Wauwatosa Named An 'Age-Friendly Community' By AARP

WAUWATOSA, WI —Wauwatosa joins seven other cities to be declared an "age-friendly city", according to the AARP. Sheboygan, Greendale, Shorewood, La Crosse, Madison, and Oshkosh are also on the list.

The network is part of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program.

The AARP Network communities offer housing, transportation, safety and resources to residents.

AARP is holding a virtual ceremony honoring Wauwatosa at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

“People choose to live and stay in Wauwatosa because it's an inclusive and accessible place, said Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride in a statement. “We're proud that AARP has recognized our commitment to, and investment in, affordable housing, public spaces, and health services that provide a great living environment for people of all ages and types.”

AARP said Wauwatosa has completed steps to be an age-friendly community.

City officials previously discussed ways to increase affordable housing including owning a house.

The Committee of the Whole attended a presentation on factors that stand in the way to fair housing. Both Equity and Inclusion Committee and staff will work to create policies and programs, the city said.

Zone Tosa for All, a city project, makes zoning and land use decisions fairer to everyone.

"One of the goals of this project is to create policies that allow for a range of housing options for people residing both inside and outside of Wauwatosa," the city said.

The city also offers roof repairs for low to medium income households.