AARP Awards Grant to BBPH as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable

AARP has announced that the City of Bismarck: Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health has received a 2024 Community Challenge grant - part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. This project, in partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, will use community paint parties to create a mural that will enhance the Expressway pedestrian tunnel along the riverfront trail system. This project addresses a long-standing desire to improve the safety and aesthetics inside the tunnel encouraging additional trail users of all ages and abilities.

"AARP North Dakota is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for North Dakotans of all ages, especially those 50 and older," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. "We are proud to collaborate with this year's grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities."

"Our city has a wonderful trail and park system; yet this tunnel connection along the riverfront path is frequently vandalized and viewed as unsafe by many due to its deteriorating appearance," said Katie Johnke, Nutrition Services Coordinator. "This mural project will engage a collaborative process between the community and local artists. By involving hundreds of community members in creation, the mural will establish a shared identity and sense of belonging among diverse groups creating more livable communities."

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.

The grant program is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP North Dakota has awarded 32 grants and $283,486 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program's quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions and learn more about AARP's livable communities work online.