The Livable Centers Initiative program is open for funding to government jurisdictions and non-profit organizations in the 18-county Atlanta Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) boundaries (includes all of 13 counties and portions of 5 additional counties). The LCI program utilizes federal transportation program Q-23 funds administered through ARC. In order for a jurisdiction to be considered for an LCI award, it must maintain Qualified Local Government (QLG) status, or show progress toward reinstating QLG status through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Over the nine years of the LCI program, 229 studies were proposed by cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations. ARC funded 74 LCI studies between 2000 and 2007 that are now complete and being implemented. In addition, twelve communities completed plans using other funds and have been “grandfathered” (accepted) as an LCI community.
LCI study areas must be one of the following four:
