Jackson to launch ‘Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Competition’
JACKSON, Tenn. — A new competition is coming to the Hub City for students and professionals in the building profession.
This is all thanks to the AARP Community Challenge grant that was awarded to the City of Jackson Wednesday.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Competition will be focused on meeting the needs of residents aged 50 and up.
According to Abby Palmer, City of Jackson Neighborhood Services Director, this contest is a way to “help educate the community about ADU’s, raise awareness of downsizing options” and support the changing lifestyle needs of our older residents.
“So, I want to invite everyone, and I’m proud to invite everyone to take part in our first ever Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Competition,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “This isn’t just about architecture or design. It’s about reimagining how we create housing options that work in Jackson, and for families in Jackson for now and for future generations.”
The City of Jackson plans to begin accepting submissions within the next few months.
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City of Jackson, TN awarded 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant
Grant will be used to launch an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition
Jackson, Tenn. – The City of Jackson, TN is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 383 grantees selected (out of 3,450+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this grant, funded in part by AARP, we launch an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition utilizing the AARP Housing Design Competition Tool Kit, with a focus on designs that meet the needs of residents age 50+ and allow them to age in place. The City will solicit design submissions from students
and professionals in the building profession and select three winning designs to create pre-approved ADU design plans that will be free for public use.
“The ADU Design Competition will provide numerous benefits for residents by expanding affordable, flexible housing options that support changing lifestyle needs,” said City of Jackson, TN Neighborhood Services Director Abby Palmer. “The competition will help educate the community about ADUs, raising awareness of their potential as a downsizing option, a way to house caregivers or family members, or an income-generating rental that can help with the rising cost of living.”
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected the City of Jackson, TN for this investment to make our city more livable for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
About the Community Challenge:
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects in areas such as public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, community resilience, and more. In 2025, Toyota Motor North America is providing funding for pedestrian safety projects that aim to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 383 granted projects this year, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at www.AARP.org/Livable.
