SE Idaho Communities in Action

Since joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2023, both Soda Springs and Montpelier have now developed action plans based on the results of community surveys, workshops and community discussions. These plans will make both communities better places to live for people of all ages.

While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Download the Soda Springs Action Plan HERE
Highlights include:
Civic Participation & Employment: Diversify the economic base in Soda Springs to attract new businesses, utilize the age-friendly designation to promote the community, and identify opportunities and challenges to business start-ups.

Housing: Identify partnerships for addressing local housing needs, evaluate zoning policies and what housing is already approved, and address housing needs for older adults.

Transportation & Social Participation: Upgrade Main Street to improve sidewalks and crossings, while also identify opportunities for Main Street to serve as a social hub for residents.

Outdoor Space & Buildings: Upgrade the city’s shooting complex for accessibility, work with ITD to identify safer connections across State Hwy 34 to Kelly Park, and evaluate the best ways to manage and use the Ledge Creek property.

Download the Montpelier Action Plan HERE
Highlights include:
Outdoor Space & Buildings: Upgrade Allinger Park to make it more accessible to spectators with mobility needs; identify where outdoor courts can be upgraded for pickleball; and identify partners and the feasibility for an indoor recreation center.

Housing: Evaluate zoning policies to allow a more market-based approach and determine where multi-family housing is most suitable for development in Montpelier; and identify local partners and existing buildings to address housing needs.

Transportation: Improve sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in downtown, as well as creating physical spaces and policies to support outdoor dining and other activities; and focus on how people can navigate the small geography on -foot to link downtown and nearby destinations, such as the hospital, senior center, and local businesses.

About the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

The common thread among the enrolled communities and states is the belief that the places where we live are more livable, and better able to support people of all ages, when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between.

AARP engages with elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders to guide communities through the age-friendly network’s assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes. View all of the communities and projects in Idaho HERE.

People of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable.

Well-designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages.