Tags: AARP
Mpact:LAB is now in its third year of working in communities across the United States through its partnership with AARP Livable Communities. In 2024, many LAB projects address transit-related challenges or boost local understanding of transit as a transportation option.
This aligns with the AARPs Livable Communities program, which “supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages.” As their website says, AARP believes livable communities include age-friendly transportation options and access to essential businesses, such as grocery stores. Each community that AARP works in decides what types of projects will make their community more livable.
Mpact:LAB – A capacity- and network-building approach
In each location, Mpact:LAB partners with AARP and one or more local organizations, such as the city, the local transit agency, a senior center, the metropolitan planning organization or a state transit association. Bringing a capacity- and network-building approach, the LAB facilitates discussion among these local stakeholders to define and plan the project.
The planning stage often is just as important and beneficial as the project itself, helping open new angles on local challenges and building understanding of issues among participants. As LAB director Sarah Rudolf says, “the journey is, in part, the destination.” Connectivity and momentum of ideas grow as the LAB guides stakeholders as they work through a chosen project.
Boosting understanding of transit as an option – especially for older adults
In 2024, working in locations ranging from Vermont to South Carolina and Virginia to Idaho, Mpact:LAB projects fall into a few categories.
In some locations, the LAB facilitates transit field trips for older adults. The settings and level of transit service can be quite different, but the field trip becomes an opportunity to demystify public transit for unfamiliar users, build awareness of the system and local providers, and identify barriers to using public transportation.
Using transit for the first time can be challenging for people of all ages. Figuring out how to use it can involve a shift in how a person experiences place and people. There are great upsides in gaining awareness, familiarity and confidence. This is especially true given the percentage of older adults who choose to age in place. Familiarity with transit can lead to greater independence and overall mobility.
Transit field trip in Vermont. Credit: Mpact
In other locations, the LAB co-plans and facilitates cross-sector stakeholder convenings focused on a local challenge or opportunity. The LAB also supports local initiatives with resources or “explainers” that distill learning about a topic or translate the often-wonky world of transit for everyday audiences.
Momentum and Connectivity
Whether a given location chooses to engage in a MOVE Roundtable, plan a transit field trip, organize a convening or draw on explainers, the core outcomes of working with Mpact:LAB are momentum and connectivity. Mpact:LAB facilitates local stakeholders’ ability to work through local challenges and plan next steps. Mpact:LAB provides the space for local actors to take the stage and direct their own futures. It’s these leaders who are fundamental to building more livable communities – for all ages.
To find out more about Mpact:LAB’s work in specific locations, visit our Places page. To host a program in your community, contact Mpact Associate Director Sarah Rudolf.