41AARP.org/LivabilityRoadmapCase StudyBowdoinham, Maine: One Lightbulb at a TimeThe Masons Handy Brigade is a group of volunteers from the local Masonic Lodge who provide home maintenance, basic home repair and referrals to trustworthy contractors. These volunteers are handy and wanted to help the community, but they didn’t know where to begin. So they contacted the livable community team. The Masons then became involved in implementing the community’s plan. There’s been a positive response from both the volunteers and the people receiving their services.

Feel safe in the community2.Participate in community activities3.Be treated with respect4.Have access to safe, appropriate and affordable housing and transportation5.Have access to recreational opportunities and health services 6.Know what services and activities are available and have access to information by a means they prefer (e.g. online, in print, in person)7.Be active, vital contributors to the economic, civic and social life of the community8.Receive appropriate support if they can no longer look after themselves

What influences local advocates and municipal leaders to improve the livability of their community?2.What are the commonalities in approach across communities working toward greater livability?3.What’s the best way to measure success and outcomes?