and a growing economy. The city’s ing to develop personal financial plans. Other Mentoring to the Max program matches area citywide activities include savings challenges, tax high-school students with businesses offer- assistance and a Financial Planning Day staffed ing jobs and internships that focus on science, by volunteer Certified Financial Planners. technology, engineering and math (STEM). The

Mentoring to the Max Tulsa, Oklahoma

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7 CULTURE ELEVATE THE ARTS TO ELEVATE THE COMMUNITY

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 77 WHERE WE LIVE | CULTURE Cultural programs bring communities together through shared experiences.

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PUBLIC ART installations, arts communities a sense of place, education in schools, exposure making them destinations where to music, dance, theater and the people of all ages want to stop for a visual arts: Culture in our com- moment rather than rush through munities fosters creativity and on their way to a meeting, a job or enhances recreational opportuni- an appointment. ties for citizens of all ages. Taken together, investments in Expanding access to cultural the arts can help increase social offerings creates a more vibrant, engagement and creativity among interesting community for local residents of all ages. residents—whether it’s taking a painting or dance class, watch- This chapter profiles examples of ing a play, listening to a concert different ways our nation’s mayors or enjoying a new sculpture in a are promoting the arts in their public park. Public art also gives communities.

TAKEAWAYS

▸Public art and cultural centers enhance ▸It’s never too early—or late—to get communities. Across the country, mayors engaged in the arts. Arts programs in are using the arts to enliven their com- schools foster creativity and an appre- munities and create new destinations for ciation for culture at an early age. But community events. learning and exploring the arts shouldn’t stop with graduation. Residents of all ages benefit from access to classes, exhibits and events.

79 “The arts create new ways WHERE WE LIVE | CULTURE to experience our city and play an important role in our community.” —Kim Driscoll, mayor, Salem, Massachusetts

Muralist Ruben Ubiera 80 Salem Public Art Master Plan WHERE WE LIVE | CULTURE

Mayor Kim Driscoll Salem Public Art Master Plan

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Mayor Kim Driscoll (2006– ) Salem Public Art Master Plan

“GREAT CITIES don’t happen by accident. solidifying Salem’s identity as a regional hub for They take careful, thoughtful planning and a culture and creativity. pro active approach,” says Mayor Kim Driscoll. To cultivate ongoing community support, “For our city to thrive, we have to plan the work developers of the master plan engaged local and work the plan.” organizations and a working group of residents, This analytical, nose-to-the-grindstone arts professionals and other stakeholders. Two philosophy is a hallmark of Driscoll’s approach. community workshops were held to solicit input So when community feedback identified public and feedback on the plan’s recommendations. art as an important component to revitalize Unveiled in 2013, the final plan is compre- Salem’s Essex Street pedestrian mall, Driscoll hensive and action-oriented, with recommenda- put the pieces in place to “plan the work.” tions ranging from administrative—such as how The Public Art Master Plan is a blueprint for to structure solicitations, select art projects and how the city will incorporate art into the plan- manage the city’s art collection—to substantive, ning and development process for Essex Street including recommendations for public art sites and beyond. and criteria for each potential installation. As home to the Peabody Essex Museum, Driscoll has moved quickly to put the plan’s numerous cultural organizations and several ideas into action with the appointment of a public arts festivals, Salem already had a strong public arts planner and seven-member Public history of supporting the arts. The Master Art Commission. Plan builds on this foundation, helping the Salem joined the AARP Network of Age- city manage growth of its art initiatives and Friendly Communities in 2015.

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Arts & Design District Carmel, Indiana

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: CULTURE

Carmel, Indiana Columbus, Ohio Mayor Jim Brainard (1996- ) Mayor Michael B. Coleman (2000–2016) Arts & Design District ARTS CLASSifieds

Arts and culture are no longer just for urban For more than a decade, Mayor Michael Coleman areas. That’s the thinking behind Mayor Jim has cultivated a vibrant arts and culture scene in Brainard’s move to create an Arts & Design Dis- Columbus. In partnership with local organiza- trict and new City Center in Carmel’s suburban tions, the city’s digital database of arts programs, downtown. Working in collaboration with com- ARTS CLASSifieds, allows residents to quickly munity leaders and investors, Brainard created find arts education classes and activities offered public and private grant partnerships to generate by 363 different providers. A follow-up initiative funding for new theaters, public spaces, galleries created a grant program that funds public art and more. The emphasis on artistic offerings projects. Taken together, Columbus’s focus on simultaneously spurred economic growth, the arts is designed to build community spirit and increasing tourism and creating a hub that gives bring about a culture of creativity that benefits residents of all ages new opportunities for social residents of all ages. and cultural activities. Columbus joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in 2015.

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Gary, Indiana Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson (2011- ) Former Mayor W. Wilson Goode ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen (1984-1992) Mural Arts “I believe that public art—combined with design, community engagement and private Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program—featuring and government investment—can transform several thousand works of public art—has gener- the way we imagine a city,” says Mayor Karen ated high-profile new public artwork for decades. Freeman-Wilson. This vision is becoming reality Begun in 1984 as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti with the ArtHouse project that’s transforming an Network by then-Mayor W. Wilson Goode, the underutilized 15,000-square-foot building into program started as an innovative way to curb a cultural center showcasing visual and culinary the problem of rampant graffiti. Jane Golden, a arts. Funded in part by a grant from the Bloom- young artist hired by Goode, built relationships berg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge, the with graffiti artists and channeled their creativity city is partnering with artist Theaster Gates to toward planning public art projects instead of develop creative design solutions for the building. defacing public and private property. The first When completed, ArtHouse will feature three mural project, which covered both sides of a commissioned works of visual art and serve as a pedestrian bridge linking West Philly to Center hub for cultural programs and culinary arts train- City, was completed in 1985. Today, financed by ing. Freeman-Wilson hopes that in the long-term, a combination of public and private funds, the the new public space will kick-start additional program has expanded under Golden’s continued economic development in the downtown area. leadership into an organization that includes youth art education and re-entry programs along with a dedicated community murals department Loveland, Colorado that focuses on public projects in partnership Mayor Cecil A. Gutierrez (2009- ) with community organizations. and Former Mayor Ray Reeb Philadelphia joined the AARP Network of Age- Art in Public Places Friendly Communities in 2012.

Through successful public-private partner- ships and generous donations, artwork is now Suwanee, Georgia embedded in the Loveland community through Mayor Jimmy Burnette (2011- ) creatively designed benches, bike racks, bridges Suwanee SculpTour and landscaping that enhance the lives of all residents. In 1985, during then-Mayor Ray Reeb’s Mayor Jimmy Burnette is supporting the arts in term, Loveland became the first Colorado city his city through the annual Suwanee SculpTour, to pass an Art in Public Places Ordinance, a series of original outdoor sculptures displayed designating one percent of the city’s capital downtown. SculpTour offers the community an investment budget to purchase and maintain art affordable and family-friendly way to incorporate installations. Local leaders and sculptors came art into daily life, encouraging residents and visi- together to create the Loveland High Plains Arts tors to explore the small city (population 16,000) Council—and later the Visual Arts Commission— by viewing the installations along a one-mile to showcase neighborhood artists, promote local walking tour. In partnership with local artists foundries and organize festivals and parks that and private sponsors, Burnette is helping create engage the community. Subsequent mayors con- beautiful, communal public spaces for neighbors tinued to nurture Loveland’s love of public art. to spend more time outside while encouraging In 2015, when the Art in Public Places program economic activity in downtown restaurants and celebrated its 30th anniversary, Mayor Cecil A. shops. When the temporary exhibits end, the city Gutierrez could boast that his city was home to works to add at least one SculpTour piece to its 465 sculptures and 2-D pieces. permanent art collection.

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8 NEIGHBORHOOD A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

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DALLAS, TEXAS 85 WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOOD What makes a neighborhood a place where we want to live? All the things highlighted in this book.

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EASY ACCESS to jobs, stores, want to live in neighborhoods schools and social activities. Parks that are easy to navigate on foot to enjoy and markets that offer or by transit, with nearby shops healthy food, helping people make and parks as well as cultural, smart choices. Access to culture educational and employment that keeps local life interesting. opportunities. Transit options that make getting around safe and easy. Opportuni- After decades of sprawl—with ties to learn, work and contribute housing situated far from com- to society. An engaged population mercial and cultural corri- and responsive government. dors—mayors nationwide are refashioning our towns and cities These elements have appeal for young and old. across generations and provide the blueprint for sustainable, This chapter offers examples of vibrant communities. Staying in how mayors are putting all the their homes and neighborhoods principles of livable communities as they age—connected to friends, into action, transforming com- family, activities and services— munities and revitalizing neigh- helps older residents thrive. And, borhoods in ways that benefit more and more, people of all ages residents of all ages.

TAKEAWAYS

▸Going back to ▸Walkable, thriving ▸Figuring out the ▸Community basics lays an hubs give commu- financing is half the engagement makes important foun- nities a sense of battle. Some of the a difference.Under- dation. In some place. From down- projects are large- lying successful communities, town urban areas scale public initia- initiatives is a com- years of economic to small town main tives that marshal mitment to engag- stress have taken streets, walkable local, state and fed- ing local residents. a toll that requires hubs anchored by eral funding. Others Soliciting input and a back-to-basics amenities ranging use tax incentives translating resi- approach—improv- from arts venues to encourage dents’ priorities into ing public safety and shopping private developers action gives people and the delivery districts to public and businesses to a stake in neighbor- of government parks and commu- take the lead. hood improvements services, or tackling nity centers help and trust that their the blight of vacant define a neighbor- local government is properties—to lay hood’s identity. on the right path. a foundation for the future.

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“We must have safe, quality homes for families. …Then comes new development and job creation…and with that comes economic growth. …I know with all the smart leadership we have in this city, that if we come together and get behind the right plan, that together we can make great things happen in the southern half of our city.” —Mike Rawlings, mayor, Dallas, Texas

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Mayor Mike Rawlings GrowSouth Initiative Dallas, Texas

▸ SPOTLIGHT ON DALLAS, TEXAS Mayor Mike Rawlings (2011– ) GrowSouth Initiative

WHEN MIKE RAWLINGS first ran for essential for the broader effort to succeed. mayor in 2011, he made revitalization of the To turn the tide in three struggling commu- sprawling city’s southern tier a central part of nities, Rawlings added new strategies to the his campaign platform. This businessman- GrowSouth plan. turned-mayor saw tremendous untapped Neighborhood planning boards in each of potential in the area that comprises roughly the three designated areas are setting goals and half of Dallas’s land area and is home to 45 priorities based on their community’s unique percent of the city’s population but contributes character, opportunities and challenges. To only 15 percent of its tax base. identify obstacles and cut through red tape, each Soon after he was elected, he launched community gets its own “general manager,” with GrowSouth, a broad-based initiative aimed a direct line to City Hall and access to the city’s at maximizing the area’s economic development nonprofit and corporate leaders. potential with significant investment and infra- Rawlings calls this approach the GrowSouth structure improvements. Collective Impact Model. By building from But a strong foundation is generally the ground up—empowering communities to necessary before a growth strategy can take demand more from their government and lever- root. While progress has been made, troubling aging resources of neighborhood organizations, trends persist: poverty, a declining number government and nonprofits—he hopes these of middle-income families and a lack of communities will be able to grow and improve. affordable housing and jobs. Attacking these Dallas joined the AARP Network of Age- problems and strengthening neighborhoods is Friendly Communities in 2014.

89 WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOOD *

Concord Main Street Project Concord, New Hampshire

▸ STANDOUT COMMUNITIES: NEIGHBORHOOD

Albany, New York Baltimore, Maryland Mayor Kathy Sheehan (2014- ) Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (2010- ) Downtown Revitalization Vacants to Value

Well before construction of a new convention Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake initiated center begins downtown, Mayor Kathy Sheehan Baltimore’s Vacants to Value project to tackle began work to make sure that city residents bene- the urban blight plaguing her city. The 2010 U.S. fit from the new facility and the potential it brings Census identified more than 16,000 vacant prop- to downtown Albany. Sheehan views the conven- erties in Baltimore—a situation that contributed tion center as much more than a single building; to crime and an overall sense of neglect in the she sees it as an opportunity to redefine Albany as city’s neighborhoods. Now the city is demolishing a destination, attracting new jobs and improving vacant houses, turning the properties into green the economy. spaces, new housing developments and commer- cial investment opportunities. In early 2016, five years after the initial investment, Rawlings-Blake and Governor Larry Hogan announced new fund- ing to continue the program. By stabilizing these distressed communities, Rawlings-Blake aims to make it easier for older residents to age in place while expanding opportunities for all.

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Charleston, South Carolina Detroit, Michigan Former Mayor Joseph P. Riley Mayor Mike Duggan (2014- ) (1976-2016) Strategic City Planning Attention to Urban Detail Going back to basics is job #1 for Mayor Mike He may not take the credit, but Charleston Duggan. He is taking up the challenge of revi- wouldn’t be Charleston without Mayor Joseph talizing Detroit’s neighborhoods by improving Riley. In his 10 terms in office, Riley made his city services, tackling the blight of vacant homes top priorities the design details that give the city and cultivating entrepreneurship in the city’s its unique character and preservation of public commercial corridors. In his first year in office, spaces. A prime example is his decision, in the he oversaw the installation of more than 18,000 late 1970s, to reject plans for high-rise offices streetlights and reduced emergency response along Charleston’s harbor. While the proposed times to the lowest level in five years, helping development would have brought in new tax residents feel more secure. An aggressive out- revenue, Riley instead created a waterfront reach effort to homeowners improved neglected park that revitalized the area and is enjoyed homes, while abandoned properties were sold or by residents and visitors—young, old and in torn down. And a new wave of entrepreneurs is between. Other local initiatives include award- creating a virtuous cycle. As they open businesses winning designs for public housing. On a national in commercial areas, they join a growing commu- level, Riley is one of the founders of the Mayor’s nity of committed residents of all ages working Institute on City Design, a collaborative effort of together with the support of city government to the National Endowment for the Arts, American bring Detroit back. Architectural Foundation and United States Conference of Mayors. Las Vegas, Nevada Mayor Carolyn Goodman (2011- ) Concord, New Hampshire Downtown Revitalization Mayor Jim Bouley (2008- ) Concord Main Street Project Mayor Carolyn Goodman wants Las Vegas to be a great place to live—not just a great place to Getting the community on board for a complete visit. Witness her plan to create an urban village redesign of Concord’s Main Street is one of in the city’s downtown area. The Symphony Park Mayor Jim Bouley’s signature accomplishments. project, a 61-acre development in the heart of The ambitious project makes downtown more downtown Las Vegas, features walkable blocks pedestrian-friendly by reducing the road from with street-level retail divided into four districts: four lanes to two, widening sidewalks and the Civic District, home to parks and a perform- installing cobblestone medians and brick ing arts center; the Specialty District, for hotels crosswalks. The addition of trees, planters, and retail; the Residential District, with a variety benches, streetlights and signage enhances the of single and multifamily homes; and the Med- overall aesthetics of the area, so spending time ical District, which includes an outpost of the downtown—whether shopping, dining or stroll- renowned Cleveland Clinic. Providing opportu- ing—is more appealing. Bouley was instrumental nities to live, work, shop and play across gener- in building community support for the project ations is designed to make Las Vegas a thriving through a series of public meetings and the community that people want to call home. appointment of a 17-member advisory commit- tee. The city completed a five-block stretch of the new Main Street in November 2015, with the next phase of construction started in spring 2016.

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Miami, Florida Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Tomás Regalado (2009- ) Mayor Jorge Elorza (2015- ) MiMo Biscayne Plan Providence Neighborhood Revitalization Act Championed by Mayor Tomás Regalado, the MiMo Biscayne Plan is transforming a stretch of Hard hit by the Great Recession, Providence Biscayne Boulevard into a walkable urban village. neighborhoods are on their way back with help Once the gateway to Miami and a hub of activity, from Mayor Jorge Elorza. Just months after he the area suffered following the construction of was sworn in, Elorza announced the Neighbor- Interstate 95. Today, the boulevard is coming hood Revitalization Act, a new tax-incentive pro- back to life, but upgrades are needed to make it a gram designed to foster business development in safe and attractive thoroughfare for local resi- underserved areas. Projects in 19 neighborhoods dents and visitors. The MiMo Biscayne Plan is are eligible under the program, which includes to create a Main Street spirit that uses a block- incentives for community involvement and local by-block best-practice approach. Landscaped hiring. The program aims to benefit citizens of all medians, on-street parking blocks, wider right- ages, with older residents able to access nearby of-ways, more pedestrian crosswalks and street- services while younger residents find new career scape furnishings are designed to make Biscayne opportunities close to home. Boulevard a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors of all ages. Santa Ana, California Mayor Miguel Pulido (1994- ) Pembroke Pines, Florida Public Safety Mayor Frank Ortis (2005- ) Pembroke Pines City Center Santa Ana is a much safer place today than it was when Miguel Pulido first ran for mayor in 1994. Fulfilling a decades-long vision, Mayor Frank Back then, a resident showed candidate Pulido a Ortis is spearheading the creation of a new brick wall he had built to protect his family from downtown center in Pembroke Pines. The project neighborhood violence. Today, crime is down 64 includes a new city hall building, a state-of-the- percent, thanks to Pulido’s initiatives including art performance and conference center and an recruiting and retaining highly skilled police art gallery nicknamed “The Frank” in honor of officers, focusing on community policing and Ortis. Residents will find community workshops, using new technologies to detect and deter crime. lectures, seminars and classes that make culture The new feeling of safety in the community ben- accessible, approachable and affordable. In part- efits residents of all ages. Pulido is now making nership with private real estate developers, the cross-generational programs an important part revitalized city center is envisioned as an urban- of his public safety agenda, urging expansion of style cultural and lifestyle hub for the community after-school programs and improving city parks that will spur new economic growth through the and recreation programs. inclusion of retail, restaurants and hotels.

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Grandparents Park Wichita, Kansas

Tampa, Florida transforming the urban center into a walkable Mayor Bob Buckhorn (2011- ) community. When complete, the Bridge District Neighborhood University will house 10,000 residents who will be able to walk or take a streetcar to nearby offices, shops Strong neighborhoods built by strong community and restaurants. Through his own example and leaders are the key to great cities, according to a focus on a walkable downtown with transit and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. To cultivate a network of amenities, Cabaldon is building a community these leaders, he launched Tampa’s Neighbor- where people of all ages can thrive and connect hood University, an innovative, 12-week program with one another. that gives local residents an upclose look at city West Sacramento joined the AARP Network of government and how they can play a role in Age-Friendly Communities in 2015. the progress made by their neighborhood—and the city. The program, which reaches across the entire community and involves citizens of Wichita, Kansas all ages, has graduated more than 150 leaders, Mayor Carl Brewer (2007- ) building relationships and knowledge that will Grandparents Park help move Tampa forward on a range of prior- ities. While leadership programs are common Proving that you’re never too old or young to play, across the country, Buckhorn’s unique neighbor- Mayor Carl Brewer partnered with AARP Kansas hood-centric approach is designed to help create to create a Grandparents Park in his city’s Tri-S more focused engagements with residents. neighborhood. With a large number of the neigh- borhood’s older residents taking care of young grandchildren during the day, the area needed West Sacramento, California a safe, fun outdoor play and recreation space Mayor Christopher Cabaldon (1998- ) within easy walking distance. The park project Urban Infill transformed two city-owned empty lots with playground equipment for the kids, paved walk- Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, as he says, “put his ing trails and an exercise station geared toward mortgage where his mouth is” when he bought a people aged 50 and older. Now local residents row house in the Bridge District, a redeveloped can come to the park to walk their dogs, play with industrial area in downtown Sacramento. His their children and grandchildren, exercise and promise to move into the new development was enjoy the outdoors. a challenge to engage developers in his vision for

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania New York City, New York

Appointed by Nutter, the Philadelphia Food Policy LEGACY RECOGNITION Advisory Council, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, developed Get Healthy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philly. The program works with farmers’ markets, food Former Mayor Michael Nutter (2008–2016) cart vendors, the grocery industry and corner stores to bring healthy and affordable foods to low-income UNDER MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER, communities. Philadelphia joined the World Health Organization Throughout his tenure, Nutter worked to foster an Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and environment where people do not feel limited by their Communities in 2011. The move toward age- age. Across the city, 23 senior community centers and friendliness began with reinvigorating the Mayor’s 11 satellite centers host weekly events for older people, Commission on Aging and drafting a strategic plan to such as book clubs, art classes and karaoke, at little outline the city’s vision on aging and livability. From to no cost. The KEYSPOTS program offers computer connecting older people to city services to helping and Internet training classes at participating library them age in place, the commission works with other branches and KEYSPOT centers, which helps keep city agencies and external partners including the older people engaged in the broader community. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to meet the Philadelphia joined the AARP Network of Age- needs of all Philadelphians. Friendly Communities in 2012. Transportation—safe, affordable and reliable—is a critical component. To that end, in 2009 Nutter signed a Complete Streets Executive Order, which outlined New York City, New York how the 2,600 miles of streets in Philadelphia should Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg be designed, built and maintained to improve safety (2002–2013) and access for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as cars. Philadelphia was the first city in the Commonwealth of IN NEW YORK CITY, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Pennsylvania to have a Complete Streets policy. Since office joined with the City Council and the New York then, the mayor’s office helped to create hundreds Academy of Medicine to launch Age-Friendly NYC, of miles of bike lanes and made improvements to a citywide effort to discover and implement ways to intersections, crosswalks and traffic signals. make the city friendly to New Yorkers of all ages. Increasing access to public transit was also To assess needs, the city and the academy a priority. In 2013, approximately 200,000 conducted town hall meetings and focus groups with Philadelphians aged 65 and older were enrolled in the older New Yorkers and those who serve them about Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s the ups and downs of aging in New York City. Out of free-ride program. All SEPTA buses, trolleys and trains that process, the mayor’s office developed 59 city-led are wheelchair accessible and have lower platforms initiatives designed to make New York even friendlier to make boarding easier. The city’s transportation for people of all ages. infrastructure includes bus shelters, making transit an These initiatives, which involve more than a even more attractive choice. dozen city agencies and numerous community Nutter also focused on creating transit-oriented partners, cover four main areas: community and development, placing new, high-density residential civic participation; housing; public spaces and and mixed-use developments near transit hubs for transportation; and health and social services. the benefit of residents of all ages. One example is the One initiative is TimeBanksNYC, an innovative Farmers Market at Frankford Transportation Center, approach to the concept of neighbors helping where grocery stores are few and far between. neighbors. Any New Yorker can search a database of Another vital aspect of the mayor’s approach to activities and services to choose from, and, in turn, post age-friendliness was to bring food as well as parks and activities and services to offer. For example, a person recreation resources closer to citizens. Nutter set the can offer to tutor in math while taking advantage of goal of bringing recreation resources and local fresh dance lessons offered by a different member. food within ten minutes of 75 percent of residents. Bloomberg’s administration also reimagined

94 AARP | ENVIRONMENT

Newark, New Jersey

the concept of senior centers, which historically including significant support from the philanthropic had focused on providing meals and space for social community. He designated a philanthropic liaison to activities. Using public and private funds, the city engage foundations in funding public projects. The government provides innovation grants to create new $48 million in foundation funds raised through the models of service at approximately 50 senior centers. efforts of the liaison combined with $400 million For example, the city partnered with the New York in charitable funds raised by Booker himself helped Sports Club, a citywide network of health clubs, to launch a range of projects including a job-placement offer fitness classes in senior centers at no cost along and support initiative for ex-offenders and significant with discounted club memberships to older New investments in Newark’s school system. A partnership Yorkers. In addition, the mayor’s office launched an with the Trust for Public Land turned three unused initiative in senior centers citywide to offer studio city-owned land parcels into parks and playgrounds. space to artists in return for their services, such as In 2013 Booker launched a Teachers Village in teaching art classes. the heart of Newark’s business district. The multi- Bloomberg also examined innovative ways to use building development houses residential units for existing resources to make it even easier for older city teachers, retail outlets and three charter schools. New Yorkers to travel throughout the city. A new Funded in part with a $110 million investment by program called MarketRide uses school buses during Goldman Sachs Investment Group, the combination nonschool hours to transport older adults from senior of affordable housing for valued employees, space for centers to supermarkets. private economic growth and new educational assets New York City joined the AARP Network of Age- highlights Booker’s holistic approach to improving Friendly Communities in 2012. his community. Throughout the city, a building boom included a number of new grocery stores, the city’s first new hotel construction in years and some 2,500 Newark, New Jersey new units of affordable housing. Former Mayor Cory Booker (2006–2013) Booker also leveraged federal programs for the benefit of his city. Based on Let’s Move, First Lady BEFORE CORY BOOKER became mayor in 2006, Michelle Obama’s signature health initiative, Let’s Newark had suffered from a lack of investment, a Move Newark! is a citywide effort to bring together shrinking population and business tax base, budget business, nonprofits, schools and health-care groups shortfalls and high crime rates. City employees— to develop a plan to combat childhood obesity and hampered by poor working conditions, crumbling promote healthy lifestyle choices. The program infrastructure and a lack of leadership—needed prioritizes neighborhood access to fresh produce, management tools that would help them do their jobs physical activity programs and increased education and serve city residents. on nutrition. First on Booker’s agenda was fixing the operations A grant from Nestlé is helping to fund, among of city government to ensure improved delivery of other initiatives, a bilingual public health nutritionist basic services to city residents. Under his leadership, to teach families the basics of improving diets of Newark developed a data-driven assessment and young children, including infants, toddlers and management system, BrickCitiSTAT, modeled after a preschoolers. similar program in Baltimore. Reports of missed trash Understanding that residents need safe, efficient pickups declined dramatically, and the productivity and affordable ways to get around the city, Booker of city inspectors charged with enforcing health and led the charge to improve the city’s transportation safety regulations nearly doubled. infrastructure. An update of Newark’s master Next on the list was attracting funding for a plan introduced a Complete Streets policy aimed range of projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, at making roads and sidewalks safer. Booker also improving schools and enhancing public safety oversaw the creation of Newark’s first bicycle lanes, and community development. With a budget which foster a healthier lifestyle for residents and a deficit and additional financial constraints, Booker greener environment that everyone can enjoy. turned to innovative public-private partnerships Booker was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013.

95 WHERE WE LIVE | INDEX

INDEX BY CITY/PROJECT/MAYOR A Holyoke, MA, Senior Residence Touring Portland, ME, Mayor’s Initiative for a Albany, NY, Downtown Revitalization, Initiative, Alex Morse, 61 Healthy and Sustainable Food System, Kathy Sheehan, 90 Houston, TX, Bayou Greenways, Michael Brennan, 51 Albuquerque, NM, Running Start for Annise Parker, 50 Portland, OR, Dashboard, Charlie Hales, 63 Careers, Richard Berry, 70 I Providence, RI, Providence Altamonte Springs, FL, Uber Partnership, Indianapolis, IN, Band of Neighbors, Neighborhood Revitalization Act, Patricia Bates, 22 Greg Ballard, 61 Jorge Elorza, 92 Atlanta, GA, Power to Change/One J Providence, RI, Providence Talks, Million Acts of Green, Kasim Reed, 35 Jersey City, NJ, Bike Share, Steven Fulop, 25 Jorge Elorza and Angel Taveras, 74 Atlanta, GA, Upgraded Walking and K R Biking Projects, Kasim Reed, 22 Kansas City, MO, Turn the Page Reading Raleigh, NC, Environment and B Program, Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., 72 Sustainability, Charles Meeker, 40 Baltimore, MD, Vacants to Value, L Rochester, NY, Anti-Poverty Initiative, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, 90 Lansing, MI, Lansing Loses a Million, Lovely Warren, 74 Baton Rouge, LA, Mayor’s Healthy City Virgil Bernero, 50 S Initiative, Melvin L. Holden, 48 Laredo, TX, Energy Efficiency Efforts, Salem, MA, Salem Public Art Master Plan, Berkeley, CA, Berkeley Climate Action Raul G. Salinas, 38 Kim Driscoll, 81 Plan, Tom Bates, 36 Las Vegas, NV, Downtown Revitalization, Salt Lake City, UT, 5,000 Doors, Birmingham, AL, Complete Streets, Carolyn Goodman, 91 Ralph Becker, 13 William A. Bell, Sr., 23 Las Vegas, NV, Mayor’s Faith Initiative, Salt Lake County, UT, Improving Air Boston, MA, Housing a Changing City, Carolyn Goodman, 62 Quality, Ben McAdams, 40 Marty Walsh, 11 Los Angeles, CA, 10,000 Strong, San Diego, CA, Climate Action Plan, Bridgeport, CT, Greening the City, Eric Garcetti, 73 Kevin L. Faulconer, 40 Bill Finch, 36 Los Angeles, CA, Driverless Cars, San Diego, CA, Fixing Roadways for All, Buffalo, NY, Serious Computer Game Eric Garcetti, 25 Kevin L. Faulconer, 27 Design Competition, Byron Brown, 70 Louisville, KY, Compassionate Louisville, San Diego, CA, HERO Program, Burlington, VT, Go for Gold, Greg Fischer, 59 Kevin L. Faulconer, 14 Miro Weinberger, 23 Louisville, KY, Healthy Hometown San Francisco, CA, Vision Zero, C Movement, Greg Fischer, 50 Edwin Lee, 28 Carmel, IN, Arts & Design District, Loveland, CO, Art in Public Places, Santa Ana, CA, Public Safety, Jim Brainard, 82 Cecil A. Gutierrez and Ray Reeb, 83 Miguel Pulido, 92 Charleston, SC, Attention to Urban M Schenectady, NY, HOMES (Home Detail, Joseph P. Riley, 91 Macon-Bibb, GA, Second Street Corridor, Ownership Made Easy Schenectady), Charleston, WV, Power Walking 150, Robert Reichert, 26 Gary McCarthy, 14 Danny Jones, 49 Madison, WI, Increasing Pollinator Seattle, WA, Increasing Access to Mental Chattanooga, TN, Gig City, Andy Berke Presence, Paul Soglin, 38 Health Care, Ed Murray, 53 and Bob Corker and Ron Littlefield, 69 Miami, FL Elevate Miami, Seattle, WA, Vision Zero, Ed Murray, 28 Chattanooga, TN, Safe Streets, Tomás Regalado, 73 Sioux Falls, SD, Sioux Falls Has Jobs!, Andy Berke, 24 Miami, FL, MiMo Biscayne Plan, Mike Huether, 75 Cheyenne, WY, Cheyenne Botanic Tomás Regalado, 92 Spencer, IA, Blue Zones/Healthiest State Gardens, Rick Kaysen, 37 Minneapolis, MN, Working Families Initiative and Downtown Revitalization, Cheyenne, WY, Wyoming’s Digital Agenda, Betsy Hodges, 73 Reynold Peterson, 52 Capital, Rick Kaysen, 71 Minneapolis, MN, Zero Waste St. Louis, MO, Milkweeds for Monarchs, Clarksville, TN, nMotion 2015, Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, 39 Francis Slay, 41 Kim McMillan, 24 Miramar, FL, Senior Centers, St. Paul, MN, 8 to 80 Vitality Fund, Columbus, OH, ARTS CLASSifieds, Lori Moseley, 62 Chris Coleman, 52 Michael B. Coleman, 82 N St. Petersburg, FL, Healthy St. Pete, Concord, NH, Concord Main Street New Bedford, MA, Green Economy, Rick Kriseman, 52 Project, Jim Bouley, 91 Jon Mitchell, 39 Suwanee, GA, Suwanee SculpTour, D New Orleans, LA, Budgeting for Jimmy Burnette, 83 Dallas, TX, GrowSouth Initiative, Outcomes, Mitch Landrieu, 62 T Mike Rawlings, 89 New Orleans, LA, Resilient New Orleans, Tampa, FL, Neighborhood University, Denver, CO, Entrepreneurship, Mitch Landrieu, 40 Bob Buckhorn, 93 Michael Hancock, 71 New York City, NY, Housing New York, Topeka, KS, Topeka MindMixer, Des Moines, IA, Greening the City, Bill de Blasio, 12 Larry Wolgast, 63 Frank Cownie, 37 New York City, NY, Legacy Recognition, Tulsa, OK, Mentoring to the Max, Detroit, MI, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Michael Bloomberg, 94 Dewey Bartlett, 75 Mike Duggan, 71 New York City, NY, Vision Zero, U Detroit, MI, Strategic City Planning, Bill de Blasio, 26 Utica, NY, Sidewalk Improvement Mike Duggan, 91 Newark, NJ, Legacy Recognition, Program, Robert Palmieri, 29 E Cory Booker, 95 V Eugene, OR, Paid Sick Leave, O Virginia Beach, VA, Financial Kitty Piercy, 49 Oakland, CA, Housing Equity Roadmap, Empowerment Initiative, Evansville, IN, Clean Evansville, Libby Schaaf, 13 William D. Sessoms, Jr., 75 Lloyd Winnecke, 38 Oklahoma City, OK, This City is Going on W F a Diet, Mick Cornett, 47 Washington, DC, Genesis Fayetteville, AK, Age-Friendly Omaha, NE, Bus Rapid Transit, Intergenerational Community and Fayetteville, Lioneld Jordan, 60 Jean Stothert, 21 Safe at Home, Muriel Bowser, 14 Fort Worth, TX, Blue Zones Project, P West Hartford, CT, ITNCentralCT, Betsy Price, 49 Pembroke Pines, FL, Pembroke Pines City Robert Scott Slifka, 29 Fort Worth, TX, Rolling and Walking Center, Frank Ortis, 92 West Sacramento, CA, Urban Infill, Town Halls, Betsy Price, 60 Philadelphia, PA, Legacy Recognition, Christopher Cabaldon, 93 G Michael Nutter, 94 Wichita, KS, Grandparents Park, Gary, IN, ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen, Philadelphia, PA, Mural Arts, Carl Brewer, 93 Karen Freeman-Wilson, 83 W. Wilson Goode, 83 Wilmington, DE, Wilmington Awards, Grand Forks, ND, Safer Tomorrows, Phoenix, AZ, FitPHX, Greg Stanton, 51 Dennis P. Williams, 63 Michael Brown, 72 Phoenix, AZ, MultiModal Transportation, Y H Greg Stanton, 27 Yonkers, NY, Sustainability, Mike Spano, 41 Hernando, MS, Healthy Living, Pittsburgh, PA, Live Well Pittsburgh, York, PA, Eat, Play, Breathe York, Chip Johnson, 50 William Peduto, 50 C. Kim Bracey, 53

96 WHERE WE LIVE | ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PHOTO CREDITS: Cover: Dave Lauridsen; 1 Johner Images; 2–3 (from left) Education Images/UIG; Justin Sullivan / Getty Images; Hero Images; ABOUT THE AUTHOR 4–5 (from left) KidStock; Cultura RM Exclusive / yellowdog; KidStock; 6–7 AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, Chief Advocacy and Engage- Coleong / Getty Images; 8–9 Yukihiro Fukuda/a.collectionRF; 10 Jemermiah Robinson / City of Boston; 11 Nikolay Tzolov / Getty Images; City of Boston; ment Officer, Nancy LeaMond oversees AARP’s Community, 12 Michael Appleton / New York City Mayoral Photography Office;13 Justin State and National Affairs group, with responsibility for driving Sullivan / Getty Images; 15 Barbara Ruben; 16–17 Antenna; 18–19 UpperCut the organization’s social mission on behalf of Americans 50+ and Images; 20–21 City of Omaha (3); 22 Orlando Sentinel; 23 Rob Culpepper / their families. LeaMond leads government affairs and legislative Getty Images; 24 Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. / Getty Images; 25 Raymond Boyd / Getty Images; 26 Olaser / Getty Images; 27 Laura Segall / The Washington campaigns for AARP, widely seen as one of the country’s most Post / Getty Images; 28 Richard Cummins / Getty Images; 29 Fred Froese / powerful advocacy organizations. She manages public educa- Getty Images; 30–31 Arpad Benedek / Getty Images; 32–33 Barry Winiker tion, volunteerism, multicultural outreach and engagement, and / Getty Images; 34 City of Atlanta; 35 Barry Winiker / Getty Images; Paras Griffin / Getty Images;36 City of Berkeley; 37 City of Cheyenne; 38–39 she leads major AARP initiatives that include supporting family (from left) City of Evansville; mr_coffee / Getty Images; Jake Wyman / caregivers through advocacy, education, and innovative programs Getty Images; 40 City of New Orleans; 41 City of St. Louis; Chris Clor / Getty and expanding AARP’s local footprint in communities across the Images; 42–43 Richard Cummins / Getty Images; 44–45 Arthur Hidden / country. She also manages a team of 700 staff and more than Getty Images; 46 Justin Voight; 47 Mark Peterson / Reduxpictures; City of Oklahoma City; 48 City of Baton Rouge; 49 Peter Gallo / City of Charleston; 17,000 volunteers across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 50 City of Hernando; 51 Portland Press Herald / Getty Images; 52–53 Jacobo Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Zanella / Getty Images; 54–53 Glen E. Ellman / City of Fort Worth; 56–57 During her tenure with AARP, LeaMond has led several Mikael Törnwall / Getty Images; 58 City of Louisville; 59 Wales Hunter / City of Louisville; City of Louisville; 60 C. Devan / Getty Images; 61 Glen landmark campaigns, including Divided We Fail, Health Action E. Ellman / City of Fort Worth; 62 Tom Merton / Getty Images; 63 City of Now, You’ve Earned a Say and Take a Stand. She is a nationally Portland; 64–65 City of Albuquerque; 66–67 Gary Buss / Getty Images; 68 recognized leader on health, retirement security and other issues Courtesy EPB of Chattanooga; 69 Oliver Rossi / Getty Images; Jason Davis important to older Americans. Her career spans 40 years in the / Getty Images; 70 City of Albuquerque; 71 Evan Semón Photography; 72 Kelly Lynch-Stange / City of Kansas City; 73 Spc. Cal Turner; 74 Thomas governmental and nonprofit sectors. M. Barwick / Getty Images; 75 City of Tulsa; 76–77 Steve Weinik / City of Prior to coming to AARP, LeaMond served as the Chief of Staff Philadelphia Mural Arts Program; 78–79 Tatiana Kolesnikova / Getty Images; and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs at 80 John Andrews / Creative Salem; 81 John Andrews / Creative Salem; City of Salem; 82 City of Carmel; 84–85 Ariel Skelley / Getty Images; 86–87 the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). In this Annie Otzen / Getty Images; 88 Brian Harkin / Getty Images; 89 City of role, she oversaw operations and management of the 200-person Dallas (2); 90 Joseph St. Pierre; 93 KidStock; 94–95 (from left) Jumping agency and coordinated public affairs, private sector outreach, Rocks Inc. / Getty Images; Hill Street Studios / Getty Images; Erik Isakson policy development and legislative strategy for the enactment of / Getty Images; Back Cover (from top) Kevin Dodge / Getty Images; Hero Images landmark trade legislation. She successfully managed legislative efforts that helped secure passage of major presidential legislative initiatives, including the North American Free Trade Agreement Copyright © 2016 by AARP. All rights reserved. AARP is a registered trademark. (NAFTA), the Uruguay Round (GATT) and China MFN. LeaMond worked extensively on health care and pension No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, issues before entering the trade field, including time in the Public photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Health Service, the Medicaid program, the Department of Com- Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior merce, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department written permission of the Publisher. of Education, and on Capitol Hill as chief of staff to a senior Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While AARP, the publisher and member of Congress in the Democratic leadership. In addition, the author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no for five years, LeaMond served as president of the Congressional representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied warranties Economic Leadership Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan forum for of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be education and dialogue with members of Congress on economic created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. competitiveness and trade issues. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. AARP, the publisher and the author shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS consequential, or other damages. The fact that an entity, individual or THIS BOOK would not have been possible without significant website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that AARP, the publisher and the contributions of AARP’s state office staff and volunteers. Many author endorse the information the entity, individual or website may provide submitted great ideas and projects that are included in these or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that chapters. And, many, many more work everyday—in partnership Internet websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared with mayors, local organizations and communities—to turn ideas between when this work was written and when it is read. into action. Creating communities that are age-friendly and more Other AARP print and e-books are available at AARP’s online bookstore, livable for all ages is a top priority for AARP. Our state offices are aarp.org/bookstore, and through local and online bookstores. on the front lines helping improve the lives of the 50+ and people AT YOUR SERVICE of all ages. We also send a huge shout-out to our AARP Network To send a comment or question, write to: of Age-Friendly Communities, numbering nearly 100 communities Oxmoor House Special Editions 4100 Old Montgomery Hwy., 4th Floor to date. You’ll find in this book many of the people and projects Birmingham, AL 35209 that are making a difference in their communities. My gratitude also goes to the hardworking team in Washington, DC, who Published by Oxmoor House, an imprint of Time Inc. Books, 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281. All rights reserved. No part of this publication helped me conceptualize and organize this incredible compilation may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written of exciting projects. On the AARP Community, State and National permission of the publisher, excepting brief quotations in connection with Affairs team, thanks especially to Mike Watson, Advisor, who reviews written specifically for inclusion in magazines or newspapers, or limited excerpts strictly for personal use. Printed in the United States of oversaw most of the information collection and contributed many America. hours of his attention toward this book; Jean Setzfand, Senior Vice President; Melissa Stanton, Editor of AARP.org/livable; and interns ISBN: 978-1-68330-528-6 Hannah Giltner (Smith, ’15), Molly Maturo (Smith, ’17) and Kristina Executive Director, Business Development and Partnerships: Pinault (Catholic, ’18). Their contributions were invaluable. I am Megan Pearlman Creative Director: Felicity Keane also indebted to Liz Poston and Dana Doran from Rasky Baerlein Assistant Editor: April Smitherman Strategic Communications and Jodi Lipson, Director of AARP’s Project Editor: Melissa Brown Book Division, for their thinking, writing, editing and overall good Digital Product Marketing Manager: Kristina M. Jutzi Designer: Douglas + Voss advice. Our hope is that this volume inspires and ignites more Senior Production Manager: Greg A. Amason creativity and action across the country. Assistant Production Managers: Diane Rose Keener, Kelsey Smith Copy Editor: Donna Baldone

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