Atlanta — Jan 15, 2020
The Atlanta Regional Commission is now accepting applications for two of its local planning programs: The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI), a grant program which helps local communities re-envision their downtowns and transit nodes as vibrant, walkable places with increased mobility options; and the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), which provides technical assistance to local governments to address a range of quality-of-life improvements.
The application period for both grants closes on Feb. 28, 2020. An open house will be held to provide details about the application process, along with the opportunity to speak with past program participants.
The open house will take place on at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 at ARC’s Harry West Conference Center, 229 Peachtree Street. An online informational session is also planned during the application period.
In 2019, ARC awarded $1.6 million in LCI planning grants to help 10 metro Atlanta communities create more vibrant, walkable places. Over the years, LCI has helped transform communities across the region, including City Springs in the City of Sandy Springs, downtown Marietta, and the City of Decatur.
Up to $2 million in planning grants will be awarded through the LCI program in project year 2020. Once communities complete their LCI plans they become eligible for federal funding for projects that implement the vision – such as sidewalks, multi-use trails, and intersection improvements.
The CDAP program helps implement the Atlanta Region’s Plan by providing direct technical assistance to local governments and nonprofits. Staff-led assistance is the cornerstone of CDAP, although a limited number of grants may be awarded through the program. Types of CDAP projects include:
Past CDAP studies include the Union City Community Garden strategy, the Kennesaw City Cemetery Strategic Plan, and the Fairburn Creative Placemaking Strategy.
As the Atlanta region continues to grow and face new challenges and opportunities, CDAP and LCI have identified issue areas that will be prioritized for improvements. These areas include green infrastructure, creative placemaking, housing affordability, and smart communities. In addition, the CDAP program will prioritize projects that improve access to healthy food, historic preservation, lifelong communities, and workforce development.
Projects selected for this year’s LCI and CDAP programs will be announced this spring, with project work will starting in summer 2020.
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 73 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
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Contact Name: Junior Knox
Contact Phone: O: 470-378-1648 M: 404-357-5317
Contact Email: jknox@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
