Since the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) began in 1999, it has helped transform many communities in metro Atlanta. This year, the program celebrates 25 years of helping create more vibrant, safe, walkable and climate-resilient areas in our region.
The LCI is a grant program offering funding to local communities toward transportation projects that increase mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles and improve access to services in their area. This program was created to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality by increasing access to alternative travel modes (e.g. transit, walking, biking) and roadway connectivity. The program is one of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s key strategies, along with Georgia Commute Options and Green Communities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the region’s communities become more resilient to current and future extreme weather events.
Funded with federal transportation dollars, the LCI program has invested over $312 million in more than 130 communities throughout the Atlanta region since 2000. This funding helps pay for planning studies and the construction of transportation projects, such as sidewalks and intersection improvements, in order to bring to life the vision of a more connected environment. Grants cover 80% of the cost of each study or transportation project, with the recipient making a 20% match.
Five planning studies across metro Atlanta were awarded $940,000 in LCI grants this year. The 2024 recipients are:
Downtown Atlanta Creative Wayfinding Plan
Project Sponsor: Atlanta Downtown Improvement District
Grant Amount: $140,000
Project Plan: Update the pedestrian and vehicle wayfinding sign system in Downtown Atlanta to encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use. The plan also aims to highlight the work of local artists by commissioning them to design wayfinding features such as murals and directional signage that reflect Atlanta’s vibrant culture.
Downtown Fayetteville Creative Placemaking Strategy
Project Sponsor: City of Fayetteville
Grant Amount: $160,000
Project Plan: The study will explore placemaking, public space activation, interactive art concepts, open space utilization and activation, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity enhancements to create a walkable and livable downtown core.
Jimmy Carter Boulevard Area Master Plan
Project Sponsor: Gwinnett County
Grant Amount: $280,000
Project Plan: Define a multi-modal transportation network along Jimmy Carter Boulevard that includes pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to transit locations; and make future land use recommendations to foster pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use communities near transit locations in appropriate locations.
Springs in Motion LCI Update & Connectivity Study
Project Sponsor: City of Powder Springs
Grant Amount: $160,000
Project Plan: Study ways of better connecting the city’s newest assets with a focus on walkability and pedestrian safety. The city also plans to create more opportunities for art installments, cultural events, and public art in the downtown district by partnering with local arts organizations.
Town Center CID LCI Plan Update
Project Sponsor: Town Center Community Improvement District (CID)
Grant Amount: $200,000
Project Plan: Update Town Center CID’s plan to reflect the significant changes in the area, such as increased enrollment at Kennesaw State University, increased number of flights at Cobb County International Airport, and substantial development occurring throughout the district.
The 2025 Call for Projects will open in January 2025. Applicants must complete an LCI study to be eligible to apply for transportation project funding. The ARC board has allocated $600 million through 2050 for transportation projects resulting from completed LCI studies.
In addition to providing access to and encouraging the use of alternative transportation methods, the LCI initiative aims to:
- Encourage housing, employment, commercial, shopping and recreation land uses that are accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels.
- Foster partnerships and community support through outreach that promotes the involvement of all stakeholders, including those historically underserved or underrepresented.
- Encourage mixed-income neighborhoods, employment, shopping, and recreation options.
Learn more about the LCI program and how to apply at https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/community-development/livable-centers-initiative.