Local Chapter Uses Faire to Discuss Livable Communities

After a two-year absence from the Las Cruces Renaissance Arts Faire, the AARP Las Cruces Chapter returned in full force to the local Faire, this time highlighting AARP’s Livable Communities work and how it can benefit the citizens of Las Cruces.

“We enjoy working at the Faire,” said Dave Lynch, AARP New Mexico state president and Chapter president.  “Dressing in Renaissance gear and talking with our many table visitors are highlights to this event.”

The team highlighted the Age Friendly/Livable Communities initiative, something the Chapter has been working on with the city for some time. The city of Las Cruces is now a member of the nationwide Livable Communities Network.

A livable community is safe and secure, contains housing that’s affordable and appropriate, features transportation options, access to needed services, and opportunities for residents to engage and participate in community life. The AARP Livable Communities initiative supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties and entire states, to become more livable and age-friendly for people of all ages.

The city of Las Cruces joined the Age Friendly Community Network in March of 2020.  Cities must provide a plan, based on surveys submitted by residents, on how they will provide infrastructure moving forward that will allow people to age in place.

The plan is based on the Eight Domains of Livability, which include:  Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation; Housing; Social Participation; Communication and Information; Community and Health Services; Respect and Social Inclusion; and Civic Participation and Employment. The city, however, does not have to work on all eight domains at once.

The Chapter shared information on Livable Communities and the work the city is doing at the Faire, sharing some new resources on the domains. They also conducted a poll to test people’s knowledge of the Livable Communities and which domains were highest in their minds as needing work. The results will be provided to the city’s planners.

Chapter Member Eileen Rosenblatt said, “Several residents had some good insights about which areas the city should prioritize as it implements its plan and we want to be sure the city receives that information, so they know what residents are thinking.”

The Chapter has attended the Faire a total of eight years.