Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging (AoA) is pleased to announce the winners of the national “Livable Communities for All Ages” competition. The seven award winning communities were recognized today at a briefing in Washington for their efforts to make their communities more supportive places to live and grow for seniors and all populations.

AoA sponsored the competition to identify and showcase cities and counties that exemplify a livable community and to highlight promising practices that can be used by local governments throughout the country in preparing for the aging of the baby boom population. Cities and counties of all sizes submitted applications for the awards, and a distinguished panel of judges including urban planners, city managers, and other professionals chose the winners.

“The ultimate purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness and to inspire action among State and local stakeholders to improve the livability of their communities for people of all ages and abilities,” said Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina Carbonell.

Livable communities are places where people of all ages can live comfortably. For the competition, they were defined as cities and counties that have taken specific, collaborative actions and made significant, measurable improvements in six key areas. Livable communities:

1. Provide affordable, appropriate, accessible housing
2. Adjust the physical environment for inclusiveness and accessibility
3. Ensure access to key health and supportive services
4. Ensure accessible, affordable, reliable, safe transportation
5. Provide work, volunteer, and education opportunities
6. Encourage participation in civic, cultural, social, and recreational activities

The “Livable Communities for All Ages” winning communities are:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Broome County, New York
• Central, Virginia
• Dunedin, Florida
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• New York City, New York
• Tamarac, Florida
  
  The competition was administered by the Center for Home Care and Policy Research, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, with the participation of the American Planning Association and the International City/County Management Association.

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The AoA is a Federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning and the delivery of supportive home and community-based services to older persons and their caregivers through the national aging network of state and local agencies on aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers.