ARC awards $940,000 in grants through the Livable Centers Initiative to help five communities become more vibrant, walkable places

Atlanta — May 8, 2024

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) announced today that it has awarded $940,000 in Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grants for five planning studies in metro Atlanta to help communities to transform into more walkable, bikeable and liveable work and leisure environments.

Once studies are completed, grant recipients become eligible to apply for federal transportation funding to bring their vision to life.

This year, ARC celebrates 25 years of LCI investments across the region. The program began in 1999 to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality by creating vibrant mixed-use developments that encourage walking or other alternative modes of transportation.

“We are excited to partner with our new round of grant recipients who share ARC’s commitment to creating thriving communities for all,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, managing director of community development at ARC. “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the transformative LCI program, we are proud to work with these visionary communities to ensure inclusive, innovative and resilient outcomes.

LCI is recognized as a national best practice for how metropolitan planning agencies can lead efforts to alleviate transportation problems while improving overall quality of life.

Recipients of LCI 2024 scholarships

Note: Specific grant allocations are subject to change based on adjustments made by the LCI sponsor.

Creative Wayfinding Plan for Downtown Atlanta
Project Sponsor: Atlanta Downtown Improvement District
Grant amount: $140,000

In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this study aims to update the pedestrian and vehicle wayfinding signal system in downtown Atlanta to encourage the use of walking, walking, bicycle and public transport. The plan also aims to highlight the work of Atlanta’s artists and culture bearers by commissioning local artists to design tactical wayfinding elements such as murals and directional signs that reflect the vibrant and diverse culture from Atlanta.

Downtown Fayetteville Creative Placemaking Strategy
Project sponsor: City of Fayetteville
Grant amount: $160,000

The goal of this LCI study is to develop a creative placemaking strategy for the downtown mixed-use district and create a walkable and livable downtown. The study will explore placemaking, public space activation, interactive art concepts, use and activation of open space, and improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. The City wants to establish an arts district along the Lee Street corridor, creating an incubator space for public arts and local artists, and develop a marketing plan for existing and future businesses in the area.

Broad community participation and engagement should include the creation of an advisory board comprised of members of the city’s arts and creative community, business owners, property owners, city staff, and elected and appointed officials .

Jimmy Carter Boulevard Area Master Plan
Project Sponsor: Gwinnett County
Grant amount: $280,000

The master plan has two major objectives: Define a multimodal transportation network along Jimmy Carter Boulevard that includes pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to public transit locations; and make future land use planning recommendations to foster mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly communities near transit locations, projects known as transit-oriented developments (TODs). , in appropriate locations. Through strong community engagement, vibrant immigrant communities and global businesses along Jimmy Carter Boulevard will help identify locations for public murals.

Additionally, the plan will identify strategies for new housing types, the development and preservation of affordable and workforce housing, and the redevelopment of key portions of the existing LCI area. This ambitious planning effort will also examine infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities and public transit, identify open space and placemaking activation locations, and recommend changes to the Gateway Overlay District code 85.

LCI Springs in Motion Update and Connectivity Study
Project Sponsor: City of Powder Springs
Grant amount: $160,000

This update to the LCI plan will explore ways to better connect the city’s newest assets, including Thurman Springs Park, Powder Springs Dog Park, Hardy Family Automotive Amphitheater and the new Powder City Hall Springs. Emphasis will be placed on walkability, pedestrian safety and the integration of planned connector trails to the Silver Comet Trail, which provide direct access to downtown Powder Springs. The study will also include traffic calming, a parking plan, identifying locations for electric vehicle changing stations, and determining the location and access to transit stops in based on new local bus routes identified in the Cobb County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP).

This plan will also ensure that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with housing growth as the city works to increase the housing supply. The city also plans to create more opportunities for art exhibitions, cultural events and public art in the growing downtown district through partnerships with local arts organizations.

Downtown LCI CID Plan Update
Project Sponsor: Downtown Community Improvement District (CID)
Grant amount: $200,000

This initiative will update the Town Center CID’s nearly 10-year-old LCI plan to reflect significant changes taking place in the area, such as increased enrollment at Kennesaw State University, growth of Cobb County International Airport, with more than 250 flights per day, and substantial development occurring throughout the district. This plan update will consider changes to land use and zoning ordinances, review proposed transit routes and rapid transit (BRT) systems, explore housing initiatives, and study multimodal connections for the community. The updated concept plan will provide recommendations informed by an assessment of existing plans, a market analysis and an action plan to guide the CID’s anticipated growth over the coming years.

Learn more about these programs and the entire LCI program at https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/community-development/livable-centers-initiative

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The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry counties. and Rockdale as well as the city of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The mission of the Atlanta Regional Commission is to foster thriving communities for all in the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-driven planning and investments.

Contact Name: Paul Donski
Contact Number: 470-626-3869
Contact email: [email protected]