News Center
Atlanta — May 14, 2025
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) announced today that it has awarded $1,040,000 in Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grants for six planning studies across metro Atlanta to help communities transform into more walkable, bikeable, live-work-play environments.
Once studies are completed, grant recipients become eligible to apply for federal transportation funding to bring their visions to life. Now in its 26th year, the LCI program helps reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality by creating vibrant, mixed-use developments that encourage walking or other alternate modes of transportation.
“ARC is also wrapping up a comprehensive assessment of the LCI program, which will inform scoping and execution of this year’s projects,” said Samyukth Shenbaga, Managing Director of Community Development at ARC. “More substantial changes will be shared and implemented for the 2026 cycle and beyond. We look forward to sharing these improvements with our communities this year.”
Note: Specific grant allocations are subject to change based on adjustments made by the LCI sponsor.
Project Sponsor: City of Atlanta
Grant amount: $200,000
This study will advance the vision for a safe, connected, and active Ashby MARTA station. Building off the 2009 Vine City/Washington Park LCI Plan, this tactical study will focus on:
Project Sponsor: City of Avondale Estates
Grant Amount: $160,000
The 2014 Downtown Master Plan has been a crucial roadmap for Avondale’s downtown revitalization. The 2025 Downtown Master Plan Update will build on the 2014 plan’s success by incorporating recommendations from supplemental studies and policies established over the past 10 years to provide a clear vision for the future in collaboration with developers, city organizations, and regional agencies. This updated plan will provide a vision for land-use and urban design in the downtown area. It will also suggest policies, programs, and partnerships to support better transportation options, more housing, environmental sustainability, and creating enjoyable public spaces through art and placemaking.
Project Sponsor: DeKalb County
Grant Amount: $200,000
As a follow-up to the Kensington Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan completed by MARTA in 2023, DeKalb County will update the Kensington Master Plan focusing on the 870 acres beyond the TOD area. The plan update will consider the area’s growth and change over the last decade, with a focus on potential redevelopment opportunities for a large catalytic site owned by the county just a short distance from the MARTA station. With the community’s input and updated policies, the county seeks to refine and enhance recommendations from previous studies, creating a community-driven concept for land use and connectivity within the larger LCI area.
Project Sponsor: City of Kennesaw
Grant Amount: $160,000
The Cobb Parkway commercial corridor is the most significant corridor in Kennesaw, featuring three access points to the city’s downtown. The corridor’s appearance and function has been negatively impacted by vacant and poorly maintained structures. This study will identify locations for trails and entrances that connect Cobb Parkway to downtown Kennesaw, create design standards for how Cobb Parkway should look and feel, and include a market analysis to identify catalytic sites and concepts that will complement existing uses in downtown Kennesaw. The study will also suggest places for “green” stormwater systems that can support additional development.
Project Sponsor: City of Conyers
Grant Amount: $160,000
As Rockdale County is currently constructing its new Justice and Administrative Complex in the heart of downtown Conyers, the city recognizes the importance of updating the existing downtown/Olde Town Conyers LCI Plan to provide a stakeholder-driven vision for the area. Given the increased activity that this large county facility is expected to generate, this plan update will identify multi-modal connection and market opportunities for Olde Town Conyers to create a vibrant, safe area for workers, residents, and visitors to enjoy.
Project Sponsor: Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District
Grant Amount: $160,000
The One Northlake Plan aims to identify multimodal connections to help people move more easily throughout the Tucker-Northlake area. With the support of the grant, One Northlake will develop a plan that links planned top-end I-285 bus express lane exits, multi-use trails, bikeshare stations with existing roads, sidewalks, MARTA routes, and a BRT (bus, rapid, transit) proposed station. The plan will be used to help secure funding for these projects and help developers recognize opportunities to align their work with these projects on both sides of the Tucker-DeKalb County boundary.
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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, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 75 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Contact Name: Sheryl Merritt
Contact Phone: 470-757-3799
Contact Email: [email protected]
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.
