AARP to host Charles City forum on Oct. 23 To discuss community’s livability

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

What makes a community “livable”?

AARP, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents people age 50 and older, has launched a national initiative to provide answers to that question, and it has picked Charles City as the first small city in Iowa to help meet that definition.

AARP is defining a livable community as “a place that’s safe and secure, has appropriate and affordable housing and transportation options, and includes needed services (such as health care) and desirable features (such as shopping, gathering places and outdoor spaces).”

The organization will host a community forum and discussion at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Charles City Public Library, to hear opinions about livability in Charles City.

AARP is working with civic leaders to help establish Charles City as the next “livable community” in Iowa. So far Des Moines is the only other city in Iowa that is part of the AARP “network of age-friendly states and communities.”

Mark Wicks, Charles City community development director, confirmed that Charles City has been selected as the first Rural Outreach pilot project for Iowa AARP.

Wicks said former Mayor Jim Erb, Mayor Dean Andrews and he have had a conference call with the state AARP people, “but that’s as far as it has gotten yet.”

Topics of discussion at the forum next Tuesday will include walkable streets, bike trails, access to services and transportation and more. The program is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

AARP Iowa Director Brad Anderson said the organization’s goal is to help more cities meet the definition of a livable community.

“Such a community enhances personal independence, allows residents to age in place, and engages people of all ages in an area’s civic, economic and social life,” Anderson said.

A livable community is designed with all residents in mind, from the very young to older adults who want to remain in the community they call home, AARP said in a press release.

“For instance, roadways intended to facilitate connections become barriers for people who cannot drive,” the organization said. “Cultural activities, visiting with family and friends, shopping and other daily activities are off limits when public transportation is not available and walking is not a safe option.

“A home can become difficult to navigate when it hasn’t been designed to accommodate its occupants’ changing needs. Remaining in a community often becomes impossible due to a lack of suitable housing options and access to essential services.

Currently three states and more than 300 towns, cities and counties have joined the AARP Livable Community program.

More information about AARP’s Livable Communities initiative can be found at aarp.org/livable.

People interested in attending the Tuesday forum can register online at aarp.cvent.com/CharlesCity or by calling 877-926-8300.