BROWNSVILLE, Texas July 18, 2019) – The AARP announced Wednesday, July 17, 2019, the City of Brownsville, Texas, was one of 159 grant winners to receive the 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant to transform the 14th Street Plaza.

Grant award-winning projects are designed to:

• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
  
• Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by engaging residents and policymakers in accessing, understanding and using data to increase quality of life for all.
  
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
  
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.

The $20,000 AARP Community Challenge grant will be used to transform and activate Brownsville's 14th Street Plaza by installing wayfinding, adding creative place making elements to support local artists, provide seating options for people of all ages, and add landscaping elements.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative, which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages.

 “AARP’s teams on the ground across the country hear from mayors, local leaders and residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge grant program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “This year, we are proud to fund even more projects across the nation.”

“The AARP Community Challenge grant will enhance our Downtown Brownsville into a more vibrant public space for all to enjoy,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. “I would like to thank our Planning & Development Services and Parks & Recreation Departments for securing these funds for the benefit of our community.”

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge , visit www.aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. 

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