Livable Centers Initiative

The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a program offered by the Atlanta Regional Commission that encourages local jurisdictions to plan and implement strategies that link transportation improvements with land use development strategies to create sustainable, livable communities consistent with regional development policies.

Planning grants are awarded on a competitive basis to local governments and non-profit organizations to prepare plans for the enhancement of existing centers and corridors, taking advantage of the infrastructure and private investments committed in these communities and achieving more balanced regional development, reducing vehicle miles traveled and improving air quality. The primary goals of the program are to:

1. Encourage a diversity of mixed-income residential neighborhoods, employment, shopping and recreation choices at the activity center, town center, and corridor level;
2. Provide access to a range of travel modes including transit, roadways, walking and biking to enable access to all uses within the study area;
3. Develop an outreach process that promotes the involvement of all stakeholders.

In March of 2000, ARC approved an allocation of $5 million over 5 years to fund the study portion of the program. ARC also approved $350 million for priority funding of transportation projects resulting from the LCI studies.  The ARC Board, in December 2004, extended the LCI program to include another $5 million for 5 additional years of planning studies and added $150 million for priority funding of transportation projects (for a total commitment of over $500 million).

This episode showcases new developments in communities across the region that promote quality growth principles by successfully mixing live, work and play options. The show also includes interviews with experts in development, housing, community improvement and livable communities.

View this episode now:  Windows Media Player