Livable Centers Initiative

Posted in: Community Development Transportation & Mobility
Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) logo

Creating Vibrant, Walkable Communities

Created as a way to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality, the ARC's Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) is a grant program that incentivizes local jurisdictions to re-envision their communities as vibrant, walkable places that offer increased mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles and provide improved access to jobs and services.

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NOTICE: The 2023 LCI Call for Ideas is now open. Applications are due February 28, 2023.

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    Program Overview

    Since 2000, the LCI program has invested over $312 million in more than 130 communities throughout the Atlanta region, helping pay for planning studies and the construction of transportation projects such as sidewalks and intersection improvements, to bring those visions to life. The ARC board has allocated $600 million through 2050 for transportation projects resulting from completed LCI studies.

    The LCI program is funded with federal transportation dollars. The grants cover 80% of the cost of each study or transportation project, with the recipient making a 20% match.

    Program Goals

    • Encourage a diversity of housing, employment, commercial, shopping and recreation land uses at the transit station, local and regional center level accessible by people of all ages, abilities, and income levels,
    • Provide access to a range of travel modes including transit, roadways, walking and biking and increase roadway connectivity to provide optimal access to all uses within the study area,
    • Foster public-private partnerships and sustained community support through an outreach process that promotes the involvement of all stakeholders, including those historically underserved or underrepresented,
    • Encourage mixed-income residential neighborhoods, employment, shopping, and recreation options.

    Livable Centers Initiative Application Guidebook

    LCI Guidebook 2023_FINAL_Page_01

    Take a look at the application guidebook to learn more about program goals and application requirements. The 2023 application period is now open.

    Download the Guidebook
    View a PDF of the application (117 KB). Note that all applications will need to be submitted through the form linked at the top of the page. 

    Call for Ideas Timeline

    The 2023 LCI Call for Ideas is now open.

    • December

      Informational meetings begin

      Informational meetings are held during ARC's December and January Land Use Coordinating Committee meetings

    • January

      Call for Projects

      The application window opens on January 17, 2023.

    • February

      Application period ends

      Applications are due February 28, 2023. 

    • May

      Awardees Announced

      Selected projects are announced at ARC's April or May Community Resources Committee meeting.

    Contract Guidance and Requirements

    Please see the ARC Contract Guidance and Requirements for further information on receiving federal funds, including procurement procedures and subcontracting requirements.

    LCI Transportation

    Communities that have completed an LCI study are eligible to apply for funding for transportation projects that support the goals of their study and the program as a whole. Funding for LCI transportation projects comes through ARC’s Transportation Improvement Program.

    ARC held a solicitation for LCI Project Implementation Proposals in the Fall of 2021. Project announcement has been be made on the LCI Transportation Program page.

    Resources

    ARC Annual Partners

    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