By AARP Montclair, New Jersey—a generally upscale suburb 12 miles west of Manhattan— is home to 39,000 people, 20 percent of whom are age 60 or older. The township joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2015. Montclair’s age-friendly effort is called Lifelong Montclair. The Challenge “The most pressing issue we’re facing is a
Parents across the country need support more than ever before as they balance caring for children and ensuring the financial stability of their families. Soaring unemployment and restricted operation of non-essential businesses has created unprecedented insecurity for families. Schools and childcare facilities remain closed in many parts of the country, adding to the burden for
Millions of families across the country count on childcare providers to allow them to work while at the same time ensuring their child receives high-quality and developmentally appropriate care. In all regions of the United States, cities are working to stabilize small businesses in their community but may not have thought about the critical sector that allows workers to be present in their jobs. Across the United States, there are more than 19.8 million children under the age of
By AARP With a population nearing 900,000, Columbus, Ohio, is the largest municipality in the state and 14th largest in the US. It is Ohio’s state capital as well as home to Ohio State University and headquarters for five Fortune 500 companies. Combined with the rest of Franklin County, the area is home to about
On The Frontlines is a joint project between NLC and IGNITE Cities In the ‘Big Easy,’ where life has always moved at its own pace, Mayor LaToya Cantrell had to make a quick decision to slow the economic and social pace of her city when it was discovered as a hotspot for COVID-19. As confirmations
By AARP Georgetown is an island community of 1,000 near Bath and Boothbay Harbor. Consisting of eight separate villages, the town is classic Maine— home to boat builders, seafood shacks, retirees, and artists. Maine has the highest concentration of older residents of any state in the union, and the median age in Georgetown is 49.6. The
By AARP The Response When in-person senior programs were canceled in March, the Aging Well Initiative shifted their information services to local newspapers and social media along with launching the COVID-19 community monitoring dashboard — a one-stop-shop for accessing the county’s current case count and reporting symptoms. People can track how COVID-19 is spreading locally
For most, the release from jail is a disorienting moment. While release symbolizes freedom, this freedom quickly becomes overwhelming for those who have to navigate their reentry delicately to achieve successful reintegration into the community. Reintegration is contingent upon an individual’s ability to secure safe and stable housing. Housing establishes the stability necessary for individuals
Thirty six million Americans have filed for unemployment over the past 60 days as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Local government employees are particularly at risk, with over 800,000 having lost their jobs in April alone. And since most Americans receive health insurance through their workplace, many more people and families are currently without
I’ve known that my town is essential for a long time – long before COVID-19 and the current crisis we’re facing as a nation. I knew before I was elected to Lexington Town Council in 2004. I knew before I joined the National League of Cities, first as a representative of my community, and now
