Falls Church Forward Looks To Make F.C. an AARP Livable City

by Brian Reach Falls

Last Sunday, the newly-formed Falls Church Forward held their first public event at the Falls Church Community Center, co-hosted by the Falls Church League of Women Voters and the Falls Church Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC). An estimated 75 persons attended, a far bigger turnout than organizers had anticipated.

The program featured AARP Virginia Community Ambassador Jane King, who discussed AARP’s “Livable Cities” program, suggesting The Little City should seek recognition as one, and what changes might be necessary to qualify.

Author and Falls Church local Pete Davis, one of the leaders of Falls Church Forward,” kicked off the event by introducing the organization, a citizen group of activists advocating for the future of The Little City, and the five pillars of focus they have identified as foundational to a vibrant community: affordable and diverse housing, community businesses, people-first streets and spaces, climate resilience, and a welcoming culture.

“The ticket to being a part of our city is being able to [afford] a house or a unit in our city.” said Davis of the first pillar while explaining how becoming an AARP Livable City aligns with the group’s advocacy work.

King began her presentation by providing a brief overview of key Falls Church demographics related to her presentation: an extremely low 2 percent poverty rate, $147,000 median income, $811,000 median home value, and a commuter breakdown with over 60 percent or residents driving alone to work every day in a car.

King explained that AARP’s Livable Cities program aims to make communities more livable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. There are currently 732 communities in AARP’s Network of AgeFriendly States and Communities (NAFSC) across nine states and one territory. If the City of Falls Church were to be accepted, it would be the sixth AARP Livable City in Virginia, with nearby Arlington and Alexandria currently accepted, as well as Roanoke, Grayson County, and Albemarle County (Charlottesville) to the southwest.

AARP rates communities across eight “Domains of Livability” across physical and social infrastructure: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, civic engagement and employment, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, social participation, health and community services, and housing.

Throughout the presentation, the program’s goals were introduced within the context of their alignment with the five pillars of Falls Church Forward. Housing was identified as the most difficult barrier to overcome, which readers will likely agree is our biggest challenge as we look to the future. According to AARP, an aging U.S. population combined with more seniors choosing to stay in their homes is creating a challenge for communities. King added that investments should be made in early stages of development to, for example, ensure that outdoor spaces and buildings are accessible and safe for older residents. “We’re looking at building codes, zoning, etc.,” she said of the variety of possible ways a community can accommodate seniors, “so as people hit their older years they can either stay in their homes or have someplace to live in the community.”

This includes accessible and affordable housing, reliable transportation, walkable streets, and green spaces. King also emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need to build a strong social fabric to support people in their later years, referencing a recent report that shows a

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