The Public Policy Institute’s Livable Communities Team conducts research and policy analysis and brings together thought leaders to develop and advance AARP’s public policy agenda on livable communities issues.

The team examines critical public policy issues that affect the ability of people to successfully age in their homes and communities by promoting the livability of communities through affordable and accessible housing and mobility options. Our goal is to foster sound and creative solutions that meet the challenges of an aging society and to inform state and national policymakers, opinion leaders, researchers, program planners, and administrators.

Roundtable on FTA-Administered Specialized Transportation Programs

With the coming of the congressional reauthorization of the surface transportation bill, national, state, and local experts came together to discuss improved transportation options for older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income workers. Organized by PPI, these experts worked toward a set of policy recommendations for consideration by Congress and the Federal Transit Administration.

Preserving Affordability and Access in Livable Communities: Subsidized Housing Opportunities near Transit and the 50+ Population

This report by Rodney Harrell, Allison Brooks, and Todd Nedwick explores the benefits for older persons of federally subsidized housing near transit, the threats to preserving and expanding that housing, and policies that can maximize both the amount of housing and the potential benefits.

Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America

America needs streets designed to be safe and convenient for travel by automobile, foot, bicycle and transit regardless of age or ability. As the nation ages, Complete Streets planning presents an opportunity to increase the safety and availability of older adults’ travel options.

Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability

Visitability is a movement that seeks to increase the supply ofaccessible housing through the inclusion of three basic structuralfeatures at the time of home construction: a zero-step entrance, widedoorways, and at least a half bath on the main floor of the home.   This report by Jordana Maisel and Edward Steinfeld of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) and Eleanor Smith of Concrete Change discusses the barriers to visitability implementation and opportunities for further acceptance of these design parameters in the construction of new homes.

Livable Communities Reports by Topic

Click below for reports on major topics. For a more precise search, use the PPI search box in the upper left hand corner of this page.

• Housing
• Transportation
• Other Livable Communties Reports