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.
2013 LCI Recipients Announced
On February 8, 2013, ARC announced its latest selections for LCI funding. New recipients are DeKalb County and the City of Newnan, receiving $120,000 each. Seven other communities received funding for supplemental studies to help advance their past and current LCI activities.
The 2013 LCI recipients are:
Medline Regional Activity Center
Award amount: $120,000
Sponsor: DeKalb County
This study focuses on the area around DeKalb Medical Center and will plan for redevelopment of underutilized and vacant properties to create a variety of housing options and an appropriate mix of commercial, office and retail. The study will incorporate Lifelong Communities concepts and the establishment of a “wellness district” for the DeKalb Medical Center area. Additionally, the plan will address sidewalk and bicycle facilities along the major corridors in the area to create a more walkable center and to improve connections to MARTA bus routes and Emory’s Cliff shuttle.
Newnan Town Center
Award amount: $120,000
Sponsor: City of Newnan
This plan will focus on redevelopment opportunities near the old Newnan Hospital and various industrial properties, creating a mix of land uses in a way that is compatible with the town’s historic character, as well as on improving connectivity both within Newnan and from Newnan to the larger regional transportation network.
Supplemental Studies
The seven remaining grants are for supplemental studies to help existing LCI communities implement their existing plans through additional studies, changes to zoning and other policies, etc. Communities receiving 2013 supplemental study funds are:
- Atlanta Downtown Improvement District/Central Atlanta Progress: $80,000 for a parking study
- City of Avondale Estates: $64,000 for a major plan update and a downtown master plan
- City of Chamblee: $80,000 for a 10-year major plan update
- City of Lithonia: $24,000 to create standards for streetscape designs and zoning code changes
- City of Norcross: $40,000 for a study of railroad intersection improvements in downtown Norcross
- Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District: $30,000 to study the feasibility of a multi-use trail from Norcross to Lilburn.
- Midtown Alliance: $80,000 to design potential enhancements around transit stations
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. In response, ARC committed more than 40 percent of 2012 LCI study funds to the support of existing LCI communities. In 2013, ARC committed over 60 percent of LCI funds to 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 2013 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 page.
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.
For additional information on the Livable Centers Initiative, please contact Jared Lombard at jlombard@atlantaregional.com.