The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a program that awards planning grants on a competitive basis to local governments and nonprofit organizations to prepare plans for the enhancement of existing centers and corridors consistent with regional development policies.
LCI Recipients
The ARC Board has approved $18 million in study funds - $1 million annually - for use in years 2000 to 2017. The ARC Board also approved an initial allocation of $350 million for priority funding of transportation projects resulting from Livable Centers Initiative studies. An additional $150 million was approved for these projects in the 2030 RTP, for a total commitment of $500 million dedicated to transportation projects resulting from completed LCI studies.
2012 LCI Recipients Announced
On February 10, 2012, ARC announced its latest selections for LCI funding. New recipients are the City of Atlanta, DeKalb County and the City of Marietta, receiving $120,000, $100,000 and $80,000, respectively. Five other communities received funding for supplemental studies to help advance their current LCI studies. In addition, grants for two PLAN 2040 Innovation studies were awarded to the City of Atlanta and the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District at $80,000 each.
The 2012 LCI recipients are:
Lakewood Activity Center
Award amount: $120,000
Sponsor: City of Atlanta
This study will create strategies for growth and development at and around the Lakewood Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are an emerging regional center, and by cultivating growth there, the city will gain a new attraction. The plan will focus on leveraging Aaron’s Lakewood Amphitheater and increasing the attraction of new movie and television production jobs. The study will also work to provide opportunities for supportive mixed-use/mixed-income development.
View the Lakewood Activity Center LCI Application.
Stonecrest Activity Center
Award Amount: $100,000
Sponsor: DeKalb County
This study will focus on creating strategies to improve the long-term economic viability of the Stonecrest region. The plan will encourage pedestrian-oriented communities where people can live, work and play. Such an activity center would help improve the economic vitality of not only Stonecrest, but DeKalb County and the surrounding area.
View the Stonecrest Activity Center LCI Application.
Marietta University District
Award Amount: $80,000
Sponsor: City of Marietta
This study will focus on the usage of land along Cobb Parkway, more specifically those areas surrounding Southern Polytechnic State University and Life University. The plan will include improving the visibility of the universities by recommending transportation projects and development that will better tie the universities to the community, creating a campus atmosphere.
View the Marietta University District LCI Application.
PLAN 2040 LCI Innovation Studies
With the adoption of PLAN 2040 in 2011, ARC added a third category of LCI grants. Called PLAN 2040 LCI Innovation studies, these grants support jurisdiction-wide policies, plans or programs that focus on livable communities, consistent with the goals of PLAN 2040 and LCI. The first two PLAN 2040 LCI Innovation grant recipients are:
Cycle Atlanta Phase 1
Award Amount: $80,000
Sponsor: City of Atlanta
The purpose of this study is to support compact development in the central core of the city by connecting residential areas to job centers with additional bicycle facilities. The city will study ways to connect residential areas to job centers via bicycle-friendly facilities, while maintaining the historic and cultural fabric of the communities.
View the Cycle Atlanta Phase 1 LCI Application.
Stone Mountain CID Vision and Strategies
Award Amount: $80,000
Sponsor: Stone Mountain CID
This study is intended to assist the community improvement district (CID) in developing policies to accommodate emerging industry sectors and to redevelop a strong industrial and freight presence in the area. The CID will study transportation improvements and development strategies to attract a stronger freight and logistics presence as well as emerging industries.
View the Stone Mountain CID Vision and Strategies LCI Application.
Supplemental Studies:
Since its inception, the LCI program has stood as a significant initiative to support regional plan implementation at the local level by providing funds directly to communities to prepare studies with local relevance and regional impact. The evolution of the LCI program in relation to PLAN 2040 will continue to provide more local flexibility but create an even stronger link to regional plan implementation. ARC staff received substantial positive feedback during 2011 for continued planning and implementation assistance in existing LCI communities. As such, ARC has committed more than 40 percent of 2012 LCI study funds to the support of existing LCI communities. While many communities have an excellent record of LCI implementation, it is clear that additional assistance is needed to further the efforts of local governments and CIDs/non-profits in existing LCI areas.
ARC accepted 2012 LCI study application requests in three program areas:
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New LCI study areas
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LCI Supplemental Studies
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PLAN 2040 LCI Innovation
For reference, these program areas are described more fully in the application package below. Links to other important resources are also available below.
Search LCI Database
Click the button below to search a database of LCI studies and other materials completed by LCI Recipients.
LCI Boundaries Available for Google Earth
LCI Interactive Map
Click the button below to launch the LCI Interactive Map. Through the interactive map you can view where LCI communities are located throughout the region. By clicking on an LCI area you can view all funding information pertaining to that study area, as well as study documents and transportation project information. Use the tools of the top of the page to get started!
"ARC Livable Centers Initiative: Catalyst for Change"
| | Created in 1999, the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative program connects homes, shops and offices, enhances streetscapes and sidewalks, emphasizes pedestrians, improves access to transit options and expands housing choices. This nine-minute video explores the LCI program and profiles three LCI communities – West End, Woodstock and Perimeter Center Community Improvement Districts. |
Video: "Livable, Healthy Communities"
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.
Watch the episode...